Trump spoke in a television statement early Saturday, April 14, as explosions were heard in Damascus. Syria reported intercepting at least 13 incoming missiles. Russia said the action would not be left “without consequences.” Trump explained that the strikes would target the regime’s ability to use chemical weapons and the three allies were willing to carry out “sustained pressure on the Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad until he agreed not to use chemical weapons in the future.” He stressed, “The combined American, British and French response will integrate all instruments of our national power: military, economic and diplomatic.” He condemned Russia and Iran for propping up the Syrian regime.