Donald Trump’s decision to attack a Syrian regime airbase in Homs (without Congressional approval) last night is turning out to be a big mistake.
According to the Independent, Russia – a country that aggressively disagreed with Trump’s move – has just made a chilling announcement in retaliation. Thanks to Trump’s carelessness, U.S.-Russia relations will now become more tense than ever, as the Russian Foreign Ministry has decided to suspend a memorandum with America that coordinated peaceful military relations between the two countries. The Independent wrote:
“Under the memorandum, signed after Russia launched an air campaign in Syria in September 2015, Russia and the US had exchanged information about their flights to avoid incidents in the crowded skies over Syria — where Russia has several dozen warplanes and batteries of air-defence missiles.
The so-called “deconfliction line” between the US and Russia has been credited by a number of US pilots with helping keep them safe. While the US air campaign in Syria tends to steer clear of areas where Russia is in operation, ending such co-operation is seen by activists in the region as a worrying turn.”
This announcement is deeply concerning, and put U.S. troops that are around Syria in danger. It’s clear that Russia is trying to send a strong message to America for attacking Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, a close ally of the country. The Russian Foreign Ministry also sent a very strong message about what it thought of Trump’s abuse of power as president:
“The very presence of US troops and other countries on the territory of Syria, without the consent of the Government or the decision of the UN Security Council is a gross, obvious and unwarranted violation of international law.”
While this situation is still developing, it’s clear that Trump’s attack on Syria has put America in a very vulnerable position as it appears we might be headed toward military contact with Russia. The Trump administration has yet to respond to Russia’s retaliation.
Featured image via Marianna Massey and Win McNamee / Getty Images
