US, France, UK launch strikes on Syria

The Australian government has welcomed a decision by US President Trump to launch precision strikes in Syria responding to reported chemical weapon attacks.

Damascus skies erupt with missile fire as the US launches an attack on Syria targeting different parts of the capital Syria, early Saturday. Source: AP

Australian forces have played no part in the joint US, British and French strikes against the Assad regime in Syria, the government has confirmed, though Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said the strikes sent an unequivocal message.

President Trump announced a combined operation with Britain and France on Saturday to target Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's chemical weapons capabilities after a poison gas attack killed at least 60 people in Douma last week.

"The use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere, under any circumstances is illegal and utterly reprehensible. The Assad regime must not be allowed to commit such crimes with impunity," Mr Turnbull said in a statement on Saturday.