Donald Trump warns Russia to 'get ready' for missile strikes in Syria after supporting a 'gas killing animal'

  • Video report by ITV News Washington Correspondent Robert Moore

Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Russia following the suspected chemical attack in Douma on Saturday which killed at least 40 civilians.

The US president told Russia to "get ready" for missile strikes in Syria, describing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as a "gas killing animal".

The president's fiery response had been sparked by comments from Russian Ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Zasypkin, who warned Russian troops would shoot down US rockets and "even the sources that launched the missiles"

Mr Trump's incendiary tweets are likely to anger the Kremlin.

  • Has Trump always wanted military action in Syria?

Mr Trump's response is at odds with his position in 2013, when he criticised then-president, Barack Obama, for publicly deliberating military action against the Syrian government for crossing his "red line".

In a tweet from August 2013, Mr Trump called out for Mr Obama giving away his strategy to take intervene against Syria if Assad used chemical weapons.

Mr Trump wrote at the time: "Why do we keep broadcasting when we are going to attack Syria. Why can't we just be quiet and, if we attack at all, catch them by surprise?"

In another tweet, he wrote: "Who are our generals that are allowing this fiasco to happen right before our eyes. Call it the "PLENTY OF NOTICE WAR"

  • Does Theresa May agree with Donald Trump's approach?

Prime Minister Theresa May, speaking during a visit to Birmingham, appeared to show her support to the US president saying the "continued use of chemical weapons cannot go unchallenged".

She avoided directly answering a question about the president's provocative rhetoric on Syria, simply stating that Britain was "working with our allies".

Earlier Mrs May said "appalled" but "not surprised" by Russia's decision to voted down a UN resolution calling for an inquiry into the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria.

The prime minister had 'agreed' on Tuesday in phone calls with Mr Trump and French president Emmanuel Macron that the international community "needed to respond".

Theresa May said Britain will work with their 'closest allies'. Credit: ITV News

  • What has been Russia's response?

Earlier, President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov earlier said in televised remarks that "we don't participate in Twitter diplomacy," adding that "it's important not to make any steps that could further destabilize the already fragile situation."

Russia's Foreign Ministry replied to Trump's tweet saying "smart missiles should fly towards terrorists, not legal government".

Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova questioned whether the idea behind military action was to "sweep the traces of the provocation under the rug".

As tensions escalate over a possible US-led military response, Russian military are to deploy troops to Douma, according to the Associated Press.

Vladimir Shamanov, a retired Russian general who heads the defence affairs committee, warned Russia has "the necessary means" to retaliate should Russian servicemen be harmed, adding "Americans and their allies know that quite well."

Assad's key ally continues to insist no chemical attack took place in the Damascus.

Corbyn wants a parliamentary vote on any military action in Syria. Credit: ITV News

  • Would the possibility of military action in Syria go to a vote?

The prime minister did not indicate whether Britain will be involved in the military campaign, but does appear to be moving towards this stance.

Asked if he thought Parliament should be recalled to decide on any military intervention in Syria, Jeremy Corbyn said: "Well, at the moment there is no decision to intervene," stating it would be better to "look for peace."

Home Secretary Amber Rudd, speaking at a cyber security conference in Manchester, said the UK will confer with allies what steps, "if any", are to be taken in response.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable SNP defence spokesman Stewart McDonald joined calls for Parliament to be given a vote on any UK involvement in British military action in Syria.

Smoke rises after explosions in the city of Douma, Syria Credit: PA

  • How has Assad responded?

Syrian government forces are reported to have vacated strategic potential targets, including air bases around the country in apparent preparation for incoming strikes.

The Foreign Ministry in Damascus denounced Mr Trump's threat to attack the country as "reckless", blaming the US president for endangering "international peace and security".

Meanwhile, European air traffic controllers have issued a "rapid alert" for airlines in the Eastern Mediterranean over the possibility of air strikes into Syria within the next 72 hours.

The Syrian people, who have endured seven years of civil war, now face the possibility of attacks from America.

One woman said she stocked up on food and is considering not sending her kids to school. Others said they have readied underground basements for cover.

Children were treated for suspected severe exposure to chemical agents. Credit: SAMS

The World Health Organization said about 500 patients showed signs of exposure to toxic chemicals following the Douma attack. It demanded "immediate unhindered access" to the site of the alleged chemical weapons attack in Douma.

The WHO expressed "deep alarm" at the reports of chemical weapons use, with its Deputy Director-General for Emergency Preparedness and Response expressing his outrage "at the horrific reports and images from Douma."