Trump Taunts Russia After Threat to Shoot Down US Missiles Fired at Syria

President Donald Trump taunted Russia in a tweet early Wednesday after Moscow warned that any American missiles fired at Syria would be shot down and their launch sites targeted.

Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and “smart!” You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 11, 2018

Russian Ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Zasypkin made the threats, which could trigger a major escalation in the Syrian war, after Trump had vowed a forceful response to an alleged chemical attack on rebel- controlled area near Damascus.

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told NBC News that "there are Russians present in large numbers in Syria, and Russia will do everything to protect its people on Syrian soil."

The pan-European air traffic control agency Eurocontrol warned airlines Tuesday to be cautious in the eastern Mediterranean out of concern for possible airstrikes in the next 72 hours.

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