By Matthew Geiger | @mattg444

President Trump has announced the launching of missiles into Syria, primarily to target chemical weapons stockpiles. Scroll to the bottom of this article for current information.

TIMELINE

AFTERNOON, APRIL 13TH

Signs of a potential strike today became more clear as the press at White House were held in anticipation of an announcement. Since there was no event on the President’s schedule, many interpreted this as a potential missile launch into Syria.

We have a “dinner lid” declared until 19:00 EDT. That’s a bit unusual as no evening event on @POTUS schedule. So it could mean some big announcement tonight or it could be insignificant. pic.twitter.com/GcuGgIds10 — Steve Herman (@W7VOA) April 13, 2018

A “lid” is another way of saying that there will be no news reported from White House officials for an indefinite period of time. Usually, these “lids” are attached to time periods, such as a “dinner lid,” which means no news will be announced until after dinner.

Am hearing statement coming from @realDonaldTrump later this evening #SyriaCrisis — Jon Sopel (@BBCJonSopel) April 13, 2018

The press parking lot at the Pentagon was full this evening, which is a telltale sign that military action is imminent.

Just before 5pm, the Pentagon press parking lot is nearly full. But inside, still mixed opinions if tonight’s go time. Large contingent of fellow journals waiting around for more info… #Syria pic.twitter.com/1Yi4yrkt5J — Kevin Baron (@DefenseBaron) April 13, 2018

EVENING, APRIL 13TH

As time ticked further and further into the night, a United States Airforce intelligence aircraft was spotted on the coast of Syria.

8:19 PM EASTERN, APRIL 13TH

At 19 minutes past 8 PM Eastern, the President was nowhere to be seen in the West Wing.

20:19 at the White House. We still have no lid and the President is not in the West Wing. The expectation is that military strikes against Syria are imminent. pic.twitter.com/dNfX7OIGqf — Andrew Beatty (@AndrewBeatty) April 14, 2018

APPROXIMATELY 8:30 PM EASTERN, APRIL 13TH

The President’s absence was then followed by an announcement that the Vice President was rushed back to his hotel on a state visit in Peru. Sources state that this was not planned.

We’ve been unexpectedly rushed to hotel in Lima, Peru with VP’s motorcade. No further guidance. — Tara Palmeri (@tarapalmeri) April 14, 2018

8:35 PM EASTERN, APRIL 13TH

Pentagon Correspondent Joe R. Tabet has confirmed that a Syrian Missle Strike will happen.

Just-in: US administration official confirmed to me that a decision to strike #Syria has been taken. — Joe R. Tabet (@JoeRTabet) April 14, 2018

9 PM EASTERN, APRIL 13th

President Trump announces to the Nation that he will launch missiles into Syria.

In his speech, the President called out the nations of Russia and Iran to halt the funding and geopolitical support of Syria.

The United States seeks no indefinite position in Syria. -President Donald Trump

9:03 PM EASTERN

The first missiles have struck targets in Syria.

Huge blasts were also reported in Damascus, the capital of the Nation.

Video of the blasts:

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Syrian forces attempted to shoot the missiles down, as seen here:

Damascus: Weapons are being shot Into the Air trying to shoot down rockets or something else https://t.co/7DufNiEqaW https://t.co/RZ7eDGhLoP via @IvanSidorenko1 #Syria — Liveuamap MiddleEast (@lummideast) April 14, 2018

9:20 PM EASTERN, APRIL 13TH

British Prime Minister Theresa May makes the first statement of the night regarding the strikes:

#BREAKING British PM says no alternative to use of force in Syria — AFP news agency (@AFP) April 14, 2018

A Pentagon briefing has been slated for 10 PM Eastern.

9:25 PM EASTERN, APRIL 13TH

More details on the strikes are coming in:

#BREAKING: .@cnn's @barbarastarrcnn has now confirmed that manned aircraft and ship-launched Tomahawk missiles were used in the attack. — Strategic Sentinel (@StratSentinel) April 14, 2018

Multiple unconfirmed reports of airstrikes conducted in rural areas of #Syria. #BREAKING — Strategic Sentinel (@StratSentinel) April 14, 2018

Unconfirmed strikes reportedly being spotted against targets in #Qasyun Mountain (Home of Presidential Palace and other military units), as well as #DummarProjects #Damascus.

Unconfirmed strikes as of yet reported in #Misyaf, near #Latakia (suspected CW Production Lab) — Riam Dalati (@Dalatrm) April 14, 2018

9:35-9:50 PM EASTERN, APRIL 13TH

Fox News is reporting that the British and French have aided the US in the strikes. Manned aircraft are being used in the attack as well.

Syrian State TV announced that the Government will be launching counter-attacks.

Syrian State TV has broken into programming and is now reporting that Syrian Air Defense Forces have launched counter strikes against “American, French and British aggression on Syria” – @AymanM — NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt (@NBCNightlyNews) April 14, 2018

Reports that US-led coalition are illegally using Lebanese airspace to attack #Syria. — Paul Antonopoulos (@oulosP) April 14, 2018

More pictures of the attacks and counterstrikes are being posted on social media:

Russia is reportedly defending Damascus alongside the Syrian Government.

9:50 PM EASTERN, APRIL 13TH

Two massive updates at 10 till 10 Eastern.

Hezbollah HQ hit by US Coalition Strikes

https://twitter.com/Nidalgazaui/status/984971159606366208

2. Russia is activating planes over Syria. Their purpose has not been discerned yet.

MAJOR! Russian jets have become active in the skies. They have left the Hmeimim airbase in #Latakia province. Not sure what their role is. #Syria — Paul Antonopoulos (@oulosP) April 14, 2018

10 PM EASTERN, APRIL 13TH

The Pentagon is currently holding a Press Conference regarding the strikes, as attacks continue in Syria.

https://twitter.com/Nidalgazaui/status/984974654229110789

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