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(Image: DS)

US forces obliterated a Syrian airfield last night with dozens of cruise missiles in response to an abhorrent chemical attack.

US President Trump ordered attacks on several targets at the Shayrat Air Base – including the airstrip, aircraft and fuel stations – near Homs at 12.40am GMT.

Now jihadist soldiers have capitalised on the US airstrike with a powerful offensive on key Syrian Arab Army territory.

In the chaotic wake of the airstrike, ISIS militants have stormed checkpoints near the strategic town of Al-Furqalas.

(Image: REUTERS)

It is understood that ISIS are yet to stake claim to any territory near Al-Fuqalas.

But the US offensive could weaken pro-Assad Syrian forces and leave the door open for the death cult to make territorial gains.

Shayrat Military Airport is considered one of the most important bases in the fight against ISIS.

(Image: AFP)

Airstrips, hangars, control tower and ammunition areas at the airbase were pummeled by 59 Tomahawk missiles.

Pentagon officals said the strike "severely damaged or destroyed Syrian aircraft and support infrastructure and equipment".

In a statement last night, Mr Trump said: "It is in the vital national security interest of the United States to prevent and deter the spread and use of deadly chemical weapons.

"Tonight I call on all civilized nations to join us in seeking to end the slaughter and bloodshed in Syria, and also to end terrorism of all kinds and all types."

(Image: UK)

The strike comes after President Assad was accused of killing 72 civillians – including women and children – with a chemical attack.

Mr Trump added: "Assad choked out the lives of helpless men, women and children.

"Even beautiful babies were cruelly murdered in this very barbaric attack.

"No child of God should ever suffer such horror."

Syrian state TV branded the attack an "aggression" that lead will to "losses".

A spokesperson for Vladimir Putin, a key Assad ally, has also condemned the strike.

His spokesman Dmitry Peskov, said Mr Putin considers the strike as "aggression against a sovereign nation".