Germany's Angela Merkel has expressed support for the US-led strikes on Syria.

“We support the fact that our American, British and French allies have taken responsibility in this way as permanent members of the U.N. Security Council,” she said.

The actions, which were joined by the British and French military, have been criticised by Russia's Vladimir Putin. The UN Security Council will now meet today at Russia's request.

In the UK, Theresa May has faced criticism from opposition leaders for not consulting parliament on the decision.

However, fears that the conflict could escalate were slightly reduced this afternoon after US defence secretary James Mattis said there were no immediate plans for more attacks, while the Kremlin did not say that there would be a Russian retaliation.

President Donald Trump's latest tweets also implied that there would be no further action, as he commented that the strike was "perfectly executed" and added: "Mission Accomplished!"

A perfectly executed strike last night. Thank you to France and the United Kingdom for their wisdom and the power of their fine Military. Could not have had a better result. Mission Accomplished!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 14, 2018

Read more: UN calls security council meeting over Syria strikes at Russia's request

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CityAM

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Germany's Angela Merkel has expressed support for the US-led strikes on Syria.

“We support the fact that our American, British and French allies have taken responsibility in this way as permanent members of the U.N. Security Council,” she said.

The actions, which were joined by the British and French military, have been criticised by Russia's Vladimir Putin. The UN Security Council will now meet today at Russia's request.

In the UK, Theresa May has faced criticism from opposition leaders for not consulting parliament on the decision.

However, fears that the conflict could escalate were slightly reduced this afternoon after US defence secretary James Mattis said there were no immediate plans for more attacks, while the Kremlin did not say that there would be a Russian retaliation.

President Donald Trump's latest tweets also implied that there would be no further action, as he commented that the strike was "perfectly executed" and added: "Mission Accomplished!"

A perfectly executed strike last night. Thank you to France and the United Kingdom for their wisdom and the power of their fine Military. Could not have had a better result. Mission Accomplished! (more…)