Congressman Doug Collins, R-Gainesville, called Friday morning for a, "...decisive strategy for restoring justice and human rights in Syria..."
Collins' comments came following Thursday night's U.S. airstrike on Syria's Shayrat Airfield. About 60 U.S. Tomahawk missiles were fired from two warships in the Mediterranean Sea, in retaliation for Tuesday's deadly chemical attack, which officials said used chlorine mixed with a nerve agent, possibly sarin.
"This week’s chemical attacks in Syria came from a wicked regime that slaughtered its own citizens, including women and children," Collins said. Inaction has characterized the United States’ response to the Assad government for too long, and last (Thursday) night America took appropriate action."
The bombing represents President Donald Trump's most dramatic military order since taking office. The Obama administration threatened to attack Assad's forces after previous chemical attacks, but never followed through.
A U.S. official said all but one of the missiles struck their targets, hitting multiple aircraft and air shelters, and destroying the fuel area. The official, who was not authorized to discuss initial reports, spoke on condition of anonymity.
"We need a decisive strategy for restoring justice and human rights in Syria, and we in Congress look forward to working with the President to develop that plan," Collins said.
Several world leaders have rallied around the U.S. after it launched the strike, while Russia condemned the move and suspended coordination with the U.S. in Syria's congested skies.
Syrian President Bashar Assad's office called the U.S. missile strike "reckless" and "irresponsible."
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
