the syrian regime s repeated violations of that international law and the inexplicably ruthless murders the regime had committed. we determined that a measured military response could best deter the regime from doing this again. as always we examined how best to avoid civilian casualties in the execution of the strike and our actions were successful. based on these considerations on 6 april, the president directed military action consistent with the vital national interest to deter the use of chemical weapons. this military action demonstrates the united states will not passively stand by while assad ignores international law and employs chemical weapons he declared destroyed. we were aware of the presence of russians at the air field and took appropriate actions to ensure no russians were injured