Syria braces for possible U.S. missile attack, calls it ‘reckless’

BEIRUT — With a mix of fear and defiance, Syrians braced on Wednesday for a possible U.S. attack in retaliation foran alleged chemical assault that killed dozens over the weekend. Some stocked up on food and prepared underground shelters while others taunted the U.S. president to go through with his threats.

Activists reported that government forces vacated strategic potential targets, including air bases around the country in apparent preparation for incoming strikes.

The Foreign Ministry in Damascus denounced President Donald Trump’s threat to attack the country as “reckless” and a danger to international peace and security.

The statement was the latest in a war of words raging between Washington and Moscow since Saturday’s suspected chemical attack on the rebel-held town Douma, just outside Damascus, which killed more than 40 people according to activists and first responders.

The World Health Organization said about 500 patients showed signs of exposure to toxic chemicals following the Douma attack.

Syria and its ally Russia deny such an attack happened.

Social media pages were flush with defiant comments, mostly from government supporters, some lamenting Syria’s perpetual conflict while others taunted Trump to go through with his threats.

“They have threatened us a thousand times. Let them go through with it or shut up,” said a participant in an online poll asking if Syrians were afraid of a U.S. attack.

“We have become accustomed to such threats that aim to frighten the Syrian people,” said Marwan Ghata, 66, an engineer. “We will not leave our houses and our army is ready to retaliate.”

But away from social media, many expressed concern.

One woman who refused to be identified because of fear for her security described herself as “trembling” and said she stocked up on food and is considering not sending her kids to school. Others said they have readied underground basements for cover.

“People say Trump is insane and he would like to carry out his threats,” the woman said.

The Syrian pound lost nearly 10 percent of its value on prospects of an American attack, going from about 430 Syrian pounds to the dollar last week to 469 Wednesday.

Amid the unprecedented tension between the two former Cold War adversaries, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the Syrian government evacuated forces from a number of air bases around the country.

There was no immediate comment from Syrian officials.