It’s thought that missile air strikes could potentially occur in the next 72 hours.
Europe’s air traffic controllers, Eurocontrol, have issued a Rapid Alert Notification for airlines travelling in the Eastern Mediterranean over potential air strikes on Syria.
The Pan-European air traffic control agency is warning airlines to exercise caution due to the possible launch of air-to-ground and cruise missiles “within the next 72 hours.”
Eurocontrol, despite not specifying the origin or any potential missile threat, also mentioned there is also a risk of “intermittent disruption of radio navigation equipment” and due consideration needs to be taken when planning flight operations in the region.
The EASA has issued a 'Rapid Alert Notification for Eastern Mediterranean / Nicosia FIR area' due to the possible launch of air strikes into Syria with air-to-ground and / or cruise missiles within the next 72 hour (via @eurocontrol) pic.twitter.com/TV0aM3zB5i
— IFN Breaking News (@FlightBreaking) April 10, 2018
The agency took to Twitter to issue their warning.
“Due to the possible launch of air strikes into Syria with air-to-ground and/or cruise missiles within the next 72 hours, and the possibility of intermittent disruption of radio navigation equipment, due consideration needs to be taken when planning flight operations in the Eastern Mediterranean/Nicosia FIR area,” Eurocontrol said, referring to the designated airspace.
The move comes as Russia, on Tuesday evening, vetoed a US proposal for an investigation into an alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Western allies are discussing possible military action in an attempt to retaliate against Syria’s President Bashar Assad for a suspected poison gas attack on Saturday on the Syrian rebel-held town of Douma, a place which had long held out against government forces.
Many dead, including women and children, in mindless CHEMICAL attack in Syria. Area of atrocity is in lockdown and encircled by Syrian Army, making it completely inaccessible to outside world. President Putin, Russia and Iran are responsible for backing Animal Assad. Big price…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 8, 2018
….to pay. Open area immediately for medical help and verification. Another humanitarian disaster for no reason whatsoever. SICK!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 8, 2018
Moscow and the Syrian regime deny any involvement in the gas attack on the rebel-held town of Douma.
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has since said it is deploying a fact-finding mission to Douma, the scene of a suspected chemical attack that reportedly killed at least 49 people and injured hundreds on Saturday.
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