Reaction from Mississippi's Syrian community and the state's congressional delegation are coming in about the airstrikes ordered by President Trump.
Some natives of Syria living in Mississippi, won't talk about the missile strikes ordered by President Donald Trump against their country. They say they're afraid family members back home could become targets of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime. Muhammad, who asked us not to use his real name, agreed to talk about the issue. He explains their deep-seated fear.
"If I say something against the regime here and someone reported me, my mom, my sister, my brother maybe caught next day, go to jail or be slaughtered," said Muhammad.
Last week, a chemical attack killed dozens of Syrian civilians. Thursday, Trump ordered a missile strike targeting the air base from which the warplanes carried out the attack. Syria reports six people were killed. Muhammad says the airstrikes are long overdue.
"I think what President Trump has done is absolutely needed, strong message, especially when a chemical weapon which is forbidden internationally being used on his own people, being used to kill civilians. I think that was great what President Trump did," said Muhammad.
Mississippi Senator Republican Roger Wicker supports the president's decision.
"This makes it clear we're not going to stand for it. It clarifies that we view Bashar Assad as a war criminal, which he is and has been. I think you're going to see bi-partisan support," said Wicker.
In a statement, Mississippi Congressman Republican Trent Kelly says he believes this decision is a measured and appropriate response and fully supports the president.
