Following the chemical attack in Khan Shaykhun, where hundreds were affected, the United States sought to demonstrate its disapproval of the Syrian government's actions. The decision to strike was made during a dinner with Chinese President Xi Jinping at Mar-a-Lago, showcasing the urgency and gravity of the situation. The deployment of 59 Tomahawk missiles targeted specific facilities at the Shayrat airbase believed to be involved in the production and storage of chemical weapons. Military leaders and U.S. intelligence agencies played crucial roles in selecting the target to minimize civilian casualties while maximizing damage to facilities associated with the Assad regime's chemical weapon program.

The strike marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration, departing from previous strategies that emphasized restraint. It was framed as a protective response to heinous war crimes and was seen as a signal to both domestic and international audiences that the U.S. would not tolerate atrocities against innocents, especially children. The aftermath of the strike included a mix of support and condemnation, reflecting the complexities of the Syrian Civil War and international responses to humanitarian crises.

In the larger context of the Syrian Civil War, the missile strike underscored the ongoing global debate about intervention. While supporting the idea of holding Assad accountable, critics questioned the effectiveness of a limited strike without a broader strategic plan. The incident reinforced the dangers of escalation in a conflict involving multiple international actors, including Russia and Iran, who supported the Assad regime. Overall, the Shayrat missile strike was a pivotal moment that influenced subsequent U.S. actions and strategies in the ongoing crisis in Syria.