Russia: 'Extremely Serious' Consequences for US Strike

Things are getting tense between the US and Russia following the US missile strike on a Syrian air base. Vladimir Putin's office says the attack dealt a "significant blow" to the relationship between the two countries, the New York Times reports. And according to Reuters, Russia's deputy UN envoy told the UN Security Council that the "illegitimate" strike could have "extremely serious" consequences in Syria and abroad. Meanwhile, Russia's prime minister says the strike was nearly an attack on the military of Russia itself. The Shayrat air base appears to house Russian special forces and helicopters. US officials warned Russia about the incoming missiles 60 to 90 minutes before they hit.

In response to the attack, Russia says it will shore up Syria's air defenses and move a frigate into the area. It also says it cut off communications with the US regarding air operations over the country. Russia and the US had been holding multiple calls a week to share information and avoid accidental conflicts in Syria, such as firing on each other's troops or colliding with each other's planes, the Los Angeles Times reports. US officials deny Russia has followed through on that threat, saying the two countries held their regularly scheduled call Friday morning. (More Syria stories.)