Sailors man the rails as the nuclear powered aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman arrives at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk Carrier Returns, Norfolk, USA - 13 Jul 2016 The Truman returns after supporting missions over Iraq and Syria. Steve Helber—AP/REX/Shutterstock

Western strikes on Syria included aircraft, not just ship-based missile strikes, an official told AFP, heightening the risk of engaging Russia and Syrian air defense systems putting pilots at risk.

The Western official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that fighter jets were part of the strike announced moments earlier by president Donald Trump. 

Russia has positioned highly sophisticated S400 missile defense systems at bases inside Syria.