Syrian refugees in Central Florida react to US cruise missile strike

ORLANDO, Fla. — When a civil war broke out in Syria six years ago, it caused a mass exodus from the country and thousands of the people who fled ended up in Florida.

The U.S. launched 59 cruise missiles at a Syrian air base Thursday where officials believe a chemical weapons attack that killed dozens of civilians, including children originated.

Syrians living in Central Florida said they’re tired of seeing the rampant violence in their country and weren’t worried about politics, they just want peace.

Nour Al Masri and his wife hoped that the U.S. missile strike would help bring an end to the war, but they were still hurting for the people affected by the continued violence.

“It’s very painful what happened yesterday in Syria and (I) imagined like if (I) was there, how it would feel there,” Safaa Al Masri said.

Mahmoud El Awadi, with the Arab American Community Center of Florida said there would be people happy with the U.S. attack and others who would condemn it.

In the end, there is one thing that both sides can agree on, he said.

“If you are supporting (Syrian President) Assad last night, that was not a good night for you,” El Awadi said. “If you are opposing Assad, it was a night to celebrate.

“I think that both sides agree that the war has to end.”

Cox Media Group