Pentagon: 'Precise, Overwhelming, Effective' Attack On Syrian Facilities

More than 100 missiles were launched early Saturday morning by the U.S. and its allies France and the U.K., targeting three chemical weapons sites in Syria. The mission, according to Pentagon officials, has "significantly crippled" Syrian President Bashar Assad's ability to manufacture chemical weapons. No casualties have been reported.

The three sites targeted were "fundamental components" to Syria's chemical weapons program, according to Marine Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie.

The first of the targets was a research center near the capital city of Damascus; 76 missiles were launched against the center. McKenzie says the strike will set Syria's chemical program back for years.

In addition, a storage facility was the target of 22 weapons launched by all coalition forces, and a bunker facility was the target of seven Scout missiles. Both facilities are located near Homs, north of Damascus.

The Pentagon says Syria launched 40 surface-to-air missiles in response to the coalition attack. McKenzie says the missiles were fired after the "last impact" was over.

According to chief Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White, the locations of the precision strikes were "carefully orchestrated" to minimize collateral damage but to prevent future use and production of chemical weapons. The use of which, she says, "is inexcusable" and "illegal."

The United Nations Security Council met Saturday and rejected a Russian resolution condemning the U.S. and its allies for the attacks. Russia, China and Bolivia voted in favor of the resolution, four countries abstained. - More, NPR

Pentagon: 'Precise, Overwhelming, Effective' Attack On Syrian Facilities

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