Chemical weapons storage and research center hit in Syria

DAMASCUS, (Patria) - Three targets were hit in the attack by Americans, French, and British on Syria. According to information from the "Western alliance", three targets were hit: two chemical weapons storage facilities west of Homs, and a scientific research center in Damascus.

The "Western alliance" fired over a hundred missiles at its targets, and the Russian Ministry of Defense claims that several missiles were shot down, meaning Syrian forces managed to intercept some of the guided missiles using Russian-made anti-aircraft systems S-125, S-200, 2K12 Kub, and Buk, reports Hina.

Western powers used cruise missiles, fighter jets, and B1 bombers in the attack.

While Russia and its president condemned the attack and warned that such a move by the "Western alliance" would only deepen problems and increase suffering in Syria, Donald Trump, Theresa May, and Emmanuel Macron are trying to convince the international public that the attacks are justified and that there was no alternative to military action.

Theresa May assures the British public that the attacks were completely successful.

Trump's decision to launch military action was welcomed by Republicans, but criticism is coming from the opposing Democratic camp. Democrats believe that Congress should have "authorized" the attack.

Democrat Nancy Pelosi stated that the "recent chemical attacks in Syria were a "brutal and inhumane war crime, which demands a smart, calculated, and strong response"", but emphasized that one night of airstrikes cannot be a substitute for a clear strategy regarding Syria.

Official Israel also reacted, stating that these attacks are an important signal to Iran, Syria, and the Lebanese Hezbollah militants.

- The use of chemical weapons is a red line. Humanity can no longer tolerate crossing that line. The American attack is an important signal to the axis of evil: Iran, Syria, and Hezbollah - said Yoav Gallant, a member of the security department in the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker issued a statement saying that the use of chemical weapons is unacceptable under any circumstances.

- The international community is obliged to detect and bring to justice those who decide on chemical attacks - the statement of the President of the European Commission reads.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on all member states on Saturday to show restraint and avoid any action that could lead to escalation after the Western strikes on Syria.

- I call on all member states to show restraint in dangerous circumstances and avoid any action that could lead to an escalation of the situation and worsen the suffering of the Syrian people - Guterres wrote.

The French Ministry of Defense announced that the French army fired 12 missiles from the sea and air.

First, cruise missiles were fired from a frigate located in the Mediterranean, and after that, twenty minutes later, several missiles were fired by planes that took off from French bases. The planes returned to base undamaged.

The entire operation lasted ten hours.

US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis and General Joseph Dunford announced on Saturday in Washington that the attacks were carried out on three facilities: a chemical weapons research center near Damascus, a chemical weapons storage facility near Homs, and another chemical weapons storage facility as well as an important command post near Homs.

According to the Pentagon, the US and its allies fired more than 100 missiles at Syria, and it was a "one-off strike" following evidence that Assad's forces were responsible for the chemical weapons attack.

The attack was carried out at 3 AM Central European Time with missiles from ships and planes. The Pentagon could not confirm how many missiles hit their targets, and Russian military sources claim that Syrian air defense shot down 71 out of 103 missiles.