Military

What We Know About The Strikes In Syria

Pentagon officials say the strikes were successful. Officials also said Russia, an ally of Syria, was told about the attack beforehand.

What We Know About The Strikes In Syria
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Pentagon analysis backs up President Donald Trump's statement that Friday night's missile strikes on Syrian chemical weapons facilities were a success.

Trump tweeted, "A perfectly executed strike last night. … Mission Accomplished!" 

Pentagon officials briefed reporters on the aftermath.

A total of 105 missiles from the U.S., the U.K. and France struck around 4 a.m. local time in Damascus. Officials said Syrian air defenses engaged toward the end of the salvo but were ineffective. Officials said all weapons hit their marks, which were three facilities that were a part of President Bashar al-Assad's chemical weapons program.

In the days before the mission, there was concern Russia's presence in Syria could spark an escalation or even direct confrontation with the U.S. 

Officials said coalition forces made sure Moscow was aware of an upcoming operation but didn't give Russians specific details. The U.S.-Russia communication line, called a deconfliction channel, has been active since the strikes, officials said. They also noted no Russian units engaged coalition forces during or after the strike.

However, President Vladimir Putin has denounced the strikes, calling them an "act of aggression." Russia called an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting on the attack. 

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.