Strikes Successful Against Syrian Chemical Weapons, DoD Officials Say

By Lisa Ferdinando, DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON –The strikes last week against Syria’s chemical weapons arsenal were successful in degrading that country’s chemical weapons, research and storage facilities, the Pentagon’s chief spokesperson said today.

There have been no reports of civilian casualties from the strikes carried out by the United States, United Kingdom and France, Dana W. White said in a news conference with Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Kenneth F. McKenzie, the director of the Joint Staff.  

The strikes took place in the early morning hours of April 14 in Syria, which was the evening of April 13 on the U.S. East Coast.

Video Player00:03 | 00:48VIDEO | 00:49DoD Official Discusses Success of Missile Strikes in Syria

“This is a testament to the professionalism and precision of the U.S., U.K. and French forces that carried out this mission,” White said.

President Donald J. Trump announced the combined strikes were in retaliation for the regime of Syrian leader Bashar Assad using chemical weapons April 7 against civilians in Douma, Syria.

“We have seen no indication the Assad regime is prepared to launch another chemical weapons attack,” White said. “However, we remain vigilant.”