Damascus defiant after US-led strikes on Syrian government installations

World Today

A day after air raids on Syria, Damascus remains defiant. The U.S., France and Britain launched over 100 missiles in response to the alleged use of chemical weapons by the Syrian government.

CGTN’s Alaa Ebrahim reports on the strike aftermath from Damascus.

It was the site where some of the 110 U.S., French and British missiles hit Syria in the early morning hours, according to a Syrian military statement. But the military seemed less than troubled as it claimed that Syrian aerial defenses managed to shoot down most of the missiles and divert others.

The Syrian Scientific Research Establishment is one of the targets that were hit by U.S. missile strikes that hit Syria shortly before dawn on Friday. The government said this was not a chemical factory but an institute for students studying for their higher post-graduate studies.

Employees inside the institute said they were developing medications, not toxic chemical agents. “This place was developing cancer medications because we couldn’t import them anymore as a result of sanctions. Had there been any chemical agents here none of us could stand near the site because of toxic fumes but here we are all standing here which proved there were no toxic chemical agents here,” stated Saeed Saeed, head of the Polymers Department.

But the scene in Damascus’ main square Al-Omayeen was quite different with people rejoicing in a pro-government rally. “It is shameful that the U.S. and France would hit Syria like this with no proof and outside international legitimacy. They attacked Syria because we defeated their terrorist agents,” said one of the protesters.

Even as security measures tightened around the capital, life goes on in Damascus. The day began with a coordinated attack with dozens of Tomahawks. Few here believe this will be the end of the violence.