Syrian air defenses repelled most missiles launched by West - Russian MoD

MOSCOW - 14 April 2018 - The Russian Defense Ministry has commented on a joint US, British and French missile strike on Syria, which took place Saturday, when the OPCW experts are set to start a probe into allegations of a chemical attack in Douma, a claim denounced by Damascus as a provocation.

The ministry stated that most missiles launched by the Western states on Syria had been downed by the Syria's air defenses while approaching their targets, Sputnik news agency reported, citing a statement by the ministry.

"The Syrian air defense system has been conducting an anti-air fight," the ministry added.

According to the ministry, Syria repelled the Western attack with air defense systems made in the USSR over 30 years ago.

"Syria's means of air defense: S-125, S-200 air defense systems, as well as Buk and Kvadrat units were used in repelling the missile strike," the statement noted.

A total of 100 cruise and air-to-surface missiles were launched at targets in Syria, the ministry stated, noting that two US warships carried out the attack from the Red Sea, as well as tactical aviation over the Mediterranean Sea and B-1B bombers from al Tanf area.