addressed the nation. >> the purpose of our actions tonight is to establish a strong deterrent against the production, spread and use of chemical weapons. >> reporter: he calls them precision strikes. syria confirming damage to a missile research center in damascus and two chemical weapons sites in homs. within an hour it was over. >> this is a one-time shot that sent a very strong message to desuede him, deter him from doing this again. >> reporter: u.s. officials said care had been taken to avoid russian and civilian casualties. this morning, a defiant walk to work by syria's president, assad. loyal supporters protesting outside has russia and iran condemn the attacks. britain defending them. >> this was not about