by Bill Gertz
President Obama speaks Saturday, Aug. 31, about U.S. intervention in Syria. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
U.S. military forces are expected to roll out new cyber warfare capabilities during the anticipated military strike on Syria for its use of a deadly nerve agent, according to military sources.
Targets of cyber attacks likely will include electronic command and control systems used by the Syrian military forces, air defense computers, and other military communications networks.
President Obama said on Saturday that he has decided to conduct punitive strikes on Syria but will first seek congressional approval for the limited attacks.
A Pentagon spokesman declined to comment on the use of cyber warfare attacks.
Cyber warfare capabilities are the responsibility of the new U.S. Cyber Command, a subcommand of the U.S. Strategic Command that has been ramping up both personnel and capabilities over the past several years.
Cyber command specialists are now involved in war planning by U.S. Central Command. The Central Command is in charge of the military operation against Syria that is currently led by at least five guided-missile destroyers now based in waters near Syria.
