Iranian short-range missile (Fateh) launched during the second day of military exercises, in Iran's Kavir Desert, July 3, 2012.Two U.S. military officials say the Syrian regime fired at least two Fateh A-110 missilesThe move is an apparent attempt to more precisely target rebel forces, the officials sayThey decline to be identified because of the sensitive nature of the informationThe missiles are more accurate than older Scuds, which have a longer rangeWashington (CNN) -- The Syrian regime this week fired at least two Iranian-made, short-range ballistic missiles in what appears to be an effort to more precisely target Syrian rebels, two U.S. military officials tell CNN.
The Fateh A-110 missiles are more accurate than the older Scud variants that Syrian government forces have used in recent weeks.Read more: NATO: Syrian forces firing more Scud missilesThe U.S. military officials declined to be identified because of the sensitive nature of the information. The Iranian government has not commented on the issue.The Fateh trades range for accuracy. It can travel about 125 miles, while the Scud can go about 185 miles. But the Fateh has a "circular error probable" or -- CEP -- of 330 feet, while the Scud's CEP is 1,480 feet. CEP is defined as the radius of a circle in which half of a missile's lethal payload falls and is the standard measure of a missile's accuracy.var currExpandable="expand16";if(typeof CNN.expandableMap==='object'){CNN.expandableMap.push(currExpandable);}var mObj={};mObj.type='video';mObj.contentId='';mObj.source='bestoftv/2012/12/28/ac-zaidoun-detained-in-syria.cnn';mObj.videoSource='CNN';mObj.videoSourceUrl='http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/';mObj.lgImage="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/121228025505-ac-zaidoun-detained-in-syria-00012522-story-body.jpg";mObj.lgImageX=300;mObj.lgImageY=169;mObj.origImageX="214";mObj.origImageY="120";mObj.contentType='video';CNN.expElements.expand16Store=mObj;var currExpandable="expand26";if(typeof CNN.expandableMap==='object'){CNN.expandableMap.push(currExpandable);}var mObj={};mObj.type='video';mObj.contentId='';mObj.source='world/2012/12/28/pkg-clancy-reset-on-syria.cnn';mObj.videoSource='CNN';mObj.videoSourceUrl='';mObj.lgImage="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/121228050932-pkg-clancy-reset-on-syria-00000815-story-body.jpg";mObj.lgImageX=300;mObj.lgImageY=169;mObj.origImageX="214";mObj.origImageY="120";mObj.contentType='video';CNN.expElements.expand26Store=mObj;var currExpandable="expand36";if(typeof CNN.expandableMap==='object'){CNN.expandableMap.push(currExpandable);}var mObj={};mObj.type='video';mObj.contentId='';mObj.source='bestoftv/2012/12/12/exp-syria-using-scuds.cnn';mObj.videoSource='CNN';mObj.videoSourceUrl='';mObj.lgImage="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/121212111541-exp-syria-using-scuds-00001401-story-body.jpg";mObj.lgImageX=300;mObj.lgImageY=169;mObj.origImageX="214";mObj.origImageY="120";mObj.contentType='video';CNN.expElements.expand36Store=mObj;The firings did not reach near Syria's Turkish border. But the regime's use of ballistic missiles is the reason NATO is planning to send U.S., German and Dutch Patriot missile batteries to Turkish military installations: to protect the southern regions of that NATO ally. All six Patriot batteries are expected to be in place by the end of January.Read more: As Syria suffering spirals, envoy hopes for political transitionA NATO official could not confirm the use of short-range ballistic missiles this week, but NATO did detect the launch of such missiles inside Syria on a few December days, more recently on the 22nd."The fact that Scud-type missiles were used in Syria emphasizes the need for effective defense protection of our ally Turkey," the NATO official said. "This is why, earlier this month, NATO allies decided to deploy Patriot missiles in Turkey to augment Turkey's air defenses. The deployment, which will start within weeks, is defensive only. Its aim is to deter any threats to and defend and protect the population and territory of Turkey."U.S. officials say they believe the Syrians are firing ballistic missiles to preserve their aircraft, some of which have been shot down by rebels.Read more: Syrian military police chief defects to join 'the people's revolution.'
December 21, 2012 -- Updated 1120 GMT (1920 HKT) 
Ivan Watson looks at the latest on Syria today. Among the topics is Putin saying he's not concerned by the Assad regime.
Syrian children don't paint flowers and teddy bears, but some of the images they saw in the hometowns they were forced to abandon -- bodies.December 14, 2012 -- Updated 2057 GMT (0457 HKT) 
The war has forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes; the lucky ones have found shelter across the border in crammed camps.December 14, 2012 -- Updated 1215 GMT (2015 HKT) 
Half a million have registered as refugees -- but one Red Cross worker says the true figure is far higher as many are scared to register.December 14, 2012 -- Updated 1205 GMT (2005 HKT) 
CNN's Ivan Watson speaks to a 32-year-old violinist -- who used to perform at the Damascus Opera House -- about the life on the run.December 13, 2012 -- Updated 1120 GMT (1920 HKT) 
Amid the constant threat of a street battle erupting around the corner, a new underground TV channel has become must-see for residents of Aleppo.December 12, 2012 -- Updated 1044 GMT (1844 HKT) 
With the precision of a chef, Sheik Omar adjusts the flame under his pan. He mixes sugar with a noxious chemical to make bombs for opposition.December 5, 2012 -- Updated 1236 GMT (2036 HKT) 
Children elbow each other for the last burnt scraps of cracked wheat. Even as fighting subsides in parts of Aleppo, fear and chaos remain.November 17, 2012 -- Updated 2305 GMT (0705 HKT) 
Syrian fight overflows to Turkish town of Ceylanpinar, where residents deal with explosions, bullets or bombs coming from the Syrian side.December 5, 2012 -- Updated 1232 GMT (2032 HKT) 
Down a steep stone stairway and into the darkness lies a cold chamber that looks more like a dungeon than a home. CNN's Arwa Damon reports.November 9, 2012 -- Updated 1223 GMT (2023 HKT) 
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad made an ominous threat against foreign intervention, saying it would have a "domino impact" on the world.November 27, 2012 -- Updated 0311 GMT (1111 HKT) 
Photojournalist Robert King describes the bombs that fell on a hospital and other fatal attacks he saw in Syria.December 28, 2012 -- Updated 1217 GMT (2017 HKT) 
As the conflict drags on, hundreds of thousands of people see their homes and lifes destroyed. See the latest photos from Syria.December 17, 2012 -- Updated 1516 GMT (2316 HKT) 
CNN's Arwa Damon reports from inside Aleppo on a female Syrian war photographer breaking taboos in the name of freedom. October 11, 2012 -- Updated 1119 GMT (1919 HKT) 
The recent confrontation could ignite regional convulsions as Turkey is sucked into Syria, leading to belated actions from the international community.
Are you in Syria? Share your stories, videos and photos with the world on CNN iReport, but please stay safe.Today's five most popular stories
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