Attacking Portland, ME would likely result in heavy Somali casualties.
Seattle would kill a large number of H1-Bs.
You sure that'd be Russia's goal?
In understand your point. But Portland Maine is the largest gas port on the east coast. Its small enough so most people wouldnt notice (aside from it being a missile attack) but it would cause some real problems for the northeast north of NYC.
And the Somalis were in Lewiston. You could pretty much level Lewiston, and aside from the Old Farmers Almanac, and Bates college...youd be doing Maine a favor.