US Destroyed Dozens of Drones, Six Ballistic Missiles Aimed at Israel from Iran, Yemen, says its Military
In response to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, the US military has taken decisive action to intercept and destroy a significant number of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and ballistic missiles aimed at Israel from Iran and Yemen. According to reports from Al Jazeera, more than 80 one-way attack UAVs and at least six ballistic missiles were successfully neutralized by US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces, with support from US European Command destroyers.
In an official statement released by CENTCOM, the ongoing provocative actions by Iran were highlighted as threats to regional stability and the safety of both US and coalition forces. The statement reaffirmed CENTCOM's commitment to supporting Israel's defense against such hostile actions and emphasized collaboration with regional partners to bolster security measures.
The announcement comes in the wake of Iran's defense of its retaliatory attack on Israel, purportedly in response to an assault on its consulate in Syria. Despite the scale of the attack, involving over 300 drones and missiles, the damage incurred was relatively limited, largely due to the interception capabilities of Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system, as well as assistance from the US and its allies.
US President Joe Biden commended the skill of US forces in assisting Israel and acknowledged the effectiveness of their defense mechanisms. He reiterated the unwavering support of the United States for Israel's right to self-defense, emphasizing the "ironclad" nature of their alliance. However, Biden cautioned against US involvement in any potential retaliatory measures taken by the Israeli government against Iran.
John Kirby, the national security spokesman at the White House, lauded Israel's military and diplomatic prowess in thwarting the attack, citing the country's strategic partnerships as instrumental in their success. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed US commitment to safeguarding troops and partners in the region, while also providing additional support for Israel's defense efforts.
The heightened tensions between Israel and Iran have prompted concerns of a broader conflict, prompting calls for restraint from neighboring states and global powers. Following Iran's missile strikes, Israeli War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz asserted Israel's determination to hold Iran accountable for its actions, indicating readiness to respond at an opportune time.
Gantz emphasized the international solidarity with Israel in the face of perceived threats, underscoring the ongoing need to build a regional coalition to address the challenge posed by Iran. He emphasized the importance of extracting a suitable response from Iran in alignment with Israel's interests and timeframe.
As the situation continues to evolve, stakeholders are closely monitoring developments and advocating for diplomatic solutions to de-escalate tensions and promote stability in the region.