– US forces took down more than 75 of the missiles and drones launched by Iran at Israel in a major air-defense battle
– Iran and its proxy militias launched 170 attack drones, 120 ballistic missiles, and 30 cruise missiles at Israel
– The US military deployed aircraft and ballistic missile defenses to support Israel during the attack
US forces engaged and shot down more than 75 of the missiles and drones that Iran fired at Israel in its biggest air-defense battle during the ongoing Middle East crisis. Iran and its proxy militias launched a barrage of 170 attack drones, 120 ballistic missiles, and 30 cruise missiles in an unprecedented attack on Israel, with the majority of threats being intercepted by Israel’s advanced air defense systems. The attack marked the first-ever direct assault on Israel from Iranian soil, resulting in minor damage to an IDF base.
The US Navy destroyers USS Arleigh Burke and USS Carney, along with the Patriot air-defense system, engaged and destroyed multiple ballistic missiles launched by Iran. Additionally, Israel’s Arrow 2 and 3 systems intercepted many of the ballistic missiles, which prevented most of them from crossing into Israeli territory. US fighter jets also took down over 70 Iranian drones during the attack. President Joe Biden directed the deployment of additional aircraft and missile defenses to the region, aiding in the successful defense of Israel.
The attack by Iran was seen as retaliation for an Israeli airstrike on an Iranian diplomatic facility in Syria, resulting in several military casualties. The international community condemned Iran’s actions, with world leaders expressing solidarity with Israel and emphasizing the need to avoid further destabilization in the region. Israel is currently considering how to respond to the Iranian attack as tensions remain high in the Middle East.