United States: The US military has announced that it neutralised at least six ballistic missiles and 80 drones that were aimed at Israel by Iran and Yemen. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that their forces targeted over 80 one-way attack drones, which included seven unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that were aimed at the ground before they could be launched.
In a post on X, CENTCOM noted that, “Iran’s continued unprecedented, malign, and reckless behaviour endangers regional stability and the safety of U.S. and coalition forces. CENTCOM remains postured to support Israel’s defence against these dangerous actions by Iran. We will continue to work with all our regional partners to increase regional security.”
It also proclaimed that Iran launched its first-ever attack on Israeli territory in vengeance for a suspected Israeli attack on its embassy in Syria. The aggression involved more than 300 drones and missiles, but most of them were shot down by Israel’s Iron Dome missile defence system or the United States and its allies.
US President Joe Biden hailed the extraordinary dexterity of the US forces in sustaining Israel to take down almost all of the incoming drones and missiles. Biden also expressed US support for Israel’s self-defence as ironclad. However, he cautioned that Washington would not enter into any retaliatory movement taken by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government against Tehran.
The US Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, also commented that US forces remain prepared to protect its troops and allies in the region, deliver further aid for Israel’s defence, and improve provincial serenity. The threat of an all-out battle between Israel and Iran put the territory on edge, leading to calls for restrictions from Middle Eastern neighbours and major forces.
The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, cautioned that the Middle East was on the brink. During a UN Security Council meeting, Guterres stated that the people of the territory are encountering a serious threat of a devastating full-scale battle and suggested de-escalation.
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