The United States launched approximately a dozen interceptors in response to a barrage of Iranian ballistic missiles directed at Israel on Tuesday, according to the Pentagon.
The US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan announced that US naval destroyers collaborated with Israeli air defence units to launch interceptors and successfully shoot down incoming missiles.
Sullivan stated, “In short, based on what we know at this point, this attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective.
“This was first and foremost the result of the professionalism of the Israeli military. But in no small part because of the skilled work of the US military and meticulous joint planning in anticipation of the attack.”
Additionally, during a Pentagon press briefing on Tuesday, Major General Patrick Ryder reported that two US Navy destroyers had launched interceptors at missiles believed to have been fired from Iran. He stated that it was not yet confirmed if any of the Iranian missiles were successfully intercepted, as this information was still under assessment.
Maj. Gen. Ryder stated that the Pentagon had no prior knowledge of the impending attack. Additionally, President Joe Biden declared that he had directed active U.S. support for Israel’s defence and had spent the morning in the Situation Room, the White House’s centre for confronting critical national security matters.
“But based on what we know now, the attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective. And this is testament to the Israeli military capability and the US military,” Biden added.
When questioned by reporters about the U.S. response to Iran, President Biden stated, “That’s in active discussion right now. That remains to be seen.”
He also mentioned plans to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, indicating that his message would be shaped by the conclusions on necessary actions.
The region is currently experiencing a significant escalation, a situation Biden has been working for months to prevent. His efforts have focused on containing the Gaza conflict from spreading further while ensuring a steady flow of arms to Israel.
The Israeli military reported that approximately 180 missiles were launched at Israel, with the majority being intercepted. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian justified the attack, describing it as a “decisive” action taken “in defence of Iranian interests and citizens.”
Frances Ibiefo
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