During Saturday’s unprecedented attack on Israel, most of the 300 missiles and one-way drones launched by Iran were shot down by Israeli air defense systems, but American sailors and airmen in the region were responsible for many of the shootdowns. Contributed.
American sailors on the USS early burke and the U.S.S. carnySix out of four Iranian ballistic missiles stationed in the Mediterranean Sea have been destroyed, a senior military official said at a press conference on Sunday.
Additionally, U.S. airmen in the region shot down more than 70 suicide bomber drones heading toward Israel, officials said. These airmen included the 494th Fighter Squadron, based in England, and the 335th Fighter Squadron, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina.
“These two squadrons conducted dozens of air raids last night, saving lives and reducing the risk of broader regional conflict. The President would like to congratulate them as Commander-in-Chief for their extraordinary aviation and skill. We are grateful, and that was demonstrated through this hours-long engagement last night,” the official said.
Missile fragments fall on an open field during an Iranian airstrike against Israel in Baghdad, Iraq, April 14, 2024. (Photo credit: Stringer/Anadolu, Getty Images)
The U.S. Army’s Patriot Missile Squadron also shot down a ballistic missile near Erbil, Iraq, believed to be on the route to Israel.
More than 100 intermediate-range ballistic missiles, 30 land-attack cruise missiles and more than 150 one-way suicide drones were fired at Israel, the official said. The attacks came from multiple locations, including Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. The US military also fired a ballistic missile from a launch pad in Yemen.
More than 100 intermediate-range ballistic missiles, 30 land-attack cruise missiles and more than 150 one-way suicide drones were fired at Israel, the official said. The attacks came from multiple locations, including Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. The US military also fired a ballistic missile from a launch pad in Yemen.
Officials said the intercepts took place not only in Israeli airspace but also over neighboring countries. “It was a fairly extensive zone of involvement,” the official said.
The official added, “At this time, we believe there is no significant damage within Israel.”
“Here at the Department of Defense, we are extremely grateful for the professionalism and skill of the brave U.S. soldiers who participated in these actions, and we remain vigilant to prevent further conflict or escalation,” a senior Defense Department official told reporters. He told the group.
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U.S. officials also praised the cooperation between the U.S. and Israeli forces.
“It was really very impressive to see the level of coordination and trust that was clearly required between us.” [Central Command] colleagues and their Israeli counterparts,” a senior defense official said.
A senior government official called it a “team effort.”
“So let me be clear: Iran intended to inflict significant damage on Israel, but they failed in our mission to do so. This is definitely a team effort with the support of our partners, and together with the Israeli military we were able to defeat this terrible attack, which also represents a decade of defense technology. It was also made possible through cooperation and investment,” a defense official said.
“Our goal remains to immediately de-escalate and halt further attacks that do not seek conflict with Iran. However, we will act to protect our forces and support the defense of Israel. Without hesitation, the President’s Secretary has made it very clear that our support for the defense of Israel is ironclad, and our military will provide additional support to the defense of Israel and protect U.S. forces in the region. We remain prepared to do so.”
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