American forces have intercepted Iranian drones targeting Israel, according to a U.S. defense official.
The official said the U.S. continues to “shoot down Iranian-launched drones targeting Israel.”
“Our forces remain postured to provide additional defensive support and to protect U.S. forces operating in the region,” the official added.
Iran has launched a wave of drones and missiles at Israel in retaliation for an alleged Israeli strike on the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria, earlier this month.
The Damascus strike killed two senior Iranian officers, dealing a major blow to Tehran.
The British Royal Air Force have also deployed to the Middle East and are prepared to intercept any Iranian drones headed to Israel, said the U.K.’s Secretary of State for Defense Grant Shapps.
“I strongly condemn the senseless airborne attacks Iran has launched on Israel,” Shapps said in a statement.
Jordan’s air force has also shot down Iranian drones, according to Reuters.
Iran’s Minister of Defense Mohammed Reza Ashtiani warned that there will be a “decisive response” to any country in the region that assists Israel in downing the Iranian drones and missiles, according to state-run media channel Press TV.
Israel is on high alert as it works to defend itself against the drones, and the U.S. had pre-positioned forces in the region ahead of the anticipated Iranian attack, which followed public threats from Tehran.
The Iranian attack began late Saturday night local time on Israel and is ongoing. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says sirens have sounded across the country, from the north to the south.
The IDF says its forces, including fighter jets and the Iron Dome air defense system, are on high alert and defending the country.
Iran is expected to be targeting Israeli government and military sites. Iranian state-run media reported that Ramon air force base in southern Israel was struck by seven missiles. The IDF has not commented on the strike.
Updated at 9:28 p.m. EST.
Tyler Mitchell
Do you think the interception of Iranian drones signifies a shift in the ongoing tensions in the region?
Are there any reports on the number of drones intercepted by the U.S. forces so far?