Iran attacked Israel yesterday (01) with an offensive that included about 200 ballistic missiles. Although most were destroyed before reaching their target, some missiles caused minimal damage, according to the Pentagon press secretary in a briefing held today.
“We condemn these reckless attacks by Iran and call on Iran to stop any future attacks, including those by its proxy forces.”, said Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Major General Pat Ryder. “During the attack, the U.S. military coordinated closely with the Israel Defense Forces to help defend Israel.”
According to Ryder, yesterday's attack was almost twice as extensive as a similar attack that occurred in April. In the Eastern Mediterranean, destroyers USS Cole e USS Bulkeley, of the class Arleigh Burke, fired a dozen interceptors to defend against Iranian ballistic missiles in of Israel. However, Ryder noted that it is not yet known whether the interceptors managed to shoot down any of the missiles.
According to Ryder, initial assessments indicate that all of the missiles fired were in fact launched from Iran, not proxy states, and that Iran intentionally planned to cause significant damage to Israel.
According to Ryder, initial reports indicate that damage on the ground was minimal and that Israel was able to successfully defend itself from the Iranian attack. He also noted that no US military personnel were injured during the Iranian missile strike.
According to Ryder, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III was in with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant at least twice yesterday, before and during the strike.
“He reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering commitment to the defense of Israel and stressed that the United States remains well-positioned throughout the Middle East region to protect American forces and defend Israel in the face of threats from Iran and Iranian-backed terrorist organizations.”, said Ryder.
Read also
