US forces shoot down ‘at least dozens’ of Iranian drones targeting Israel as Revolutionary Guards issues chilling warning to America
US forces have shot down some of the Iranian-launched drones flying towards Israel, according to officials.
A defense official said this CNN that troops had managed to shoot down the drones as part of their “ironclad commitment” to Israel.
The official said: “Consistent with our ironclad commitment to Israel’s security, U.S. forces in the region continue to shoot down Iranian-launched drones aimed at Israel.
“Our forces remain ready to provide additional defensive support and protect U.S. forces operating in the region.”
Fox News reported that another official confirmed to them that the US military had managed to shoot down “dozens” of drones.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has now issued a chilling warning to the US, saying that any action by America will trigger a ‘reciprocal’ response.
A view shows drones or missiles battling for targets in secret locations in northern Israel
Objects are seen in the skies over Jerusalem after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel
In a statement, the IRGC said: “Any threat from the terrorist state of America and the Zionist regime from any country will be followed by a reciprocal and proportionate response from the Islamic Republic of Iran to the source of the threat.”
In addition to intercepting drones, the US has also sent the warship Bataan and two support ships with 2,500 Marines on board to the eastern Mediterranean.
US Congressional sources say the amphibious warship Bataan is leading a US naval task force in the eastern Mediterranean.
The Bataan has two support ships and together they carry approximately 2,500 Marines.
The US also has several guided missile destroyers, including the Carney, in the area.
In addition, the US has two destroyers and a cruiser in the Red Sea fully armed with anti-missile weapons and they too have orders to shoot down any Israeli missiles or drones.
Missiles have entered Israeli airspace, with images showing some being intercepted by the Iron Dome system over Jerusalem.
Israeli military spokesman Admiral Daniel Hagari said Iran launched dozens of missiles at Israel, most of which were intercepted outside Israel’s borders.
The Iranian salvo so far consisted of more than 200 drones and missiles, Hagari said, and had caused minor damage to an Israeli military facility.
Biden is seen here walking to the Oval Office after returning from Delaware to consult with his national security team
Shortly after news broke of the attacks on Israel by Iranian forces, President Biden was rushed back to the White House from Delaware for a national security meeting, seen here
US bases in Iraq have been put on full alert and will also attempt to shoot down missiles and drones aimed at Israel
The Israeli military later said it was not advising residents to prepare to take shelter, revising an earlier warning that appeared to signal the end of the threat.
Israel’s Channel 12 TV quoted an unnamed Israeli official as saying there would be a “significant response” to the attack.
Shortly after news broke of the attacks on Israel by Iranian forces, President Biden was rushed back to the White House from Delaware.
In a message to X, he said: “Just met with my national security team for an update on the Iranian attacks on Israel.
“Our commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its allies is rock-solid.”
Iran had threatened to hit back at Israel following an attack in Syria, which Tehran said was an Israeli airstrike on an Iranian diplomatic building in Damascus.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has vowed retaliation in the aftermath of the Damascus attack, for which Tel-Aviv has yet to take responsibility.
The April 1 attack destroyed the Iranian consulate building in the city and killed seven Revolutionary Guards, including the two generals.