Iran launched a drone attack against Israel on Saturday, likely in retaliation for the former’s suspected bombing of the Iranian embassy in Syria earlier this month.
U.S. fighter jets have reportedly intercepted some of the drones.
“In accordance with our ironclad commitment to Israel’s security, US forces in the region continue to shoot down Iranian-launched drones targeting Israel,” a U.S. official said, according to CNN. “Our forces remain postured to provide additional defensive support and to protect US forces operating in the region.”
Jordanian fighter jets have also reportedly been shooting down dozens of the slow-moving Iranian drones crossing its airspace on their way to Israel, per The Times of Israel.
CNN is also reporting explosions in the skies above Tel Aviv, the Golan Heights, and the West Bank as Israeli air defenses shoot down the drones.
National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson announced in a social media post that Iran deployed between 50 and 100 suicide drones, according to RAWSALERTS.
Watson said that President Joe Biden has already been updated on the situation and that he plans to meet with his national security team this afternoon.
“His team is in constant communication with Israeli officials as well as other partners and allies. This attack is likely to unfold over a number of hours,” said Watson in a string of social media posts. “Presidxent Biden has been clear: our support for Israel’s security is ironclad. The United States will stand with the people of Israel and support their defense against these threats from Iran.”
Israeli officials have recently expressed that they would retaliate if Iran launched such an attack.
“If Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will react and attack in Iran,” said Israel Katz, Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister, in a social media post on April 10.
More details will be provided as they become available.
