The US affirmed that it would protect Israel while neighboring countries closed their airspace after Iran reportedly launched more than 100 missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into Israel.
Iran confirms attack
On the night of April 13 and early morning of April 14, Iran launched a series of missiles and UAVs aimed at Israel. The Israeli military estimates Iran has launched more than 100 UAVs. Meanwhile, Israeli media reported that Iran appeared to launch both missiles and UAVs.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) confirmed that it carried out a large-scale attack on Israel.
“In response to the Israeli attack on the consular compound of the Iranian embassy in Damascus, the IRGC air force attacked certain targets on Israeli territory with dozens of drones and missiles. “, Iranian state media quoted the IRGC statement.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei declared that Israel would “be punished”. “They made another mistake by attacking the Iranian consulate in Syria… They will be punished,” he commented.
Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad Reza also warned: “Any country that has opened its airspace or territory for Israel to attack Iran will receive a fierce response.”
Israel and neighboring countries closed their airspace
Iran’s popular Shahed UAVs have a speed of more than 170km/h, so it will take about 6 hours for them to reach Israeli airspace. Faced with this situation, Israel and some countries in the region such as Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon have closed their airspace to ensure safety.
Jordan even declared a state of emergency, with the military on high alert while radar systems monitored UAV activities.
In Israel, military spokesman Daniel Hagari announced that the country will temporarily close its airspace, schools will close, and events gathering more than 1,000 people will be restricted at least until early next week.
The Israeli military plans to intercept UAVs before they reach the country’s skies.
The Israeli Prime Minister spoke up
Immediately after news of the Iranian attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel has been preparing for a direct attack from Iran in recent years, and especially in the past few weeks.
“Our defense system has been deployed; we are ready for any situation, both defensive and offensive… We define a principle: Whoever harms us, we will respond . We will defend ourselves against any threat and will do it calmly and determinedly,” Mr. Netanyahu emphasized.
America is committed to protecting Israel
The US National Security Council issued a statement saying: “Iran has begun air strikes against Israel. US President Joe Biden is continuously updated on the situation and will meet with the security team at the White House… President clearly stated America’s support for Israel is rock-solid. America will always stand side by side with the Israeli people, helping them defend against threats from Iran.”
President Biden cut short his visit to Delaware to quickly return to the White House following news of the Israeli attack.
He condemned the attack
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned Iran’s attack and announced that Britain would continue to provide security support to Israel and regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq.
