The United States Navy successfully intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles aimed at Israel after a large-scale missile attack that escalated tensions in the Middle East on October 1, 2024.
The attack was in retaliation to recent Israeli operations against key figures in Iran’s “Axis of Resistance”, which includes Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.
The U.S. Department of Defense released a video on October 2, showing two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, the USS Bulkeley and the USS Cole, destroying multiple Iranian missiles.
Both destroyers, deployed in Eastern Mediterranean, are equipped with the advanced Aegis Combat System designed for missile defense.
The U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa confirmed that several Iranian missiles were successfully intercepted during the attack.
Per the Pentagon officials, Iran launched around 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, which was double the scale of a similar attack in April.
Video Credits: The War Zone/YouTube
Initial reports show that despite the intensity of the attack, there wasn’t much damage on the ground in Israel.
In response, the United States Navy sent a dozen interceptors to defend Israeli targets. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an Israeli Military spokesperson, confirmed that most of the missiles were intercepted by Israel’s defense systems which were supported by the U.S. military.
Per a Pentagon Press Statement, U.S. Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder condemned Iran’s actions as reckless attacks and asked Iran to stop.
During discussions with Israeli authorities, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III reiterated the nation’s commitment to Israeli defense.
The attack occurred just days after the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas politician Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in early July.
The missile attack also raised concerns about its impact on global trade. Maritime Security firm Ambrey warned that crucial waterways such as the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Strait of Hormuz could be disrupted, risking U.S. and Israeli shipping interests in the region.
Reference: The War Zone, Business Insider
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