American forces have intercepted Iranian drones targeting Israel, according to a U.S. defense official.
The official said the U.S. continues to “shoot down Iranian-launched drones targeting Israel.”
“Our forces remain postured to provide additional defensive support and to protect U.S. forces operating in the region,” the official added.
Iran has launched a wave of drones and missiles at Israel in retaliation for an alleged Israeli strike on the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria, earlier this month.
The Damascus strike killed two senior Iranian officers, dealing a major blow to Tehran.
Israel is on high alert as it works to defend itself against the drones, and the U.S. had pre-positioned forces in the region ahead of the anticipated Iranian attack, which followed public threats from Tehran.
The Iranian attack began late Saturday night local time on Israel and is ongoing. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says sirens have sounded across the country, from the north to the south.
The IDF says its forces, including fighter jets and the Iron Dome air defense system, are on high alert and defending the country.
Iran is expected to be targeting Israeli government and military sites. Iranian state-run media reported that Ramon air force base in southern Israel was struck by seven missiles. The IDF has not commented on the strike.
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