U.S. military forces destroyed 80 drones and at least six ballistic missiles out of the more than 300 launched from Iran, according to CENTCOM Sunday.
The drone number is an update from Saturday evening, when the U.S. said it had intercepted 70 drones. CENTCOM said the total included a ballistic missile that was on its launcher vehicle and seven drones before they left the ground.
At least nine Iranian missiles that breached Israel’s air defenses struck two of Israel’s air bases, but no significant damage was reported, a senior U.S. official told ABC News. Five ballistic missiles hit the Nevatim Air Base, damaging a C-130 transport aircraft, an unused runway and empty storage facilities, the official said. Four additional ballistic missiles hit the Negev Air Base, but there were no reports of significant damage, the official said.
While the Biden administration remains committed to defending Israel, top administration defense and security officials made it clear Sunday the U.S. would not be a part of any Israeli response.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant Sunday afternoon, according to a U.S. official who described the exchange as “direct.” The official said Austin told Gallant that while the U.S. will continue to defend Israel, it does not envision being part of offensive operations against Iran.
Source-ABC
