UK jets shot down “plenty of drones” launched by Iran in its unprecedented assault on Israel final night time, Rishi Sunak has mentioned.
The prime minister known as the assault by Tehran a “harmful and pointless escalation”, warning the “fallout for regional stability can be laborious to overstate” had it been profitable.
Israel mentioned Iran launched 170 drones, greater than 30 cruise missiles and at the very least 120 ballistic missiles early on Sunday in an assault that set off air raid sirens throughout the nation.
Comply with dwell updates of Iran’s assault on Israel
Mr Sunak mentioned: “Because of a global co-ordinated effort, which the UK participated in, virtually all of those missiles have been intercepted, saving lives not simply in Israel however in neighbouring international locations like Jordan as effectively.”
He added that the UK despatched “further planes” to the area as a part of operations already underneath method in Iraq and Syria.
Israeli Iron Dome air protection system launches to intercept missiles fired from Iran. Pic: AP
“I can verify that our planes did shoot down plenty of Iranian assault drones,” he mentioned.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) had earlier confirmed that a number of RAF jets and air refuelling tankers had been despatched to the area to “bolster Operation Shader” – the UK’s present counter-Islamic State operation in Iraq and Syria.
Nonetheless, it was not clear if any drones have been shot down, with authorities minister Victoria Atkins saying on this morning’s media rounds that she is “not ready to verify or deny” it.
Evaluation:
Will Israel let an assault by Iran go unpunished? Most likely not
All-out conflict, or not, within the Center East?
Mr Sunak is anticipated to affix US President Joe Biden on a name with G7 leaders on Sunday amid fears of additional escalation within the occasion of a attainable Israeli counter-strike.
The stays of a rocket booster that, in response to Israeli authorities critically injured a 7-year-old woman. Pic: Reuters
The assault was launched in response to a strike extensively blamed on Israel on an Iranian consular constructing in Syria earlier this month which killed two Iranian generals.
It marks the primary time a direct army assault has been launched by Tehran on Israel regardless of many years of enmity relationship again to the nation’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.
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‘It is a severe act in opposition to Israel’
The event threatens to turn into a significant regional escalation after years of shadow wars fought between the 2 foes because the battle in Gaza inflames decades-old tensions within the Center East.
Britain and the US have provided staunch assist for Israel, though Tehran has threatened a “heavier” response if Washington cooperates in any additional army motion.
Israeli army spokesman rear admiral Daniel Hagari mentioned 99% of greater than 300 drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles had been shot down outdoors the nation’s borders, with plane intercepting greater than 10 cruise missiles.
He mentioned a seven-year-old “was severely injured from shrapnel” and there has not been another recognized casualties.
