RAF shot down ‘numerous drones’ in Iran’s assault on Israel | Politics Information

UK jets shot down “numerous drones” launched by Iran in its unprecedented assault on Israel final night time, Rishi Sunak has stated.

The prime minister referred to 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 stated Iran launched 170 drones, greater than 30 cruise missiles and at the least 120 ballistic missiles early on Sunday in an assault that set off air raid sirens throughout the nation.

Comply with reside updates of Iran’s assault on Israel

Mr Sunak stated: “Because of a world co-ordinated effort, which the UK participated in, nearly all of those missiles have been intercepted, saving lives not simply in Israel however in neighbouring nations like Jordan as nicely.”

He added that the UK despatched “extra planes” to the area as a part of operations already below method in Iraq and Syria.

“I can verify that our planes did shoot down numerous Iranian assault drones,” he stated.

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.

Nevertheless, 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 substantiate or deny” it.

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Mr Sunak is predicted 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 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 a long time of enmity relationship again to the nation’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The event threatens to grow to be a serious 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 stated 99% of greater than 300 drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles had been shot down exterior the nation’s borders, with plane intercepting greater than 10 cruise missiles.

He stated a seven-year-old “was severely injured from shrapnel” and there has not been some other recognized casualties.