Today's attack by Iran on Israel scales twice as large as the one in April - Pentagon
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
Today's attack by Iran on Israel was twice as large in scale as the one Iran carried out in April. US Navy destroyers launched about a dozen interceptors at Iranian missiles, according to CNN and Sky News.
"It’s about twice as large in terms of the number of ballistic missiles that they launched from the last,” he said, adding that you “don’t launch that many missiles at a target without the intent of hitting something.”
"So absolutely, just like the last time their intent is to cause destruction," Ryder stated.
According to him, US Navy destroyers fired about a dozen interceptors at Iranian missiles launched toward Israel.
Currently, three guided-missile destroyers are operating in the eastern Mediterranean: USS Arleigh Burke, USS Cole, and USS Bulkeley. Ryder noted that the USS Bulkeley and USS Cole were involved in the operation.
Ryder also reported that US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke for the second time on Tuesday with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
"He reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to the defense of Israel and underscored that the US remains well postured throughout the Middle East region to protect US forces and defend Israel in the fact of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organizations," Ryder said.
According to the IDF, Iran deployed approximately 180 ballistic missiles in today's strike. Israeli military officials stated that air defense during the Iranian attack was effective, although there were isolated hits in central Israel and a few more in the southern part of the country.
The bombardment occurred after the IDF launched a ground operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
During the April attack, the Israeli army reported that Iran used over 200 drones. American media, citing US sources, reported that Iran also fired approximately 150 missiles at Israel.
