U.S. says it will provide support for Israel’s defense in Iran drone attack
globalnews.caThe White House says it will provide unspecified support for Israel’s defense against an ongoing airborne attack from Iran.
National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a Saturday statement that “Iran has begun an airborne attack against Israel.” She added: “The United States will stand with the people of Israel and support their defense against these threats from Iran.”
Israeli aviation authorities say they are closing the country’s airspace to all flights as it braces for drone attacks.
The country’s airport authority said the closure would go into effect at 12:30 a.m. local time (5:30 p.m. EDT).
It said flights would be affected and advised travelers to check with their airlines for changes.
Iranian state television announced that Tehran had launched an attack toward Israel. Iraq’s state news agency quoted Transportation Minister Raqqa Saadawi as saying the country’s airspace was closed.
Before the attack was announced, a FlyDubai flight from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates to Tel Aviv, Israel, turned around as it was over Saudi Arabia, flight-tracking data showed.
The Israeli military says Iran has launched a number of drones toward Israel.
The army’s spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said it would take several hours for the aircraft to arrive. He said Israel was prepared. He spoke Saturday evening.
Israel has been on heightened alert since an airstrike last week killed two Iranian generals in Syria. Iran accused Israel of being behind the attack and vowed revenge. Israel has not commented on that attack.
A U.S. official briefed on the attack said Iran had launched “dozens” of drones. The official could not publicly discuss details of the attack and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of
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