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The Pentagon has confirmed that two US Navy destroyers participated in defending Israel against a large-scale Iranian missile attack.
Let’s bring you up to speed: On Tuesday night, Iran launched a massive barrage of nearly 200 ballistic missiles targeting Tel Aviv and other central areas of Israel in retaliation for the recent killing of top Hezbollah leaders, including Hassan Nasrallah. The attack marked a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran-backed forces, heightening tensions across the region. The missile strike was twice the scale of a previous Iranian attack in April. Reports indicate minimal casualties, with one Palestinian civilian killed in the West Bank and two Israeli civilians injured. There are conflicting reports about whether Iran inflicted significant damage on an Israeli military airbase housing advanced F-35 jets.
The U.S. Sixth Fleet guided missile destroyers USS Cole (DDG 67) and USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) engaged multiple Iranian ballistic missiles in defense of Israel from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, October 1, 2024. pic.twitter.com/phN9mMpXMT
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) October 2, 2024
What US assets got involved: According to the Pentagon, two US Navy destroyers, the USS Bulkeley and USS Cole, played a key role in protecting Israel during Iran’s missile attack by assisting Israeli air defense units in intercepting the incoming missiles. These destroyers, positioned in the Eastern Mediterranean, launched about a dozen interceptors to help counter the incoming threat.
Top US officials react: In a statement following the attack, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said, “Based on what we know at this point, this attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective. This was first and foremost the result of the professionalism of the [Israel Defense Forces], but in no small part, because of the skilled work of the US military and meticulous joint planning in anticipation of the attack.” Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder added, “We have been closely consulting with Israel for a while now to be prepared in the eventuality. As today demonstrated, we were prepared.”
US military presence: Before the attack, the United States announced it was continuing to bolster its military presence in the region over the escalating tensions. In the weeks leading up to the attack, the US was forward deploying fighter jet squadrons, including F-15E, F-16, A-10, and F-22 aircraft, along with the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group.
