In an effort to evade Israel's air defense systems, Iran employed a multitude of weapons in a first-of-its-kind offensive. It is believed to have included over 170 attack drones, more than 120 ballistic missiles, and over 30 cruise missiles.
According to the Israeli Defense Forces, the skies saw more than 200 rockets and drones launched, yet their formidable defense shield rendered 99 percent of the aerial onslaught ineffective. The United States and Europe have stepped in to support Israel, downing several Iranian drones over Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.
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The Iranian missile strike laid waste to an Israeli airbase. Meanwhile, Hezbollah's attempt to target the Israeli air defense systems on the Golan Heights backfired dramatically, with rockets falling on their own buildings. Israel's Negev Desert security base suffered an impact from seven missiles, as did the Ramon Air Base in Southern Israel, which endured seven rocket strikes.
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The United Nations deems the attack is gratuitous and is likely to incite further unrest
Iran has claimed to the United Nations that their operation succeeded and was conducted under Article 51 of the UN Charter, which permits defending oneself if under attack. Contrastingly, the UN Security Council has condemned Iran's actions as unwarranted aggression.
Iran warns of a more potent retaliation if provoked again by Israel
Iran has promised a response that would be twice as powerful should Israel retaliate for this attack. In a supporting role, the US Navy has deployed an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer and the USS Carney in defense of Israel.
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American warship positioned in the Red Sea ups the ante
At full operational capacity, the displacement of an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer is 9,900 tons. This 155-meter-long warship, with a 20-meter-high beam, cruises at a speed of 56 km/h and boasts a range of 8,100 kilometers.
Source: aajtak
Loaded with 96 missiles and equipped with 8 types of automatic guns
The destroyer is outfitted with various automatic guns capable of decimating enemy missiles, helicopters, drones, boats, patrol vessels, and warships. In addition to this arsenal, the ship is equipped with 96 different types of missiles, including Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Beyond its armaments, the warship features two torpedo tubes capable of launching four types of torpedoes. A 130-ton Kevlar splinter protection cover shields the vessel, providing an additional layer of defense. Moreover, two MH-60R Seahawks helicopters are deployed onboard.
