British jets shoot down Iranian drones over Syrian border

Release time：2024-05-21 21:21:08 Source：Global Gestures news portal

British jets have been moved into the Middle East to 'encourage de-escalation' following Iran's launch of drones and missiles at Israel, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

Tonight, Iran launched a terrifying assault against Israel by sending some 100 drones following the bombing of one of its embassies in Syria earlier this week in what has been described as a 'dangerous escalation' of conflict in the region.

And as the mayhem began, British and American warplanes reportedly shot down Iranian drones over the Iraq-Syria border area, Israel's top-rated Channel 12 TV reported early on Sunday without citing sources.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence told MailOnline: 'In response to increased Iranian threats and the growing risk of escalation in the Middle East, the UK Government has been working with partners across the region to encourage de-escalation and prevent further attacks.

'We have moved several additional Royal Air Force jets and air refuelling tankers to the region. In addition, these UK jets will intercept any airborne attacks within range of our existing missions, as required.

British jets have reportedly 'shot down' Iranian drones over the Syrian border, according to unconfirmed reports. Pictured: an RAF Typhoon jet

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned the attack on Saturday

Iran launched a terrifying assault against Israel by sending some 100 drones. Pictured: Iranian drones during a military training excercise

'We will continue to cooperate closely with our regional partners in the interest of de-escalation.' 

It comes as Rishi Sunak tonight condemned 'in the strongest terms' Iran's 'reckless attack' against Israel - and said Tehran was now intent on 'sowing chaos in its own backyard'.

In a statement on Saturday night, Mr Sunak said: 'I condemn in the strongest terms the Iranian regime's reckless attack against Israel. These strikes risk inflaming tensions and destabilising the region.

'Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard.

'Alongside our allies, we are urgently working to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation. No-one wants to see more bloodshed.

'The UK will continue to stand up for Israel's security and that of all our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq.'

The PM's comment comes as after Iran  launched more than 100 drones and missiles to attack Israel - which are set to hit within hours.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said: 'Iran's reckless attacks on Israel will only further inflame tensions in the Middle East. The UK calls on the Iranian regime to stop this serious escalation, which is in no one’s interest.'

Dozens of drones were seen flying from Iran over neighbouring Iraq's Sulaymaniya province, according to three security sources. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said via state media that it had 'launched extensive drone strikes against targets in occupied territories.'

The IRGC added via state media: 'The aerospace unit of the Revolutionary Guards has attacked targets in Israel with dozens of drones and missiles in reaction to the Zionist regime's crimes, including the attack on the consulate section of Iran's embassy in Damascus and martyring our commanders and military advisers in Syria.'

Israeli schools have been shut down in response to threats made by Iran

Tensions between Israel and Iran have been escalating massively in the past few weeks 

Iran has threatened to take revenge against Israel for levelling its embassy in Damascus, Syria

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said: 'The State of Israel is strong, the IDF is strong, the people of Israel are strong'

Around a hundred drones and missiles were fired at Israel

It added that it was ordered to launch the drones and missiles by Iran's Supreme National Security Council, and was under the guidance of the General Staff of the Armed forces, which coordinated military activity.  

Israel said tonight that its airspace was shutting down at 12.30am local time. Iraq also announced it was shutting down its airspace and suspending all air traffic on Saturday from 11:30pm local time to 5:30am tomorrow. 

Iranian media reported that a second wave of drones has been launched, though details of where they currently are aren't yet known. It is not known if a second wave of cruise missile has been launched. 

The IDF's spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said it would take several hours for the drones to arrive in Israel, adding that sirens would be sounded in threatened areas. 

He said that the Iranian attack was a 'a severe and dangerous escalation' in tensions, adding: 'Our defensive and offensive capabilities are at the highest level of readiness ahead of this large-scale attack from Iran.'

The IDF said: 'The air defense array is on high alert at the same time as the Air Force planes and Navy ships that are on a mission to protect the country's skies. The IDF is monitoring all targets.

'We ask the public to adhere to and follow the instructions of the Home Front Command and the official IDF announcements regarding the matter.'

Details about the drones have not been officially confirmed, but a retired IDF general told Israeli media that the Iranian drones had the capacity to carry up to 44lbs (20kg) of explosives each.

Surrounding countries appear to have begun preparations for an escalation in hostilities. 

Jordan, Israel's eastern neighbour, temporarily closed its airspace to all incoming, departing and internal flights. The nation's air defence system is also ready to intercept and shoot down any drones or aircraft that violate its airspace, security sources said. 

The Jordanian army is also on a state of high alert, and radar systems are monitoring drone activity. 

Syria is also on high alert, setting up its ground-to-air defence systems around the capital Damascus and major bases in the event of an Israeli strike, army sources said. 

Sources told Reuters they expected Israel would retaliate against army bases and installations where pro-Iranian militia were based after Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards said they launched dozens of drones and missiles against specific targets in Israel.

Lebanon, which lies to Israel's north, is also closing its airspace at 1am local time. 

The rest of the world has begun to react to Iran's strikes. 

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