JUST IN: U.S. Military Officials Give Major Update On Iranian Drone Attack Against Israel

Senior U.S. officials are expecting at least 100 Iranian drones and missiles to strike Israeli territory as the nation braces for what U.S. defense officials have described as a “major attack.”

The Iranian government launched at least 50 Shahed suicide drones in response to an Israeli strike on the Iranian embassy in Syria. The Iranian government had vowed to respond to the strike, which killed two of the nation’s top generals.

According to a report from NBC News citing two senior U.S. officials, the Biden Administration is expecting a “major” Iranian attack. The administration is expecting that Iran and its proxies will be launching between 400-500 drones, missiles and rockets towards Israeli territory, with strikes coming from southern Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen and Iran proper.

Commander of U.S. Central Command General Michael “Erik” Kurilla was in Israel for a meeting with senior Israeli officials for the past several days in anticipation of a likely Iranian attack. During his visit, Kurilla consulted with Israelis to construct a defense plan that would include U.S. assistance from naval and air assets, U.S. officials told the outlet.

The administration is not expecting Iran to attack any U.S. assets in the region.

ABC News: "US officials think there will be 400 to 500 drones, missiles launched" pic.twitter.com/T5TlSgSRpt

— Steve Lookner (@lookner) April 13, 2024

Israel’s airspace will be closed to all domestic and international flights starting at 12:30 a.m. local time, a spokesperson with the Israel airport authority said. Air travel restrictions have also been announced in neighboring Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq.

Israeli Defense Forces spokesperson Hagari confirmed in a televised statement that Iran had launched dozens of unmanned aerial drones towards Israeli territory. He noted that it will take several hours for the Shahed drones to reach Israel and that the IDF and Israeli Air Force are implementing defense plans at this time.

Hagari urged Israeli citizens to be “vigilant” and to follow instructions in accordance with defense plans. “We know these threats and have dealt with them in the past. If an alert is activated in the area where you are, you must enter the protected area and stay here for at least 10 minutes,” Hagari said. “We will update you if you are required to stay in the protected area for a longer time.”

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The White House has stated that President Biden is not expected to address the nation tonight. The president was getting ready for a weekend vacation when the attack was announced, prompting him to immediately return to Washington.

This is a developing story.