Iran launched a wave of some 100 explosive drones and fired missiles at Israel late on Saturday in its first direct attack on Israeli territory, a retaliatory strike that raises the threat of a wider regional conflict,

UK & US fighters jets in the region actively assisted with the interceptions, shooting down a number of drones as the US pledged “ironclad” backing for Israel.

Israeli military spokesperson Rear Adm Daniel Hagari confirmed there was a direct hit on the Nevatim airbase by ballistic missiles but said it caused only “minor damage to infrastructure” and the base remains fully operational, while adding that a 7-year-old girl as being “critically injured” in the attack.

“Ballistic missiles, only a small number … single digits … fell in the base and around,” the Admiral said in a morning briefing.

“A direct hit with minor damage that doesn’t do anything to the operational (capabilities) of the base.”

He concluded, “We have plans, the situation is still ongoing. We are assessing the situation, we are showing the cabinet the plans, and we are ready to do what is necessary for the defence of Israel.”

Britain had, in recent days, moved several additional Royal Air Force jets and air refuelling tankers to the region in order to bolster Operation Shader, the UK’s existing counter-Daesh operation in Iraq and Syria.

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