Jordanian ground defenses intercepted Iranian missiles in the Kingdom’s airspace while they were on their way to the occupied territories, according to local eyewitnesses.
NBC reported, citing both an American and a Jordanian official, that “Jordan permitted U.S. forces to use its airspace to shoot down Iranian missiles.”
The source added, “We will do the same if any missile crosses our airspace.”
A Jordanian official also told CNN that Amman actively participated in the interception of Iranian missiles.
Earlier, the Jordanian Armed Forces had issued a statement, saying that “the General Command is closely monitoring developments in the region and has taken necessary and precautionary measures to reinforce and support front-line units along the borders to protect the homeland.”
On Tuesday evening, the Jordanian Armed Forces urged citizens to stay indoors after Iran launched missiles toward Israel.
Videos circulated online from Jordan show the interception of Iranian missiles over the Kingdom’s skies.
This is not the first time Jordan has intercepted Iranian missiles, with previous statements from Jordanian officials affirming that the Kingdom will not allow its skies to become a battleground.
On a related note, the Jordanian Civil Aviation Regulatory Authority announced on Tuesday evening the temporary closure of Jordan’s airspace to all incoming, outgoing, and transit flights.
Haitham Misto, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Jordanian Civil Aviation Regulatory Authority, said in a press statement that the decision follows the escalation in the region, which could pose risks to air traffic and passenger safety.
Meanwhile, Israel announced on Tuesday evening that Iran had fired approximately 200 missiles in an “unprecedented ballistic attack.”
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard confirmed in a statement that they had begun striking “targets” in Israel with “dozens” of missiles, as retaliation for the deaths of Hassan Nasrallah and Ismail Haniyeh.
Iran appears to be responding to the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas’ political bureau, during his visit to Tehran at the end of July.
Israeli Army Radio reported that “Iran launched at least 200 missiles, and air raid sirens are still sounding throughout the country.”
Ben Gurion International Airport has suspended all takeoff and landing operations.
The Israeli army has urged residents in the south and central regions to immediately take shelter in bunkers.
Sirens echoed across dozens of cities and towns in southern and central Israel, according to Haaretz and Channel 7.
The Israeli Broadcasting Authority described the events as “an unprecedented ballistic missile attack on Israel.”
This Iranian attack comes at a time when Israel, with full U.S. support, has been waging a devastating war on the Gaza Strip for nearly a year and has been conducting an intensive aerial assault on Lebanon since September 23.
