Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Jordan's military announced that its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed eight missiles launched from Iran toward Jordanian territory on Thursday.
In an official statement, the military said, "Jordanian air defence systems intercepted and shot down, today, Thursday, eight missiles that were launched from Iran toward Jordanian territory."
The military added that the interceptions caused several missile fragments to fall inside the country. However, there were no human casualties or material damage.
Jordan also stressed that it "will not allow any violation of Jordanian airspace by any party."
Iran Says Missiles Targeted US Base in Jordan
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said the missiles were aimed at the United States' "command-and-control centre in Middle East and the enemy air base in Al-Azraq, Jordan."
According to the statement, Iran launched 10 ballistic missiles at the target.
The Revolutionary Guards also warned that "if the terrorist US military repeats its aggression, the other US bases in the region will not be safe from our heavy fire."
Missile Exchange Continues Between Iran and the US
The latest missile launches came during a second straight day of military exchanges between Iran and the United States.
The confrontation included numerous US strikes on Iran, further testing a fragile ceasefire as both countries continue their conflict over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Sirens Activated Across Jordan
Earlier on Thursday, Jordanian government spokesperson Mohammad al-Momani said air raid sirens were activated after missiles launched from Iran entered Jordanian airspace.
Read More: Iran Hits Kuwait and Bahrain with Missile Strikes Following US Airstrikes
He confirmed that the missiles were intercepted after crossing into the country's airspace.
Second Iranian Missile Interception Since June 11
This marks the first time Jordan has announced intercepting Iranian missiles since June 11.
On that day, the Jordanian army reported shooting down 20 missiles after Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they had targeted an American command centre in Jordan in response to US strikes on Iran.
Al-Azraq Air Base and Foreign Military Presence
The Al-Azraq area is home to a Jordanian air base where US, German, Belgian and French forces previously operated as part of military operations against the Islamic State jihadist group.
Jordan has repeatedly maintained that it does not host foreign military bases. However, it says limited military personnel from several countries are deployed at Jordanian army bases under cooperation and training agreements.
Hundreds of Missiles and Drones Since February
At the beginning of April, the Jordanian army stated that 281 missiles and drones launched from Iran had targeted the kingdom since the start of the Middle East war on February 28.
According to the army, 261 of those projectiles were successfully intercepted.
Authorities also said 30 people were injured during the attacks, and all of them have since been discharged from hospital.
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