WASHINGTON, April 14. /TASS/. The US military in the Middle East intercepted dozens of missiles and drones, fired towards Israel from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said.

"At the direction of President Biden, US forces in the Middle East on April 13 intercepted dozens of missiles and UAVs en route to Israel, launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen," Austin said in a statement, released by the Pentagon’s press service.

"Our forces remain postured to protect US troops and partners in the region, provide further support for Israel's defense, and enhance regional stability," he added

Meanwhile, CNN reported with reference to US officials that the US military had intercepted over 70 drones and at least three ballistic missiles, fired by Iran towards Israel.

One of the officials said the ballistic missiles were intercepted by US warships in the eastern part of the Mediterranean. US fighter jets also took part in the effort and were shooting down drones, another official said.

Another high-ranking US official said Iran fired over 100 ballistic missiles towards Israel in total.