US ‘defensive’ strikes target drones in port city

US forces shot down four Iranian drones and attacked a control center in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas to intercept a fifth drone launch, US officials said on Wednesday.

The operation was the second day of Washington’s “defensive” strikes against Iran this week amid fragile ceasefire talks over the nearly three-month conflict.

“These actions were measured, completely defensive and intended to maintain the ceasefire,” an official told Reuters news agency.

Officials said drones pose a threat near the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier, the Pentagon had said US strikes overnight on Monday targeted Iranian missile launch sites and mine-laying boats, threatening US forces and shipping lanes.

hello! Today is Thursday and the US military announced another “defensive” strike on Iran, this time targeting the southern port city of Bandar Abbas and shooting down four drones.

A day before this, US President Donald Trump had said that efforts are on to end the conflict with Iran but Washington is “not satisfied” with the peace agreement.

Meanwhile, Hamas’ armed wing Al Qassam Brigades confirmed on Wednesday that its leader Mohammed Odeh was killed in an Israeli strike.

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