A US Navy warship fired what are believed to be America’s first shots in defence of Israel near the Red Sea coast of Yemen.

An official said the USS Carney shot down 15 drones and four cruise missiles fired by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in a nine-hour onslaught.

It comes as every big gun is pointed towards Gaza, with the world holding its breath for Israel’s imminent invasion of its Hamas enemy’s stronghold.

And humanitarian aid has begun to flow into Gaza after the border crossing with Egypt was opened, providing a “lifeline” for those suffering in the enclave.

The US Navy destroyer had traversed the Suez Canal heading south on Wednesday when it intercepted missiles and drones heading north along the Red Sea.

Their trajectory left little doubt that the projectiles were headed for Israel, the official said, a clearer assessment than the Pentagon’s initial take.

On Thursday, Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said the missiles were fired by Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen and were launched “potentially towards targets in Israel.”

At the briefing, Ryder said three land-attack cruise missiles and “several” drones.

Some of the projectiles were travelling at altitudes that made them a potential risk to commercial aviation when they were intercepted, the US official said. 

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It comes as:

It comes as a huge Israeli invasion force was rumbling towards besieged Gaza yesterday – as chilling signs emerged of the eruption of a catastrophic regional war.

Israel has already massed tanks, called up 360,000 troops early this morning, and evacuated its own civilians from the border area.

And its plan to storm Gaza could wipe out Hamas’ terror nest with unmatched ferocity in just five steps.

Dozens of rockets were fired into northern Israel overnight from Iran-backed Hezbollah terror forces in Lebanon.

And more rockets were fired at military bases hosting US forces in Iraq and Russia-backed Syria after President Joe Biden voiced rock-solid support for Israel.

The cruise missiles were fired from Yemen, where Iran is fighting a proxy war with Saudi-backed government forces.

Earlier this week, drones and rockets were launched at several military bases in Iraq – and a drone attack in Syria resulted in “minor injuries.” 

Brig Ryder added: “While I’m not going to forecast any potential responses to these attacks, I will say that we will take all necessary actions to defend US and coalition forces against any threat.”