Iran launched a significant retaliatory attack on Israel in response to what it claimed was an Israeli strike on its Damascus consulate. The attack involved the deployment of explosive drones and missiles targeting Israeli territory. This marked the first direct assault by Iran on Israeli soil, heightening tensions in the region.
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Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) activated sirens across the country, and footage shared by them showed their Iron Dome defense system intercepting hundreds of Iranian drones and missiles in Israeli airspace. A 7-year-old girl was critically injured during the attacks, according to reports.
#WATCH | Tel Aviv: Iranian drones intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome, as Iran launches a drone attack against Israel by sending thousands of drones into its airspace.
(Source: Reuters) pic.twitter.com/GyqSRpUPF1
— ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2024
Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for Israel’s military, confirmed that Iran had launched numerous ground-to-ground missiles, including cruise missiles. Despite this, most of the missiles were intercepted outside Israeli borders. The attack, involving over 200 drones and missiles, caused minor damage to an Israeli military facility. However, most of the drones and missiles launched by Iran were intercepted before they could breach Israeli airspace.
The IDF issued a statement saying, “A short while ago, dozens of surface-to-surface missile launches from Iran were identified approaching Israeli territory. The IDF Aerial Defense Array successfully intercepted the majority of the launches using the ‘Arrow’ Aerial Defense System, together with Israel’s strategic allies, before the launches crossed into Israeli territory.”
“Over the past few hours, many dozens of hostile aircraft, as well as dozens of cruise missiles, from Iran were identified approaching Israeli territory and intercepted. Dozens of IAF fighter jets are currently operating to intercept all aerial threats approaching Israeli territory. The IDF is deployed on all fronts, prepared, and continuing to defend Israeli territory,” the statement added.
Iranian strikes resulted in “minor damage” to an Israeli base, according to army spokesman Daniel Hagari on Sunday. This comes after Iran’s state media claimed the base suffered “heavy blows.”
Hagari stated, “Only a few missiles fell in the territory of the state of Israel with slight damage to a military base in the south, with only slight damage to the infrastructure.”
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Iran’s attack, expressing deep concern about the potential for further escalation and the broader regional implications. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden reiterated America’s unwavering support for Israel, pledging “ironclad” backing amid the escalating tensions.
International condemnation of Iran’s actions has been swift, with countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and others denouncing the attack.
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