Sun. Dec 22nd, 2024

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Iran launched a large aerial attack on Israel and the territory it controls starting late on Saturday, firing at least 300 drones and missiles. It is the first such direct attack launched from Iranian territory after decades of shadow warfare between the two countries. The assault was in response to a recent strike on a building in the Iranian embassy complex in Syria that killed several of Iran’s top commanders.
What happened during the attack?
Air raid sirens sounded in Israel and the West Bank overnight, signalling the start of an attack that had been anticipated for days. An Israeli military spokesman said Sunday the launches numbered more than 300, but 99% of them were intercepted. Rear Adm Daniel Hagari said Iran fired 170 drones, more than 30 cruise missiles and more than 120 ballistic missiles. Several ballistic missiles reached Israeli territory, causing minor damage to an air base. The US participated in the defensive actions, and defence secretary Lloyd Austin said US forces had intercepted missiles and attack drones launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Britain also said its planes had shot down drones. In addition, Jordan, which neighbours Israel, said its military shot down aircraft and missiles that entered its airspace.
What damage did the attack cause?
The attack caused no deaths, but 12 people were brought in to the Soroka Medical Center in southern Israel overnight. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the chief spokesman for Israel’s military, said the Nevatim air force base in the Negev desert in southern Israel suffered light damage from the attack.
What was the immediate cause of the attack?
The undeclared conflict escalated on April 1, when Israeli warplanes struck the building in Damascus that is part of the Iranian embassy complex, according to Iranian and Syrian officials. At least three senior commanders and four officers overseeing Iran’s covert operations in West Asia were killed. Iran vowed to retaliate.
What have the leaders said?
Israeli PM Netanyahu has so far spoken only about the defensive military operation. In a post on social media he said: “We intercepted. We blocked. Together we will win.” Iran’s foreign ministry described the attack as a defensive measure, and its Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps warned US against getting involved.



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