Iran Launches Drone Attack Against Israel: IDF Claims
In retaliation to attack on its Damascus consulate on April 1, that killed 7 of its military officials including a senior officer, Iran”s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has launched “extensive” retaliatory drone strikes against Israel, Iran”s Press TV reported. According to videos viral on social media, several missiles have hit Israel and people are seen running in fear and panic as the missiles landing inside the Israeli territories.
Right after Iran”s move was confirmed, Israel”s defence establishment went live on TV and claimed that Iran launched Unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs from within its territory toward Israel. “The IDF is on high alert and is constantly monitoring the operational situation. The IDF Aerial Defense Array is on high alert, along with IAF fighter jets and Israeli Navy vessels that are on a defense mission in Israeli air and naval space. The IDF is monitoring all targets,” the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said.
The IRGC has also confirmed the attack in a statement claiming “tens of missiles and drones against certain targets inside the occupied territories” have been launched.
“In response to the Zionist regime’s numerous crimes, including the attack on the consular section of Iran’s Embassy in Damascus and the martyrdom of a number of our country’s commanders and military advisors in Syria, the IRGC’s Aerospace Division launched tens of missiles and drones against certain targets inside the occupied territories,” the statement read.
Major updates from Iran”s attack on Israel
– ABC News quoted a US official as saying that Iran has launched another wave of 70 missiles.
– Israeli military confirmed to Haaretz that the barrage of ballistic missiles from Iran has now concluded and that drones and cruise missiles are now expected.
– Videos of missiles hitting Israeli targets emerge.
– Israel claims 99% of Iranian drones and missiles have been intercepted
– President Joe Biden met with his national security team for an update on the attack and said US” “commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad”.
President Joe Biden meeting his security team over Iran”s attack on Israel
– Iran reportedly warned Jordan and said it “is watching Jordan for any moves in support of Israel” during Tehran’s retaliatory attacks, saying the country may become the “next target”.
– World War III trending on social media.
– Channel 12 of Israel reports that US, UK fighter jets have shot down Iranian drones near the Syria-Iraq border.
– Hezbollah has started missile strikes against Israel.
– “Our support for Israel”s security is ironclad. The United States will stand with the people of Israel and support their defense against these threats from Iran”: US
– Reports say that British fighter jets are now involved in operation to intercept Iranian drones.
– “Reckless attack,” UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reacts on Iran’s attack.
– Iranian media reports Yemen has also launched drones attack on Israel.
– Prime Minister Netanyahu convenes war cabinet.
– Jordan declares a state of emergency amid Iranian attack on Israel.
– Some media reports say that Iranian drones have begun to be intercepted over Syrian airspace.
– Iran”s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei”s says on X that “the malicious Zionist regime will be punished”.
– Racing back from Delaware, President Joe Biden hurried to the White House on Saturday, only to face a flurry of Iranian drone attacks targeting Israel. These strikes occurred shortly after the White House disclosed his return, signaling mounting tensions in the Middle East requiring urgent national security deliberations.
– IRNA reported quoting Arab Defense website that Qatar and Kuwait have issued directives to the United States, prohibiting the use of their bases and airspace for any potential military action against Iran. Both the countries have communicated to the United States that they will not allow the use of their bases for actions against Iran.
– IRNA has also reported that the Persian Gulf countries have prohibited any use of their airspace by the US for potential military operations against Iran.
Meanwhile, another Iranian media house reported a massive blackout in many districts in Tel Aviv, the capital of Israel, on Saturday night due to a major cyberattack on Israel”s electricity authority.
The Special Naval Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) seized the Israel-linked MCS Aries ship near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. Members conducted a heliborne operation to redirect the Portuguese-flagged vessel, operated by Zodiac Maritime Shipping Company, partially owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer, into Iran’s territorial waters.
Hours before the alleged retaliatory attack, the IDF has announced that it has made changes to the Home Front Command’s defensive guidelines. “As part of the changes”, the IDF said the state has decided to prohibit educational activities across Israel. “In green areas, gatherings will be limited to 1,000 people,” the announcement from IDF said.
