Operation Over, Stronger Reaction If Israel Responds: Iran (Image: IRNA)
After launching and unprecedented drones and missile attacks at Israel on Saturday night, Iran military has now said the operation is over now and will respond in stronger measures if Israel responds to the action. Iran sent hundreds of “flying objects” targeting areas in Israel as a retaliatory measure after its Damascus consulate was attacked on April 1 that killed seven military officials including a top officer.
The chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Major General Mohammad Baqeri, was quoted by Iran’s Press TV that the country has concluded its retaliatory strikes on the occupied territories, warning of a “stronger” reaction if the Israeli regime responds.
“The operation is over from our point of view, but the armed forces are ready and we will act if necessary,” Press TV quoted General Baqeri as saying on Sunday morning.
Meanwhile, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that its Arrow Aerial Defense System, together with Israel”s strategic allies, successfully intercepted the majority of the launches before the launches crossed into Israeli territory.
The IDF also said a small number of hits were identified, including at an IDF base in southern Israel, where minor damage was caused to infrastructure.
“Many dozens of hostile aircraft, as well as dozens of cruise missiles, were identified approaching Israeli territory from Iran and intercepted over the past few hours. Dozens of IAF fighter jets are currently operating to intercept all aerial threats approaching Israeli territory,” IDF said on Sunday morning.
However, Commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said the operation was more successful than expected. “Our information on all of the hits is not complete yet but on that part of the hits that we have accurate, documented and field- reports show that this operation has been carried out with a success that exceeded the expectation,” said Major General Hossein Salami.
Jordan said in a statement that it intercepted some “flying objects” entered its airspace on Saturday night to ensure the safety of citizens.
“Some shrapnel fell in multiple places during that time without causing any significant damage or any injuries to citizens. Our armed forces will confront everything that would endanger the security and safety of the homeland and its citizens and the sanctity of its airspace and territory,” Jordan said as state-run media quoted.
Meanwhile Al Jazeera reported quoting a US official, that President Joe Biden has told Netanyahu that the US will not participate in offensive operations against Iran directly, in a movie to push back on the Israeli Prime Minister from escalating the situation.
