Iran Launches Missile Barrage at Israel in Response to Assassinations
In a bold move, Iran unleashed a barrage of missiles at Israel, citing it as a retaliation for the assassinations of senior Hezbollah, Hamas, and Iranian officials. The attack on Tuesday night sent shockwaves through Israel, prompting citizens to seek refuge in bomb shelters and sparking fears of an impending all-out war in the region.
Israeli Military Vows Retaliation
The Israeli military swiftly responded to the missile attack from Iran, labeling it as a “rational and legitimate response” to previous Israeli actions. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) reported that 180 missiles struck Israel, triggering air raid sirens across the country.
Iran’s Warning and Target
Iran’s military chief, Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, stated that the missile attack was limited to military targets but cautioned of broader strikes if Israel chose to retaliate. Bagheri revealed that Iran targeted military infrastructure, including intelligence agencies, airbases, and radar installations, emphasizing that they had the capability to strike economic infrastructure but refrained from doing so.
Consequences of the Attack
The missile assault resulted in alarms blaring across Israel, with explosions heard in cities like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. While no casualties were reported by the Israeli military, emergency services confirmed that two individuals sustained minor injuries from shrapnel in the Tel Aviv area. Tragically, a 38-year-old Palestinian man in Jericho lost his life due to falling rocket debris.
International Response
The United States expressed readiness to provide additional defensive support to Israel following the attack. Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned the assault as “totally unacceptable” and called for global condemnation. Meanwhile, Iranian-backed Iraqi armed groups warned of targeting US bases in Iraq if the US intervened in response to Iranian strikes on Israel.
Global Concern
As tensions escalated, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres denounced the widening conflict in the Middle East and called for an immediate ceasefire. The situation remains precarious, with the world closely monitoring the developments in the region.
