New Delhi, Apr 14: Tehran launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel since Saturday in retaliation for the Israeli airstrike on its Damascus consulate, which resulted in the death of senior commanders Mohammed Reza Zahedi and Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi of Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The direct attack represents a departure from its usual indirect confrontational methods.
Israel has declared successful interception of the vast majority of over 300 drones and missiles launched by Iran, with some minor hits reported on Israeli territory, including at an Israel Defence Forces (IDF) base in southern Israel, resulting in one injury.
Israeli Minister of Defence, Yoav Gallant, stressed that the confrontation with Iran remains ongoing, asserting that it is “not over yet”.
Sirens blared across Israel, and loud explosions reverberated last night over Jerusalem as air defence systems engaged in intercepting objects over the city.
According to The New York Times, which cited Israeli intelligence sources, the primary targets appeared to be military installations in the Golan Heights.
An Israeli military spokesman disclosed that approximately 360 munitions were fired, comprising 170 explosive drones, 30 cruise missiles, and 120 ballistic missiles.
However, Israel reported minimal damage inflicted by the attacks.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari confirmed that some Iranian missiles struck inside Israel, causing minor damage to a military base but resulting in no casualties.
However, Iran asserted that its attack “achieved all its objectives” and warned of using greater force if Israel retaliates.
This retaliatory strike from Tehran marks the first time it has directly targeted Israel from its soil.
The attack is seen as retaliation for an Israeli strike in Damascus on April 1, 2024, which killed an Iranian military commander and seven others.
Expectations of retaliation from Tehran had been looming since then.
US President Joe Biden praised the US forces for their role in countering the incoming drones and missiles, stating that they “assisted Israel in neutralising nearly all” of Iran’s deployed drones and missiles during the assault.
He condemned the attacks in the strongest terms and commended the swift deployment of US aircraft and destroyers to the area ahead of the unprecedented attack.
An escalation in regional tensions unfolded over approximately five hours as Iran, supported by Yemen and Lebanon, launched a major operation toward Israel.
The sky was illuminated by sparkling blasts and whistles as Iranian drones and missiles were intercepted amidst blaring sirens.
According to US media reports, US forces intercepted dozens of one-way attack drones and several ballistic missiles during the onslaught.
This interception was primarily carried out by warships stationed in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, enhancing Israel’s defence capabilities.
The presence of two guided missile destroyers equipped for such contingencies proved instrumental in thwarting the attacks.
The US and UK fighter jets were reportedly active in neutralising Iranian drones targeting Israel.
President Biden conveyed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel should view the outcome as favourable, given the assessment that the attacks largely failed, underscoring Israel’s military strength.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed that UK jets successfully intercepted several Iranian attack drones.
Sunak revealed that the UK played a crucial role in an “international coordinated effort” to intercept the missiles and drones launched by Iran.
Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, Sunak said that the Royal Air Force (RAF) deployed additional aircraft to the region to assist in the interception efforts.
He emphasised that Iran’s attack constituted a “dangerous and unnecessary escalation,” which he strongly denounced. Following the Iranian attack, certain movement restrictions within Israel have been lifted.
Israelis are no longer required to remain close to shelters nationwide, although limitations on gatherings persist, and all educational activities and school trips remain cancelled. Earlier, reports of air raid sirens and explosions across Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, occurred as Israeli, US, UK, and Jordanian forces intercepted missiles and drones launched from Iran.
Concerned civilians took precautionary measures, seeking shelter as explosions reverberated and cities experienced blackouts.
ATTACK FROM LEBANON
More than 55 rockets were fired from Lebanon into Israel simultaneously, as reported by the Israeli military’s spokesperson.
According to the Israel Defence Forces, this escalation follows a similar incident on Friday when around 40 rockets were launched from southern Lebanon toward Israel.
Hezbollah militants claimed responsibility for these attacks, stating that they targeted Israeli artillery positions in response to recent Israeli actions and in solidarity with the Palestinian people in Gaza.
Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah along Lebanon’s southern border have intensified since the onset of the Hamas-Israel conflict on October 7.
Hezbollah, a Lebanese armed group backed by Iran, operates primarily in this region.
Since October 7, Hezbollah has frequently launched missiles into Israel, prompting retaliatory measures from Israel, including airstrikes.
Consequently, Israel has issued evacuation orders for communities along the Lebanese border.
SIMULTANEOUS YEMEN ATTACK
According to reports, the Yemeni armed forces have launched multiple drones toward Israel concurrently with a barrage of missiles and drones fired by Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps.
As Iran initiated a missile and drone assault on Israeli positions in response to an attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria, three Yemeni drones were reportedly spotted in the skies over Palestinian territories. English maritime security company “Ambri” claimed that these drones were launched with Iran’s coordination.
The Yemeni Army has previously undertaken similar operations in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, often targeting Israeli or Israeli-bound ships in the Red Sea as part of anti-regime efforts.
In the past, US Navy forces in the Red Sea have intercepted long-range missiles launched from Yemen towards Israel, while forces stationed in Iraq and Syria could potentially intercept drones and rockets aimed at northern Israel.
G7 MEETING
US President Joe Biden is set to convene with G7 leaders late Sunday, aiming to formulate a joint diplomatic response to what he described as Iran’s “brazen attack”.
The White House released a statement outlining Biden’s intention to coordinate efforts with allied nations in the wake of the assault.
“We will engage with counterparts across the region and stay closely connected with Israel’s leaders,” Biden’s statement asserts. “While there have been no reported attacks on our forces or facilities today, we remain vigilant against all threats and are prepared to take necessary action to safeguard our people.”
While the situation remains fluid, US forces remain on high alert, ready to provide defensive support to Israel as needed.