Explosions echoed, and air raid sirens blared throughout Israel on Sunday morning.
Iran’s launch of hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles in a retaliatory mission heightened tensions in the Middle East, edging closer to a potential regional conflict.
The skies over Israel were filled with the sounds of booms and air raid sirens as the military engaged in a large-scale operation to intercept the incoming projectiles.
According to Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the Iranian offensive consisted of more than 300 launches, including 170 drones, over 30 cruise missiles, and more than 120 ballistic missiles.
Despite the scale of the attack, Hagari reported a 99% interception success rate, calling it “a very significant strategic success.”
Several ballistic missiles managed to penetrate Israeli defences, causing minor damage to an air base.
However, no significant casualties have been reported, except for a 7-year-old girl who was seriously wounded in a Bedouin Arab town in southern Israel. The circumstances of her injuries are currently under investigation by the police.
In Washington, President Joe Biden confirmed that U.S. forces played a crucial role in assisting Israel to down “nearly all” the drones and missiles. He also pledged to convene allies to formulate a unified response to the aggression.
This direct military assault marks the first of its kind by Iran on Israeli soil, following decades of animosity that traces back to Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.
The international community responded quickly, with the United Nations Secretary-General and leaders from France, Britain, and Germany expressing swift condemnation and concern over the potential for military escalation.
Hagari noted that most intercepts occurred outside Israel’s borders, with significant interceptions, including ten cruise missiles, achieved by Israeli warplanes.
The Iron Dome air defence system and the Arrow system, designed to shoot down ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere, played pivotal roles in defending against the attack. The involvement of “strategic partners” was also highlighted by Israel’s military.
President Biden detailed the proactive measures taken by the U.S. military, which included deploying aircraft and ballistic missile defence destroyers to the region to support Israel’s defence capabilities.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin added that American forces intercepted dozens of missiles and UAVs launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen en route to Israel.
The discussions between Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underscored America’s “ironclad commitment” to Israel’s security, despite Biden’s recent criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Iran’s attack is believed to be in retaliation for a suspected Israeli airstrike in Syria on April 1, which resulted in the deaths of two Iranian generals.
While Israel has not officially commented on the April 1 incident, the attack by Iran less than two weeks later has significantly heightened tensions.
Asked about Israel’s potential response, Hagari stated that the Israeli army “does and will do whatever is required to protect the security of the state of Israel,” indicating that the situation remains fluid.
As the incident continues to unfold, Israeli warplanes maintain a heavy presence in the skies, ready to counter any further threats.
Demonstrations in Tehran saw Iranian citizens rallying against Israel, with one demonstrator holding a model of a bullet as a symbol of victory.
The attack by Iran has brought the Middle East closer to the brink of a regionwide war, with the potential to destabilize the already volatile region further.
Israel’s multilayered air defence system has once again proven its effectiveness, safeguarding the nation from what could have been a devastating strike.
The incident has prompted a global call for restraint and diplomatic engagement to prevent an escalation into a full-scale war.
Analysts closely monitor the situation, which remains tense and uncertain, with potential implications for international security.
Israeli military’s readiness and the support of its allies have been crucial in mitigating the impact of Iran’s unprecedented assault.
As the events develop, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a peaceful resolution.
The resilience of Israel’s air defence systems and the support of strategic partners have been instrumental in thwarting the attack.
As the international community condemns the aggression, efforts are underway to de-escalate tensions and maintain peace in the Middle East.
Credit: AP news
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