Israel has been carrying out its expected retaliatory attack on Iran for weeks. “In response to the Iranian regime’s months of continued attacks on Israel,” they are “currently conducting precise strikes against military targets in Iran.” Iranian media reported explosions in the west of the capital Tehran.
Iranian state television reported that air defenses had been activated. Iran’s Air Defense Command said the strikes targeted military bases in Tehran, Khuzestan and Ilam provinces. The air defense successfully repelled the attacks and the damage remained “limited”. There was initially no more detailed information.
Military spokesman Daniel Hagari commented on the airstrikes in a video on X:
“Immediate threats to the State of Israel averted”
Israel later declared that its attacks had ended. The Israeli army announced early Saturday morning that the mission had been accomplished. “Our planes have returned home safely.” The retaliatory strike targeted missile production facilities and missile launch facilities in Iran. “We carried out targeted and precise strikes against military targets in Iran, averting direct threats to the State of Israel,” military spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a video. “If the Iranian regime makes the mistake of initiating a new round of escalation, we will be forced to respond,” he added.
The Israeli military said during the attacks that the Iranian regime and its allies in the region have been ruthlessly attacking Israel since October 7 last year – on seven fronts – including direct attacks from Iranian soil. “Like every other sovereign country in the world, the State of Israel has the right and obligation to respond.” “We will do whatever it takes to defend the State of Israel and the Israeli people.”
Retaliation after Iran’s attack on October 1
The counterattack followed the recent Iranian missile attack. On October 1, the Revolutionary Guards, Iran’s elite force, fired approximately 200 ballistic missiles into Israel. The attack came after a series of targeted killings on Iranian soil by Israel, targeting key players in Iran’s network of non-state allies. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards have repeatedly emphasized in recent days that they want to respond decisively to an Israeli attack.
No casualties reported, flight area closed
Meanwhile, state news agency IRNA, citing emergency services circles, reported that no casualties had been reported in Tehran. The internet in the capital was severely limited. According to state media, Iran has completely closed its airspace. All flights have been cancelled, IRNA reported, citing a spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority.
Missile alarm in northern Israel
After the Israeli retaliatory attack began, another rocket alarm sounded in northern Israel. The Israeli military said warning sirens sounded in the coastal town of Nahariya and surrounding areas. There were initially no reports of possible casualties. The Lebanese Hezbollah militia, allied with Iran, has been shelling Israel since the start of the Gaza war a year ago. Israel responded with massive air strikes and now a ground offensive. Two men were injured by rocket debris in Nahariya on Thursday.
The attack on Iran began during the Jewish day of rest, the Sabbath. The High Jewish Holidays had ended earlier on Thursday evening.
US sees “self-defense maneuvers”
According to a White House spokesman, the United States was aware of Israel’s actions but was not involved in the operation. Washington described Israel’s attacks on targets in Iran as “self-defense maneuvers.” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned on Wednesday that Israel’s retaliatory measures should not lead to further escalation in the Middle East.
According to US media reports, Israeli attacks on Iran are not targeting Iranian nuclear facilities or oil fields. The attack actually targeted military targets, ABC and NBC reported. In recent weeks, the US had urged Israel not to attack Iran’s oil and nuclear facilities. According to the New York Times, White House and Pentagon officials had consulted closely with Israel in recent days about the scope and nature of targets Israel could attack in Iran.
Targets in southern Syria were also attacked
Israel also shelled military facilities in central and southern Syria on Saturday night, according to Syrian state news agency SANA. The rockets came from the direction of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and Lebanon and some of them could have been intercepted, the agency said. According to SANA, there had previously been explosions near the capital Damascus. The Syrian regime is an ally of Israel’s arch-enemy Iran.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
