Late Tuesday, sirens blared, and explosions were heard across Israel after Iran launched a missile attack. A U.S. defence official confirmed that the U.S. helped intercept some missiles to protect Israel.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they are doing everything necessary to safeguard civilians and advised people to stay in shelters until further notice. The IDF reassured that the loud explosions were due to interceptions, not direct hits. After about 40 minutes, it was declared safe for people to leave shelters, and IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari confirmed no further aerial threats from Iran were detected.
The IDF successfully intercepted many missiles, and although a few landed, there were no reported casualties. Hagari urged the public to remain cautious.
Iran’s mission to the United Nations confirmed the attack, claiming it was a response to Israeli actions. The U.S. had earlier warned Israel of Iran’s plans to launch a missile strike following Israel’s ground raids against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The U.S. and Israeli officials stressed that any further attack would carry severe consequences for Iran. Meanwhile, the U.S. government has taken additional security measures, advising its employees in Israel to shelter in place.
This attack follows an incident in April when Iran launched over 300 missiles at Israel in retaliation for an Israeli strike in Syria.
