Iran Launches 180 Missiles Toward Israel in Largest Attack This Year
WATCH VIDEO HERE (Source BBC NEWS)
In a significant escalation of hostilities between Iran and Israel, Iran launched a barrage of around 180 missiles aimed at various targets in Israel on Tuesday evening, marking the second major attack of this year. The attack, which follows a similar assault in April, has raised concerns of further regional destabilization. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that the missile strike was in retaliation for Israel’s assassination of key figures, including Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and IRGC commander Abbas Nilforoshan.
Overview of the Missile Attack
According to Israeli military sources, 180 ballistic and cruise missiles were launched, surpassing the April attack of 140 projectiles. The missiles targeted central and southern Israel, with several reaching populated areas like Tel Aviv and other key regions. Footage from local media captured the terrifying moments as missiles lit up the sky over Tel Aviv at around 19:45 local time, with Israel’s advanced defense systems working to intercept the majority of them.
Reports confirm that two individuals sustained minor injuries from shrapnel, though the scale of the damage is still unclear. Israeli officials have assured citizens that most of the missiles were intercepted by defense systems like Iron Dome and David’s Sling. However, a few missiles made it through, striking undisclosed locations.
Iran’s Motive for the Attack
The IRGC has made it clear that the missile strikes are in direct response to Israel’s targeted killings of high-ranking members of Iran’s allied groups, including Hezbollah and Hamas. The deaths of Hassan Nasrallah and Abbas Nilforoshan in Beirut, along with Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, are believed to have triggered this latest round of aggression. Iran’s leadership, with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reportedly giving the order, is doubling down on its opposition to Israel’s actions in the region.
Tehran has long been a staunch opponent of Israel, calling for its eradication and backing various militant organizations in the Middle East through its so-called Axis of Resistance. This latest assault is a continuation of the shadow war between the two nations, which have been engaged in tit-for-tat operations over the years.
How Israel Responded to the Missile Threat
Israel’s multi-layered defense systems, including the Iron Dome and David’s Sling, were quickly activated in response to the attack. While the Iron Dome typically handles short-range rockets, David’s Sling intercepted medium- to long-range missiles in Tuesday’s attack. Additionally, the Arrow systems likely played a role in thwarting the ballistic missiles flying above the earth’s atmosphere.
Israel’s defenses proved resilient, with flashes seen in the sky as air defense units intercepted the majority of incoming missiles. The military confirmed that only a few missiles reached their targets. Though casualties and serious damage appear minimal, this does little to mask the growing tension between the two nations.
Global Reactions and Potential Repercussions
The international community, particularly Israel’s allies, has already started reacting to the attack. The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to aiding Israel in its defense, with U.S. forces reportedly intercepting several missiles aimed at Israeli targets. President Joe Biden instructed U.S. military units stationed in the region to assist with missile defense.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military has indicated that retaliation is inevitable, with Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Haggari warning of consequences for Iran’s actions. The situation is still developing, but tensions in the region are now higher than ever.
As both nations prepare for what could be a prolonged conflict, the international community will be watching closely to see what happens next. With Iran threatening an even “more crushing” response should Israel retaliate, the situation is poised to escalate further.
Social Media Reactions
- “Praying for Israel right now. So many missiles fired, hope everyone is safe 🙏🏽 #IsraelUnderAttack” – @SarahFromTelAviv
- “Iran’s missile attack is just another chapter in a tragic cycle of violence. We need peace in the Middle East! 😔 #IranIsraelConflict” – @PeaceAdvocate4All
- “Iron Dome doing its job again. Props to the IDF for keeping us safe during this terrifying time. #IsraelDefense #IronDome” – @JerusalemWatcher
- “Iran really launched 180 missiles?! This is a dangerous game. What happens next could change everything. 😳 #MiddleEastCrisis #IranMissiles” – @WorldNewsNow
- “We need to stop this madness. More violence is not the answer, but retaliation seems inevitable 😞 #IranVsIsrael” – @MideastObserver
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