TEHRAN: The Iranian military has begun launching ballistic missiles at Israel in response to a series of high-profile assassinations inside Iran and Lebanon.
So far, Iran has reportedly fired 400 ballistic missiles at Israel, with launches originating from Isfahan, Tabriz, Khoramabad, Karaj, and Arak, according to a Tehran Times’ report.
This decision for retaliation was made by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC).
The trigger for the escalation includes Israel’s assassination of Palestinian Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31.
In a major airstrike on Beirut, Lebanon, on September 27, Israel also killed Iranian Brigadier General Abbas Nilforoushan, who was serving as a military advisor in Lebanon, and Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.
Meanwhile, Israelis rushed to shelters as alarms blared and explosions echoed in Jerusalem and the Jordan River Valley, following Iran’s launch of a barrage of ballistic missiles in retaliation for Israel’s operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Reports indicate that as many as 100 missiles were fired, with some intercepted over Jordan.
In response to the missile threat, the Israeli military had earlier advised the public to take cover in safe rooms. The escalation comes after Israel conducted ground raids in Lebanon, marking the first significant military action there in 18 years, which has sparked fears of a broader regional conflict.
US President Joe Biden affirmed that the United States stands ready to assist Israel in defending itself against Iranian missile attacks, emphasizing the commitment to protect American personnel in the region. This missile launch is part of a rapid escalation of conflict, following intense Israeli airstrikes that have reportedly killed many top Hezbollah leaders and resulted in significant civilian casualties in Lebanon.
As the situation intensifies, the humanitarian toll continues to rise, with many Lebanese expressing their determination to resist Israeli forces. In a related incident, at least seven people were injured in a suspected terrorist shooting in Tel Aviv, as emergency services responded to multiple locations.
