In a shocking twist, Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian military bases that killed two Iranian soldiers. The strikes, launched after 2 a.m. local time Saturday (22:30 GMT Friday), followed what Israel described as “months of aggression” from Iran and its regional allies.
The Israeli military confirmed it “completed” the mission, saying the attack met its objectives. Iran’s response has been firm, with officials hinting at proportional retaliation.
Attacks targeted strategic military installations all over Iran, including centers for missile production and defense systems. Explosions reportedly occurred in different regions, especially the capital Tehran.
Israel’s attack caused minimal damage, claims Iran
However, Iran claimed the damage was minimal. It said that bases in Ilam, Khuzestan, and Tehran were hit but the forces responded effectively to the attack.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry called the strikes an act of external aggression and said Iran reserves its right to self-defense. The Israeli military claims that its attacks targeted only Iranian sites responsible for missile production and launching, as it accuses Iran and its allies of using those missiles to attack Israel.
Other targets reportedly included surface-to-air missile sites and other aerial defense capabilities, adding to an already volatile mix in a region.
Why Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian military bases?
Israel’s swift response to what has been described as Iran-orchestrated attacks has seen 200 missiles launched at Israel in early October, killing one person in the occupied West Bank. This latest round of airstrikes has deepened fears that the wider conflict may finally be here, with Iran saying “Israel will face consequences for any hostile action.”
As per Iran’s air defense head quarters, “The successfully countered these attacks. There was no immediate indication that oil or missile sites were hit.”
Flights across Iran resumed normal operations following the strikes, as even a major airport such as Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran was left untouched.
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