TEHRAN: Iran’s military has announced that it launched a new wave of attacks on United States and Israeli targets, firing more than 40 missiles and shooting down 10 drones during the latest escalation.
According to international media reports, Iranian officials said the strikes were carried out in retaliation for recent military actions by the US and Israel. The Iranian military stated that American installations in Kuwait and Bahrain were among the sites targeted during the operation.
A spokesperson for the Iranian armed forces said over 40 missiles were used in the strikes and claimed that 10 unmanned aerial vehicles belonging to the US and Israel were destroyed during the confrontation.
The spokesperson also issued a warning that if Washington and Tel Aviv attempt to force regime change in Iran, Tehran could retaliate by targeting Israel’s nuclear facilities.
Explosions Heard in Jerusalem
News agency AFP reported that the Israeli military confirmed several Iranian missile launches early Thursday, which triggered air raid sirens in multiple locations. Explosions were reportedly heard in Jerusalem, though authorities said there were no immediate reports of casualties.
Following a pause of more than seven hours, Israel issued three alerts within two hours warning residents about incoming Iranian missiles.
Iran’s state television network IRIB also confirmed the missile launches. Journalists in Jerusalem reported hearing blasts shortly after the third warning was issued.
However, Israel’s emergency service, Magen David Adom, stated that it had not received any reports of injuries and that the military later allowed residents to leave shelters.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese group Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a separate attack on a military base south of Tel Aviv. The group said it used a drone to strike an Israeli Iron Dome radar installation.
Earlier on Wednesday, Israeli airstrikes hit Beirut, leaving three people dead and six others wounded.
Air Travel Disruptions Across the Region
The intensifying conflict in the Middle East has significantly affected aviation across the region. Reports indicate that more than 20,000 flights across eight countries have been cancelled over the past five days due to security concerns.
Flights from Pakistan to several Middle Eastern destinations have also been impacted for the sixth straight day, with around 145 flights reportedly cancelled.
Separately, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence said its air defence systems intercepted three cruise missiles near the city of Al-Kharj. Officials said the missiles were destroyed before reaching their target and no casualties were reported.
Civilian Death Toll in Iran Rises
According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, more than 1,000 civilians have been killed in US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran since Saturday. The group reported that 1,097 civilians have died so far, including 181 children under the age of ten, while over 5,000 people have been injured.
The organization added that an additional 880 reported deaths are still being reviewed for verification.
The conflict began early Saturday when large-scale airstrikes across Iran killed several senior military and political figures, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
