Iran launches barrage of missiles at Israel in response to killings of Haniyeh, Nasrallah
Attack comes days after Hezbollah leader was assassinated in Israeli strike in Beirut
TEHRAN
Iran has fired hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel amid heightened tensions between two regional arch-rivals.
The attack started around 8.15 p.m. local time (1645GMT) on Tuesday. Iranian media said at least 400 missiles had been launched so far.
🚨Sirens sound across Israel following launch of missiles from Iran
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) October 1, 2024
◼️ As sirens wailed in different regions, especially Tel Aviv, due to the missiles fired, the army asked Israelis to stay in safe places
◼️ The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed the missile attack on… pic.twitter.com/kNsL7QD9kQ
In a preliminary statement, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRCG) said the attack was in response to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and IRGC Commander Abbas Nilforoshan.
Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran last month. Nasrallah was assassinated in Beirut on Friday along with Nilforoshan.
The guard corps warned that if Israel responds to the missile barrage, it will face more “crushing attacks.
🚨Iran fires hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) October 1, 2024
◼️Israel announces closure of its airspace, emergency services reports 3 injured due to missiles landing in Tel Aviv
◼️Iran warns of 'crushing response' if Israel retaliates, while Israeli army says citizens now can leave… pic.twitter.com/77k8rUk0cw
It further said the attack was being carried out with the support of the army and the Defense Ministry.
Iran's UN mission later issued a statement affirming that the missile strikes were "Iran's legal, rational, and legitimate response" to the killings, emphasizing that this action had "been duly carried out."
Tensions have been running high between Tehran and Tel Aviv since the assassination of Haniyeh in the Iranian capital on Aug. 1. Iran had blamed it on Israel and vowed a stern response.
🚨Ballistic missiles fired from Iran towards Israel seen in skies over Tel Aviv
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) October 1, 2024
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says attack was in response to assassination of Hamas leader Haniyeh, Hezbollah leader Nasrallah, and IRGC Commander Nilforoshan https://t.co/r1HGVTtzOs pic.twitter.com/TBsm5Tg0Tr
The assassination of Nasrallah, a key ally of Iran, in an Israeli airstrike in a southern suburb of Beirut was followed by strong condemnation from Iran’s top leadership.
It is not yet known whether the missiles fired towards Israel struck their targets and if there are any casualties or damages.
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