In a dramatic escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran, Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Friday targeting key nuclear and military facilities in Iran. The attacks, carried out with warplanes and drones that were reportedly smuggled into the country, resulted in the deaths of top generals and scientists.
In response, Iran retaliated by launching scores of ballistic missiles towards Israel, causing explosions in the skies over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The attacks sent shockwaves through the region, with sirens blaring and explosions heard in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The Israeli military urged civilians to seek shelter as the conflict continued to escalate. The U.S. also became involved, with ground-based air defence systems in the region assisting in shooting down Iranian missiles.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, condemned the Israeli attacks as a “great crime” and vowed not to let the perpetrators escape unpunished. Iran’s U.N. ambassador reported that 78 people had been killed and over 320 wounded in the Israeli airstrikes.
The situation remains tense as both sides continue to exchange fire, raising concerns about the possibility of further escalation in the region. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and urging both parties to exercise restraint to prevent further bloodshed.
