Iran launched around 100 drones and cruise missiles against Israel. The Iaraeli military said that defense systems were poised to shoot them down or to sound sirens ordering residents in any threatened areas to take shelter. Some of the drones have been shot down over Jordan and Syria.
A number of drones were seen flying from the direction of Iran over Iraq’s Sulaymaniya province, several security sources told Reuters.
Israel’s Channel 12 TV subsequently reported, that Iran also launched cruise missiles, which have shorter flight times than drones. The total number of drones and missiles is said to be around 100.
Israel's top-rated Channel 12 TV reported that Iran had launched a total of around 100 drones and cruise missiles at Israeli targets on Saturday and that some were shot down over Syria or Jordan. Iran has vowed retaliation for what it called an Israeli strike on its Damascus consulate on April 1 that killed seven Revolutionary Guards officers including two senior commanders. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the attack.
Iranian English-language TV said the attack was launched by Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards, citing Iranian sources. This was later confirmed by a statement from the Revolutionary Guards.
The drones’ flight time would take several hours, chief military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a televised briefing. He confirmed media reports that “Wing of Zion,” Israel’s version of the U.S. “Air Force One,” was airborne, saying this was due to operational considerations.
An expert interviewed by Channel 12 TV, retired general Amos Yadlin, said the drones were equipped with 20 kg of explosives each and that Israel’s air defenses were ready to shoot them down.
Security sources in Jordan said the country was ready to shoot down any drones that would violate its airspace. Jordan announced it would be shutting down its airspace earlier on Saturday.
Syria put its Russian-made Pantsir ground-to-air defense systems around the capital Damascus and major bases on high alert in the event of an Israeli strike, army sources said.
They said they expected Israel would retaliate against army bases and installations where pro-Iranian militia were based after Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards said they launched dozens of drones and missiles against specific targets in Israel.
This has, however, reportedly resulted in some of the Iranian drones intended for Israel being shot down.
U.S. President Joe Biden will meet with national security officials and cabinet members at the White House on Saturday afternoon to discuss events in the Middle East. Earlier on Saturday the White House pledged to back Israel.
“We appreciate the U.S. standing alongside Israel, as well as the support of Britain, France and many other countries,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“We have determined a clear principle: Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We will defend ourselves against any threat and will do so level-headedly and with determination,” he said.
“Citizens of Israel, I know that you also are also level-headed. I call on you to follow the directives of IDF Home Front Command. Together we will stand and with God’s help, together we will overcome all of our enemies,” said Netanyahu. According to Netanyahu’s office, the prime minister has convened a war cabinet meeting at the military HQ in Tel Aviv.
Israel’s Channel 12 TV subsequently reported, that Iran also launched cruise missiles, which have shorter flight times than drones. The total number of drones and missiles is said to be around 100.
Israel's top-rated Channel 12 TV reported that Iran had launched a total of around 100 drones and cruise missiles at Israeli targets on Saturday and that some were shot down over Syria or Jordan. Iran has vowed retaliation for what it called an Israeli strike on its Damascus consulate on April 1 that killed seven Revolutionary Guards officers including two senior commanders. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the attack.
Iranian English-language TV said the attack was launched by Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards, citing Iranian sources. This was later confirmed by a statement from the Revolutionary Guards.
The drones’ flight time would take several hours, chief military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a televised briefing. He confirmed media reports that “Wing of Zion,” Israel’s version of the U.S. “Air Force One,” was airborne, saying this was due to operational considerations.
An expert interviewed by Channel 12 TV, retired general Amos Yadlin, said the drones were equipped with 20 kg of explosives each and that Israel’s air defenses were ready to shoot them down.
Security sources in Jordan said the country was ready to shoot down any drones that would violate its airspace. Jordan announced it would be shutting down its airspace earlier on Saturday.
Syria put its Russian-made Pantsir ground-to-air defense systems around the capital Damascus and major bases on high alert in the event of an Israeli strike, army sources said.
They said they expected Israel would retaliate against army bases and installations where pro-Iranian militia were based after Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards said they launched dozens of drones and missiles against specific targets in Israel.
This has, however, reportedly resulted in some of the Iranian drones intended for Israel being shot down.
U.S. President Joe Biden will meet with national security officials and cabinet members at the White House on Saturday afternoon to discuss events in the Middle East. Earlier on Saturday the White House pledged to back Israel.
“We appreciate the U.S. standing alongside Israel, as well as the support of Britain, France and many other countries,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“We have determined a clear principle: Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We will defend ourselves against any threat and will do so level-headedly and with determination,” he said.
“Citizens of Israel, I know that you also are also level-headed. I call on you to follow the directives of IDF Home Front Command. Together we will stand and with God’s help, together we will overcome all of our enemies,” said Netanyahu. According to Netanyahu’s office, the prime minister has convened a war cabinet meeting at the military HQ in Tel Aviv.
Source: Reuters
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