JERUSALEM – In an unprecedented move that escalates conflict in the Middle East, Iran launched a massive drone attack on Israel, according to Israeli military reports.
In a development likely to escalate tensions in the Middle East, Israel’s military reported on Saturday that Iran had launched dozens of drones aimed at Israel.
However, Israel stated that it would take hours for these drones to reach their intended targets.
According to two security sources in Iraq, numerous drones were observed flying from Iran toward Israel through Iraqi airspace.
Iranian Press TV described these actions as “extensive drone strikes” orchestrated by the Revolutionary Guards.
Initially, a reported 150 missiles were hurled at targets in Israel, according to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency.
The purported attack follows Iran’s vow of retaliation for what it claims was an Israeli strike on its Damascus consulate on April 1, resulting in the deaths of seven Revolutionary Guards officers, including two senior commanders.
Israel has not officially acknowledged its involvement in the attack.
The United States, through President Joe Biden, has reiterated its support for Israel in the face of potential Iranian aggression.
Biden, having previously cautioned Iran against attacking Israel, has pledged to stand by Israel’s side.
“I’ve just spoken with Prime Minister Netanyahu to reaffirm America’s ironclad commitment to the security of Israel, President Biden said in a statement.
“I told him that Israel demonstrated a remarkable capacity to defend against and defeat even unprecedented attacks – sending a clear message to its foes that they cannot effectively threaten the security of Israel.”
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, now entering its seventh month, has contributed to heightened tensions in the region.
This tension has extended beyond the Israel-Gaza front, involving Lebanon and Syria, and has resulted in long-range attacks targeting Israeli interests from distant locations like Yemen and Iraq.
DeSoto Tribune Staff