New Delhi:

Late on Saturday, Iran launched a barrage of explosive drones and missiles aimed directly at Israeli territory in response to the bombing of the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital Damascus earlier this month. This is Iran’s first direct attack on Israel since the conflict in the region began in October last year.

Israel sounded sirens across the country as a video shared by the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) showed its iconic Iron Dome intercepting hundreds of Iranian drones and missiles in Israeli airspace. According to the news agency AFP, a 7-year-old girl was seriously injured in the attacks.

The reality of the Israelis in the last hours: pic.twitter.com/VXeHM8WqJi

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 14, 2024

Israel’s military spokesman Daniel Hagari confirmed that Iran had fired dozens of surface-to-surface missiles, including cruise missiles, most of which were intercepted outside Israeli borders. Hagari said the attack, which involved more than 200 drones and missiles, caused minor damage to an Israeli military installation, but managed to intercept most of the 200 drones and missiles fired by Iran, most of which hit targets. Stopped before violating Israeli airspace.

“Shortly ago, dozens of surface-to-surface missiles were identified by Iran as approaching Israeli territory. The IDF Air Defense Array, along with Israel’s strategic allies, deployed the ‘Aero’ air defense system. successfully intercepted most of the launches before they entered Israeli territory, including at an IDF base in southern Israel, which caused minor damage to infrastructure,” the IDF said in a statement. said

“During the past few hours, dozens of enemy aircraft and dozens of cruise missiles have been identified by Iran, approaching Israeli territory and intercepted. All fronts are deployed, ready and the defense of Israeli territory continues.” is kept

After the attack, Israeli officials promised a “significant response”. Iran, in turn, justified its actions as retaliation for perceived Israeli aggression, citing an earlier strike on the Damascus consulate that resulted in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) ) three senior commanders were killed.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Iran’s attack and expressed deep concern over the possibility of further escalation and wider regional implications. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden reiterated America’s unwavering support for Israel, pledging “ironclad” support amid rising tensions.