Iran launched a huge attack on Israel using more than 300 drones and missiles.
The attack, which began Saturday night, was a direct response to a strike on an Iranian diplomatic building in Damascus, Syria earlier in April.
Israel reported that Iran sent 170 drones, over 30 cruise missiles, and more than 120 ballistic missiles toward its territory. However, Israel’s military said they intercepted over ninety-nine (99%) of the incoming barrage, with help from allies like the United States, the United Kingdom, Jordan and France.
Despite Israel’s defense efforts, some ballistic missiles caused minor damage to the Nevatim air base in the southern Negev desert. Sadly, 12 people were injured, including a seven-year-old girl who suffered severe head injuries from missile fragments.
This marks the first time Iran has directly attacked Israel from its own soil, escalating tensions in the region. While Israel managed to defend against the majority of the attack, the incident underscores the ongoing conflict between the two nations.The attack targeted sensitive areas in Israel, including the Nevatim airbase, where advanced military aircraft are stationed. Iran’s use of drones and missiles in the attack highlights the growing of its military capabilities.
Israel’s Iron Dome defense system proved effective in intercepting the majority of the incoming threats. However, the incident serves as a reminder of the volatile situation in the Middle East and the potential for further escalation between Iran and Israel.
The Backstory: Why Iran attacked Israel
Relations between Iran and Israel have been strained since the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran, which led to a regime that opposes Israel. Iran does not accept Israel’s right to exist and has called for its destruction. Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has labeled Israel a “cancerous tumor” that will be eliminated.
Israel sees Iran as a significant threat due to Tehran’s hostile rhetoric, support for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, and suspected pursuit of nuclear weapons, which Iran denies.
The recent escalation began with an airstrike on an Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria on April 1, which was blamed on Israel. Thirteen people (13), including a senior Iranian commander, were killed. This attack is part of a pattern of strikes against Iranian targets, often attributed to Israel. Iran responded with a bombardment of Israel, citing the airstrike as a violation of its sovereignty.
Iran has built alliances and supports proxy forces across the Middle East, including in Syria and Lebanon. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has engaged in clashes with Israel.
Despite Iran’s larger size and population, its military power does not surpass Israel’s. However, Iran has heavily invested in missiles and drones and supplied them to its allies and proxies, posing a significant challenge to Israel’s security.
The situation remains tense as it could lead to a full blown war in the Middle East.
Story by : Zenas Fiagbe
Sources : Aljazeera, CNN, Daily Mail, BBC , Reuters.
