In a significant escalation, Iran has carried out a retaliatory strike against Israel by launching hundreds of aerial drones and missiles.
This direct clash represents the first overt confrontation between the two longstanding adversaries, who have previously engaged in a prolonged covert conflict through proxy forces.
The Israeli military reported that Israel and other nations intercepted over 300 cruise missiles and drones, primarily outside Israeli airspace. Despite the high volume of projectiles, Israel indicated that minimal damage was inflicted but advised citizens to remain vigilant and alert.
US President Joe Biden said “we helped Israel take down nearly all” of missiles and drones as he expressed strong condemnation for the attack.
“Iran and its proxies operating out of Yemen, Syria and Iraq launched an unprecedented air attack against military facilities in Israel,” he said.
Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) said the attack was aimed at “specific targets”.
Iran had vowed to retaliate for a strike on its consulate in Syria on 1 April which killed seven IRGC officers, including a top commander. It accused Israel of carrying out that attack, but Israel neither confirmed nor denied it.
