Iran launches aerial attack on Israel: What we know so far

Iran mounted a series of aerial attacks via explosive drones and missiles directly on Israel on Saturday night, marking its first-ever direct conflict on Israeli territory. These strikes were in retaliation to an Israeli attack on an Iranian consulate building in Damascus on April 1, which resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, including two high-ranking members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.

Here is what we know so far:

👉 Booms and air raid sirens sounded across Israel early Sunday after Iran launched drones, and ballistic missiles directed at Israel on Saturday night. According to an Israeli military spokesman, the launches numbered more than 300 but 99% of them were intercepted. Israeli Military also said that some of the projectiles were also fired from Iraq and Yemen in addition to Iran.

👉 According to the Israeli Military the IDF Aerial Defense Array successfully intercepted the majority of the missile launches from Iran using the ‘Arrow’ Aerial Defense System. “A small number of hits were identified, including at an IDF base in southern Israel, where minor damage was caused to infrastructure,” their statement said.

👉 US President Joe Biden on Saturday condemned Iranian attacks on military facilities in Israel, pledged a coordinated G7 diplomatic response and said the United States had helped Israel take down “nearly all” of the attacking drones and missiles. “Tomorrow, I will convene my fellow G7 leaders to coordinate a united diplomatic response to Iran’s brazen attack,” he said.

In this image provided by the White House, President Joe Biden, along with members of his national security team, receive an update on an ongoing airborne attack on Israel from Iran, as they meet in the Situation Room of the White House in Washington, Saturday, April 13, 2024. (AP Photo)

👉 According to Israel’s chief military spokesperson France was among the countries involved in defending against Iran’s overnight attack on Israel.”France has very good technology, jets, radar – and I know they were contributing in patrolling airspace,” he was quoted saying by Reuters.

👉 Israel has announced the closure of all schools and educational systems starting Sunday as a precautionary measure to safeguard its citizens, reported the Jerusalem Post. IDF Spokesperson Rear-Admiral Daniel Hagari stated in a video message that all educational activities, camp programs, and planned trips will be suspended. Additionally, the Home Front Command has prohibited public events with more than 1,000 attendees, the Jerusalem Post stated.

Israeli Iron Dome air defense system launches to intercept missiles fired from Iran, in central Israel, Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel on Saturday. (AP Photo)

👉 According to a Reuters report, the United Nations Security Council is set to convene on Sunday following Israel’s request for condemnation of Iran’s attack on Israel and the designation of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization. The tentative meeting time, according to the diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity, is 4 p.m. ET (20 00 GMT).

👉 India’s reaction: The Ministry of External Affairs released a statement today, saying that “India was concerned at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran” and called for “immediate de-escalation and return to the path of diplomacy.” “We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. Our Embassies in the region are in close touch with Indian community. It is vital that security and stability are maintained in the region,” the MEA statement read.

Iranian demonstrators react after the IRGC attack on Israel, during an anti-Israeli gathering in front of the British Embassy in Tehran, Iran, April 14, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS

👉 How World powers reacted: Countries including France, Germany, Canada, Japan and the United Kingdom have condemned the Iranian air attack on Israel. “We support Israel’s right to defend itself and its people from these attacks,” Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said. Meanwhile, UK’s Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said additional Royal Air Force jets and air refuelling tankers have been sent to the Middle East to bolster Britain’s existing operation against the Islamic State Group in Iraq and Syria. The Chinese foreign ministry spokeperson said that they were “deeply concerned” about escalating tensions in the Middle East and called on relevant parties to remain calm and exercise restraint.

👉 Israel reopened its airspace as of 7:30 a.m. (0430 GMT) on Sunday, the country’s airports authority said. It said flight schedules from Tel Aviv were expected to be affected and travellers should check flight times.

👉 The Israeli army has ordered residents of the Golan Heights in the north and Nevatim, Dimona and Eilat in the south to stay close to a protected space — such as a shelter, stairwell or inner room — until further notice.

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