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In a historical but failed offensive, Iran launched a torrent of roughly 300 attack drones and missiles directly at Israel on Saturday – the first direct assault of its kind. Its military had promised to exact revenge for an alleged Israeli airstrike on Iran’s Damascus consulate and retaliated with the largest assault the Jewish state has ever observed from Iran. Miraculously, Israeli authorities were able to intercept about 99% of projectiles in one of its most extraordinary feats of defense.
Reacting swiftly to the unprecedented attack, IDF forces intercepted nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, IDF Spokesman, said, “The Iranian threat met the aerial and technological superiority of the IDF, combined with a strong fighting coalition, which together intercepted the vast majority of the threats.”
The attack started late Saturday evening, with alarm sirens echoing across the country. Sirens continued to blare well into early Sunday as the military scrambled to neutralize the incoming onslaught.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards confirmed launching the barrage of drones and missiles against Israel. Hagari posthumously confirmed that the attackers comprised 170 drones, 30 cruise missiles, and 120 ballistic missiles, 99% of which were intercepted. The decisive action resulted in favorable determent, with no drone or cruise missile reaching Israel’s airspace.
In a turn of events, one child was reportedly injured during the assault. The 7-year-old girl, from a Bedouin town near Arad, suffered shrapnel injuries following the interception of an Iranian ballistic missile. The Magen David Adom ambulance service confirmed her serious condition and moved her to Soroka Hospital in Beersheba.
Meanwhile, Jordan, Israel’s Middle Eastern ally, also downed Iranian drones, taking out several en route to Israel. US officials confirmed that American forces in the region also intercepted Iranian drones headed towards Israel, and British forces pledged support, if necessary.
Numerous international entities responded to the significant event, with Australia’s Qantas and Germany’s Lufthansa rerouting Middle-East bound flights. The Netherlands announced a closure of its embassy in Tehran and Canada issued a travel warning for its citizens.
While tensions between Israel and Iran reached an all-time high, leaders and civilians from both sides stayed focused and prepared. Hagari assures that the Israeli Defense system remains on high alert, ready to intercept any potential additional attacks from Iran.
In conclusion, despite the largest-ever direct attack on its soil, Israel demonstrated an impressive resilience, sustaining minimal damage and warding off a potentially catastrophic event with strong defensive capabilities.
Information Box:
– The attack launched by Iran was the first-ever direct assault of its magnitude on Israel.
– Approximately 300 drones and missiles were launched against Israel.
– IDF intercepted and downed 99% of the incoming threats.
– Three countries – Israel, Jordan, and the USA – collectively intercepted incoming Iranian projectiles.
– One casualty was reported; a 7-year-old girl was seriously injured by shrapnel.
References:
1. Times of Israel: Iran fires some 300 drones, missiles at Israel in first-ever direct attack; 99% downed
2. Emanuel Fabian, TOI Staff, Times of Israel
3. US Department of State: United States Condemnation of Iranian attack