Srinagar, April 14: Israel said on Saturday that a salvo of Iranian pilotless aircraft had been launched even as Israel’s defence system are ready to shoot them down or to sound sirens ordering residents in vulnerable areas to take shelter, reported Reuters.
In addition to drones, ballistic missiles are being fired towards Israel as well, Iran’s IRNA news agency reports.
As per reports, Iran has launched Shahed-136s drones towards Israel.
There will be “anywhere from 400 to 500 drones and missiles” launched at Israel from Iraq, Syria, southern Lebanon and the Houthis, but the main part will be launched from Iran, ABC News reported, citing a senior US official.
Reports say that UK, French, and U.S. jets are assisting Israel in taking down the on coming drones and missiles. Israel has a strong air defence system including ‘Iron Dome’ and ‘David’s Sling.’
Iran launched UAVs from within its territory toward Israel a short while ago.
The IDF is on high alert and is constantly monitoring the operational situation. The IDF Aerial Defense Array is on high alert, along with IAF fighter jets and Israeli Navy vessels that are on a… pic.twitter.com/eEySouGVcN
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 13, 2024
The drones’ flight time would take several hours, Israel’s chief military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a televised briefing. He confirmed media reports that “Wing of Zion”, Israel’s version of the U.S. “Air Force One”, was airborne, saying this was due to operational considerations.
Footage reportedly shows #Iran’s drones on their way to #Israel pic.twitter.com/cGcvfb4yMD
— Today Headlines | خبرهای روز (@Iran) April 13, 2024
Israel has been on heightened alert since an airstrike last week killed two Iranian generals in Syria. Iran accused Israel of being behind the attack and vowed revenge. Israel has not commented on that attack.
Iranian Press TV reports that Israel’s air defence systems have been subjected to cyber attack
As per the last reports, Iranian drones were approaching Jordanian airspace, Press TV reported.
Several countries including Iraq, Lebanon, Israel, and Egypt have closed their airspace.
Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency has ordered the national airlines not to use the airspace of Iraq and Israel until 7:00 a.m. Moscow Time (4:00 a.m. GMT) on April 14, a source in one of the major Russian carriers told Russia’s TASS news agency.
As per Iran the matter shall be deemed concluded:
Conducted on the strength of Article 51 of the UN Charter pertaining to legitimate defense, Iran’s military action was in response to the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus. The matter can be deemed concluded. However, should the Israeli…
— Permanent Mission of I.R.Iran to UN, NY (@Iran_UN) April 13, 2024
Earlier on Saturday Iranian forces seized a vessel affiliated with Israel in the Strait of Hormuz.