Iran launched a missile attack on Israel on Tuesday in response to the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and others, according to a statement from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Earlier on Tuesday, the US said it believed a ballistic missile attack on Israel was imminent after Israel launched a limited ground operation in southern Lebanon.
Check out what is known about the attack so far:
More than 100 missiles launched
The Israeli army estimated that Iran fired 180 “projectiles” but emphasized that it was not the final count.
The teams from CNN they saw dozens of missiles over the cities of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa. Jim Sciutto of CNN said he saw several intercepted missiles.
Meanwhile, Jordan’s army said in a statement that “hundreds of Iranian missiles were launched toward Israel,” citing a military source in its general command of the armed forces. Some Iranian missiles have directly impacted central and southern Israel, an Israeli military spokesman said.
No injuries were reported as people took shelter. Sirens sounded across Israel as people were told to take shelter and missiles fell, including the Israeli security office, according to an Israeli source.
There were no injuries following Iran’s attack, Israel Defense Forces spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said.
Escalation Warnings
The Iranian Mission to the United Nations said this Tuesday afternoon that Tehran’s response “was duly executed” and if Israel “dares to respond or commit further acts of malevolence, a subsequent and overwhelming response will occur.”
An Israeli military spokesman said “there will be serious consequences.”
US support
A US defense official said US forces in the Middle East were “defending against missiles launched by Iran targeting Israel”.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were in the White House Crisis Room, monitoring the attack. The president “ordered the U.S. military to help defend Israel against Iranian attacks and shoot down missiles targeting Israel,” a National Security Council spokesperson said.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer were also briefed on the attack, according to their respective spokespeople.
Understand the conflict in the Middle East
Iran’s attack on Israel comes amid the war between the Israeli Army and Hezbollah, a Lebanese paramilitary group supported by the Iranian government.
The offensive comes one day after the Israeli Army began a “limited ground operation” in Lebanon.
Israel has launched a series of airstrikes on regions in the neighboring country. On September 23, the country had its deadliest day since the 2006 war, with more than 500 fatalities.
According to the Israeli military, the targets are members and military infrastructure of Hezbollah, one of the most powerful paramilitary forces in the Middle East and supported by Iran.
The offensive reached several points in Lebanon, including the country’s capital, Beirut. Thousands of people sought refuge in shelters and left cities in the south of the country.
Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, as confirmed by the group itself.
Hezbollah and Israel began exchanging attacks after the start of the war in the Gaza Strip. The Lebanese group is an ally of Hamas, which invaded Israeli territory on October 7, 2023, killing hundreds of people and capturing hostages.
Due to the bombings, thousands of residents of northern Israel, where the border with Lebanon is located, had to be displaced. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised several times to return these citizens to their homes.
On September 17, Israel added the return of these residents as an official war objective.
At least two Brazilian teenagers died in the attacks. Itamaraty condemned the situation and called for an end to hostilities.
With the increase in hostilities, the Brazilian government announced an operation to repatriate Brazilians in Lebanon.
This content was originally published in What is known about Iran’s attack on Israel on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
