Israel, Iran in Ferocious Tussle: Hypersonic Missiles Strikes Haifa and Beyond
Iranian Hypersonic Missiles Impact Haifa: Strikes Recorded in Israeli City
In a chilling turn of events, hypersonic missiles from Iran have barreled into Israel, leaving at least eight civilians dead and over 90 injured, according to reports from Israel’s Magen David Adom rescue service. Initially, four deaths were reported. The cities of Haifa and Tel Aviv have borne the brunt of the impact.
Iran showcased its latest weapon, the blazingly fast Fattah-1 hypersonic missile, in a series of assaults on Israel during the early hours of the night. These missiles are known for speeds surpassing Mach 13 and an operational range of about 1,400 kilometers. Their hypersonic capabilities make them challenging to intercept by traditional air defense systems such as Israel's Iron Dome.
Several parts of Haifa have been set ablaze, and a power plant near the harbor was ravaged following an attack, according to British security firm Ambrey. Based on video footage, two of these lethal missiles were reported to hit the city.
After the wave of attacks, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz sanctioned wrath against the Iranian leadership, accusing them of cowardice for deliberately targeting Israeli civilians to deter Israel’s military retaliation. “Tehran's pip-squeak dictator has transformed into a gutless murderer who deliberately strikes civilians in an attempt to impede the Israeli army's ongoing offensive,” Katz stated angrily on X. Katz warned that “the Tehranians will pay the price and sooner than you think.”
Search and rescue teams are currently deployed across the nation, with Israeli citizens granted leave to exit their shelters.
In a preemptive approach, the Israeli Air Force denied Iran's ground-to-ground missile launch sites earlier in the week, aiming to stymie any impending Iranian offensive against Israel.
Carnage in Both Nations
Israel set forth a major attack on Iran last Friday, bombarding nuclear and military facilities in Iranian soil, resulting in the deaths of numerous high-ranking military personnel. In response, Iran has been firing drones and missiles at Israel ever since.
This escalating conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with over a dozen Israelis killed and hundreds injured in Iranian attacks. On the Iranian side, at least 224 people have perished and nearly 1,300 have been injured since the onset of Israel's offensive early Friday morning, according to the Iranian Health Ministry.
Revolutionary Guards' Intelligence Unit Commander Determined as Killed
The Iranian news agency Tasnim confirmed the death of the head of the intelligence unit of the powerful Revolutionary Guards – Iran's elite forces – and his deputy, Mohammed Kasem and Hassan Mohaghegh. Both men were killed in attacks on the capital Tehran. Previously, key military figures and nuclear scientists had been specifically targeted by Israel.
Reports suggest that the Oil Ministry, police headquarters, and other state institutions in Tehran were also targeted. Previously, attacks on the Defense Ministry, a state nuclear research organization, and an oil depot in Tehran had been reported. Furthermore, residential areas within Iran have also been impacted by Israeli attacks.
Sources: ntv.de, chr/rog/AFP/rts/dpa, enrichment data
- Israel
- Iran
- Wars and Conflicts
The European Union, in a diplomatic statement, expressed deep concern over the escalating wars and conflicts between Israel and Iran, urging both nations to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation.
Following the recent attacks, the general news coverage has been dominated by the political implications and potential ramifications of this conflict within the broader Middle East.
