Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Hours after Israel struck Beirut’s southern suburbs, the conflict took another dangerous turn. Air raid sirens wailed across parts of northern Israel on Sunday night as Iran launched ballistic missiles, marking its first direct attack on Israel since a ceasefire took effect on April 8.
The Israeli military said it detected missiles launched from Iran and immediately activated air defence systems. Sirens sounded in several areas as authorities warned residents of the incoming threat.
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In a statement posted on X, the Israeli military said: “The IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat.”
“The Air Force has so far intercepted all missiles launched from Iran,” the army said. It added that it has also identified additional launches fired towards Israel. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
MISSILE ATTACK FOLLOWS BEIRUT AIRSTRIKES
The attack marked Iran’s first direct strike on Israel since a ceasefire took effect on April 8, raising fears that months of fragile calm could be coming to an end. Iran has repeatedly warned that it would retaliate if Israel strikes Beirut.
The missile launches came just hours after Israeli forces carried out airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, an area known as a stronghold of Hezbollah.
The strikes hit the Dahiyeh district and drew a fiery response from Tehran. Iranian officials had already warned that Israel’s attack on the Lebanese capital would not go unanswered.
IRAN ISSUES SHARP WARNING
Following the missile launches, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they targeted Israel’s Ramat David Air Base with ballistic missiles launched by the IRGC Aerospace Force. Iranian military officials issued a fresh warning to Israel.
According to statements carried by Iranian state media, the commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya forces accused Israel of crossing “all red lines” by targeting Beirut’s southern suburbs and expanding military operations in southern Lebanon.
“We had previously warned that if the crime in the suburbs of Beirut spreads, we will attack targets in the occupied territories,” the statement said.
The commander also warned that Israel must halt attacks on Lebanon or face further consequences.
“The Israeli army must stop its attacks on southern Lebanon and the suburbs, and if it expands its attacks on that region or responds to Iran’s actions, it will face more crushing and regrettable blows and destructive attacks will begin against the regime and its supporters.”
The exchange has placed the region on edge once again.
– Ends
With inputs from agencies
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
