Iran launches drone and missile attack against Israel in retaliation for strikes in Syria: Live updates


Israel Defense Forces releases statement amidst Iranian attack

Iran has launched dozens of drones towards Israel amid fears of a wider regional war.

Israel and Jordan have both closed their airspaces after the IDF reported the unmanned craft were spotted over Iraq. The drones are expected to take several hours to arrive.

It comes amid rising tensions following an attack on the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus.

Tehran had vowed a response to the strike in Syria at the beginning of the month, which killed a number of senior military leaders, with the US and allies making intense diplomatic efforts to try and keep the fallout to a minimum.

The situation across the region has been highly volatile for months, given the war in Gaza.

Israel launched an aerial bombardment, ground operations and a blockade in the wake of a brutal terror attack by Hamas inside Israel that killed around 1,200 people and saw another 250 taken hostage. More than 33,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to health officials in the Hamas-run strip.

1713044956

The region mapped as Iran fires dozens of drones towards Israel

Here is a map of the region as Iran fires dozens of drones and other missiles towards Israel, in what the IDF has called a “large-scale attack” which represents a “severe and dangerous escalation”.

Jordan and Iraq have both reportedly closed their airspace in the wake of Iran’s assault on Israel.

It currently is unclear where the attack, dubbed Operation True Promise by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, was launched from.

Andy Gregory13 April 2024 22:49

1713047554

‘Matter can be deemed concluded,’ says Iran’s permanent mission to UN

Describing tonight’s attack as a response to Israel’s alleged “aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus”, Iran’s permanent mission to the UN said: “The matter can 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 Iranian body said.

“The matter can be deemed concluded. However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe. It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the U.S. MUST STAY AWAY!”

Andy Gregory13 April 2024 23:32

1713047392

Northern Golan Heights among several locations put on standby by Israel

Israel’s military has put the northern part of the occupied Golan Heights – as well as Nevatim, Dimona and Eilat – on standby for possible impact from Iranian drone launches, instructing residents to stay close to bomb shelters.

The Golan was captured from Syria in a 1967 war, while Nevatim is the site of an Israeli air base. Israel has a nuclear reactor on the outskirts of Dimona, and Eilat is Israel’s southern Red Sea port, which has come under repeated attack by Yemen’s Houthis.

Andy Gregory13 April 2024 23:29

1713047235

Jordan denies announcing state of emergency

A Jordanian government spokesperson has denied the kingdom announced a state of emergency.

They said media reports it did were baseless and “there was no cause for concern among its citizens.”

Minister of Government Communications Muhannad Mubaideen told state news agency Petra that the government would take legal measures against any outlet that spread rumours or accusations that are not verified.

Andy Gregory13 April 2024 23:27

1713047013

Labour supports ‘all measures designed to restore calm’, says Starmer

The Labour Party supports “all measures designed to restore calm”, Sir Keir Starmer has said.

“We condemn the Iranian regime’s decision to subject Israelis to these unacceptable attacks,” the Labour leader said.

“The international community has been united in urging restraint and we regret that yet again Iran has chosen a different, dangerous path. Our thoughts are with all those in the region who want peace and security not the fear and instability being generated by Iran.

“We continue to stand up for Israel’s security and that of our other partners in the region, including Jordan and Iraq. We support all measures designed to restore calm as we must do all we can to prevent a wider regional war.

Andy Gregory13 April 2024 23:23

1713046621

Egypt’s air defence on alert, sources say

Egypt’s air defence is on alert, Egyptian military and security sources have told Reuters, amid fears of an Iranian drone attack aimed towards Israel.

Egypt’s military General Command has formed a team to monitor the situation and make any necessary decisions regarding the country’s airspace, the sources said.

Andy Gregory13 April 2024 23:17

1713046569

British and US warplanes down several Iranian drones, broadcaster claims

British and US warplanes have downed some Israel-bound Iranian drones over the Iraq-Syria border area, Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 TV has claimed, without citing sources.

Andy Gregory13 April 2024 23:16

1713046408

Iran’s attack ‘will only inflame tensions’, warns Britain’s foreign secretary

Britain’s foreign secretary David Cameron has warned that “Iran’s reckless attacks on Israel will only further inflame tensions in the Middle East”.

“The UK calls on the Iranian regime to stop this serious escalation, which is in no one’s interest,” Lord Cameron said.

Andy Gregory13 April 2024 23:13

1713045923

Israel to close schools and ban gatherings of more than 1,000 people

Israel has paused schooling throughout the country and banned gatherings of 1,000 people, starting from tomorrow.

IDF Commanding Officer of Israel’s Home Front Command, MG Rafi Milo, said in a statement: “We have been at war on several fronts for over six months. Throughout the war we have faced and have confronted a large number of challenges in a very wide variety of threats, we learned and improved – we are prepared and strong in both defence and offence.

“In light of the situational assessment, we have decided to change the defensive guidelines. Starting tomorrow, throughout the country, there will be no educational activity. Also, gatherings of over 1,000 people are prohibited.

“You are required to continue to vigilantly adhere to the guidelines, they may change based on the situational assessment. So far, your conduct and adherence to the guidelines has been exceptional, keep it up – it saves lives. The Home Front Command is deployed and prepared throughout the country.

“The alert system is prepared and ready, together with the heads of the authorities and the emergency response organisations – we will overcome this challenge.”

Andy Gregory13 April 2024 23:05

1713045662

Netanyahu pictured convening war cabinet

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been pictured convening his war cabinet as Israel seeks to repel dozens of drones and missiles fired by Iran.

The IDF had previously confirmed that Mr Netanyahu’s plane was airborne, which it said was for “operational reasons”.

Andy Gregory13 April 2024 23:01



Source link