Iran's Massive Drone Attack on Israel: Over 300 Projectiles Fired
Hundreds of kamikaze drones, missiles, and manoeuvring rockets have bombarded Israel, with the Israeli military successfully intercepting a significant portion of the onslaught. Social media platforms are awash with footage showing the shelling and the operation of the Iron Dome system, particularly its missile interceptions over Tel Aviv.
8:34 AM EDT, April 14, 2024
From Saturday to Sunday night, Iran conducted a significant assault on Israel, which, according to American officials speaking to CNN, lasted for five hours. The Israeli authorities have reported that Iran launched more than 300 projectiles, including drones, ballistic missiles, and manoeuvring rockets, with the Israeli military claiming a 99% interception success rate.
As the alarm sirens wailed across Israel, coupled with the sound of exploding ordinance, CNN referred to the event as the "largest drone attack in history."
In the wake of the attack, a 7-year-old girl was seriously injured in the Negev Desert in southern Israel. Israeli media report her condition as serious while also noting minor damage to the infrastructure of a military base in the region.
Has the threat passed?
The immediate danger appears to have subsided, with "Haaretz" reporting that airspace over Israel was reopened seven hours post-attack, signalling a gradual resumption of airport operations. Jordan has made a similar move to reopen its airspace.
Iran has warned that it will not hesitate to exercise its right to self-defence if Israel retaliates against the nighttime offensive. Amir Saeid Irawani, Iran's permanent representative to the UN, stated that any further military aggression from Israel would meet with a stronger and more decisive Iranian response.