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Iran Launches Ballistic Missile Attack on Israel, Prompting US Support and International Concern
Iran launches 180 ballistic missiles at Israel, injuring two, as tensions escalate amidst US support for Israel's defense and international concern over potential wider conflict.
ISRAEL 04.12.2021 Photo by Staff Sgt. Jackie Sanders Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
TEHRAN/JERUSALEM - Iran unleashed a barrage of approximately 180 ballistic missiles towards Israel on Tuesday, triggering sirens across the country and prompting a swift response from Israel's aerial defense system. The attack, which caused no fatalities but injured two people with shrapnel, marked a significant escalation in tensions between Iran and Israel.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the missiles were fired from Iranian territory, with smaller streaks of light seen emanating from Israel's defense system as it attempted to intercept the incoming projectiles. Booms were also heard in videos captured by NBC News, although it remains unclear whether the sounds resulted from clashing missiles or Iranian missiles landing in Israel.
US officials had anticipated the attack, warning earlier in the day that Iran was preparing a ballistic missile strike targeting Israel. President Joe Biden authorized the military to aid Israel's defense and authorized the shooting down of Iranian missiles. Jordan permitted US forces to fly over its airspace to intercept Iranian missiles, according to US and Jordanian officials.
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The assault follows Israel's widespread attacks in Lebanon, including the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and a ground invasion of southern Lebanon. Iran signaled that it targeted military and government sites, not civilians. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian defended the attack, stating it was "in defense of Iranian interests and citizens." He warned Israel that Iran “will stand firmly against any threat.”
The exchange of fire between Israel and Hezbollah began on October 8, displacing tens of thousands on both sides of the Lebanese-Israeli border. Hezbollah, designated a terrorist organization by the US since 1997, has pledged allegiance to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Israel's ground invasion of southern Lebanon, announced Monday night, aimed to conduct targeted raids on Lebanese villages along the border. International leaders have expressed concern, with the White House warning of "severe consequences" for Iran.
