Israeli army says conducted airstrikes in W. Iran, targeting missile facilities
JERUSALEM -- Israel's military announced on Thursday that approximately 20 of its fighter jets conducted a series of "intelligence-driven operations" in western Iran, targeting surface-to-surface missile sites and Iranian military personnel.
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) further specified that the Israeli Air Force also struck trucks transporting surface-to-surface missiles, hitting the vehicles as they arrived at designated launch sites.
These Israeli strikes followed a barrage of Iranian missile attacks on Israel earlier on Thursday. According to Israel's Health Ministry, these attacks resulted in 271 injuries, with four individuals in serious condition and 16 in moderate condition. Many of those with light injuries sustained them while seeking shelter or experienced anxiety-related symptoms.
Several Iranian projectiles impacted the wider Tel Aviv area, and one missile struck a building at Soroka Medical Center in the southern city of Beersheba. Iran alleged that the facility was being used for military purposes, a claim Israel has refuted.
Visiting the medical center after the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning, stating that Israel would not preclude further strikes, including against Iran's top leadership. "No one is immune," Netanyahu declared. "All the options are open."
Since the commencement of what Israel has named "Operation Rising Lion," the Israeli Health Ministry has reported that 2,345 individuals have received treatment for injuries, with 21 in serious condition. Most have since been discharged, although 106 patients remain hospitalized and 149 are receiving treatment in emergency rooms.
This latest exchange of cross-border strikes signifies a considerable escalation in hostilities, which began after Israeli airstrikes hit targets inside Iran on June 13. Official figures indicate that nearly 600 people have been killed in Iran and 24 in Israel since the conflict erupted.
