Jerusalem:
Iran launched armed drones and missiles at Israel today, marking a new and volatile phase in the Middle East conflict. The attack was retaliation for an attack in Syria that killed a senior Iranian military officer and was the first time Iran has attacked Israel from its territory.
Iran said in a statement that the attack was in self-defense against “aggression” by the Israeli military. The statement said the action was a “legitimate” defensive response to the Damascus attack – which Israel has not admitted to carrying out – and suggested it was a warning. It also warned the United States to stay away from conflict.
“On April 14, 2024, the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran conducted a series of military strikes against Israeli military bases in response to and in exercise of its inherent right of self-defense recognized in Article 51 of the Charter and Israel’s repeated military aggression, leading to the martyrdom of an Iranian military adviser in Syria,” Iran’s mission to the United Nations said in a statement.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, while reaffirming its determination to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests against any unlawful use of force and aggression,” it added.
The country also reiterated that it would launch more attacks if Israel did not cease its operations.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran will not hesitate to take further necessary defensive measures to protect its legitimate interests against any military aggression or illegal use of force,” Iran said.
Sirens sounded and Reuters reporters in Israel said they heard heavy crashes and explosions in the distance, which local media described as an aerial interception of explosive drones. Authorities said a 7-year-old girl was seriously injured.
Israeli military spokesman Maj. Gen. Daniel Hagari said Iran fired dozens of surface-to-surface missiles at Israel, most of which were intercepted outside Israel. They included more than 10 cruise missiles, he said.
