Israel hits 20 Iranian military, drone sites with 100 jets; Iran warns of 'proportional response'
- In Reports
- 01:45 PM, Oct 26, 2024
- Myind Staff
Israel conducted "precise strikes on military targets" in Iran using its best fighter jets and missiles, the most recent assault in the escalation war between rivals. Three waves of airstrikes followed days after Iran fired nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel in revenge for the deaths of the leaders of its proxies Hamas and Hezbollah. Israel used its F-15I Ra'am ground assault jets, F-16I Sufa air defence jets, and fifth-generation F-35 Adir fighter jets to carry out the strikes, which spanned about 2,000 kilometres.
The 'Rocks' next-generation extended standoff air-to-surface missile and the 'Rampage' long-range, supersonic missile were the preferred armaments. In order to avoid escalating the conflict further, the Israeli army exclusively attacked military targets and avoided attacking nuclear and oil installations. A total of 100 fighter jets launched attacks in three waves targeting 20 missile and drone facilities in Iran. The first wave focused on Iran's radar and air defence systems, making way for the subsequent strikes on military bases. The second and third waves specifically targeted Iran's missile and drone facilities.
The strikes were executed by the fighter jets in groups of 25–30. Ten jets carried out the coordinated missile strikes, with the remaining jets serving as cover and distraction. Israeli and US air defences were on full alert to deal with retaliation missile strikes during the strikes, which were dubbed "Operation Days of Repentance."
The Middle East has been on edge, waiting for Israel to strike back for Iran's October 1 ballistic missile assault. The weather forced Israel to delay its reprisal strikes. Israel was awaiting clear weather to execute the operation since its missiles use camera seekers to strike the targets. Iran's air defence system, however, claimed to have successfully repelled Israeli attacks in the provinces of Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam, with "limited damage" to a few areas. Following the strikes, Iran and Iraq, its neighbour, closed their respective airspace.
However, Israel took a major step to retaliate at its convenience four weeks after Iran launched a volley of ballistic missiles at the Jewish state in retaliation for attacks on its partner Hezbollah. The region has never experienced simmering tensions, and Iran now claims it is prepared to react to the "act of aggression."
Iran's semi-official news outlet, Tasnim, said it is ready to combat any Israeli "aggression," citing sources. Tasnim quotes the sources as stating, "There is no doubt that Israel will face a proportionate reaction for any action it takes." Iran would "pay a heavy price" if it initiates a new round of escalation, the Israeli army has warned. Iran claimed that there was "limited damage" from the attack.
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