Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel on Oct. 1, with U.S. naval support aiding in shooting down most of the attack, causing minimal damage and casualties.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
In an unprecedented military escalation, Iran fired 200 ballistic missiles at Israel on Oct. 1, marking the largest missile strike of its kind in history. The attack, launched by Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), saw 181 missiles raining down on Israeli territory, forcing millions of Israelis into bomb shelters for about an hour.
NEW: Israel says they are intercepting some missiles launched by Iran however not all are being stopped.
The Pentagon says they are tracking the situation and have noted that there are no reported attacks at the moment targeting U.S. troops.
Kamala Harris and Joe Biden… pic.twitter.com/ff5OSa1L5u
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 1, 2024
In an official statement, the IDF announced:
“A short while ago, missiles were launched from Iran towards the State of Israel. You are instructed to remain alert and precisely follow the Home Front Command’s instructions.”
All Israeli civilians are in bomb shelters as rockets from Iran are fired at Israel. pic.twitter.com/bKXPdqMsBr
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 1, 2024
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded swiftly, with the assistance of two U.S. naval destroyers, the USS Cole and USS Bulkeley, which played a critical role in intercepting the missiles. Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed the U.S. involvement, stating that American ships launched a dozen interceptors to aid Israel’s missile defense systems.
The attack resulted in minimal damage across Israel, with no major casualties reported. The IDF spokesperson, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, assured the public that Israeli defense systems successfully neutralized the majority of the threat, with only a few missiles landing in central and southern regions of the country.
“We are on high alert both defensively and offensively,” Hagari said in a televised statement. “We will defend the citizens of the state of Israel. This attack will have consequences, and we will operate at the time and place of our choosing.”
Iran’s missile barrage is believed to be a direct response to Israel’s recent military operations against Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy in Lebanon. Just days before the missile strike, Israel’s air force reportedly killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike, part of a broader campaign that included attacks on Hezbollah’s missile stores and leadership. Additionally, Israel is suspected of carrying out the July 31 assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh during his visit to Tehran.
Iran’s leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, directly ordered the missile strike in retaliation for these actions. Iranian state media cited the IRGC’s statement, claiming that the attack was a warning to Israel, with Tehran promising “more crushing and destructive” responses if provoked further.
The attack comes just months after a smaller missile strike in April 2024, in which Iran retaliated for the killing of IRGC officers in Syria. While that attack involved slower-moving drones and cruise missiles, the recent ballistic missile strike posed a much more immediate threat due to the speed at which these weapons can reach Israel—within just 12 minutes.
U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan confirmed that no Israeli casualties had been reported, but noted that there were claims of a Palestinian casualty in Jericho, which is being investigated. Washington has condemned the missile strike, and President Joe Biden expressed full support for Israel’s right to defend itself.
As tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate, both nations remain on high alert. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed retaliation, while Iran continues to assert its willingness to respond with further military force if necessary.
The situation remains volatile, with the international community watching closely as Israel and Iran stand on the brink of a broader regional conflict.
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