Israel's air force carried out a series of intelligence-driven airstrikes in western Iran on Thursday, targeting surface-to-surface missile sites and vehicles transporting missiles to designated launch areas. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), roughly 20 fighter jets took part in the operation.
The strikes followed an earlier barrage of Iranian missiles launched at Israel that injured 271 people, including four in serious condition and 16 in moderate condition. Many of those with light injuries sustained them while seeking shelter or from anxiety-related symptoms.
Several projectiles hit the greater Tel Aviv area, and the IDF reported one missile struck a building at Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran's strike targeted "Israeli Military Command, Control & Intelligence HQ and another vital target," adding a nearby section of the hospital suffered only superficial damage.
On a visit to the medical center, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that "no one is immune" to future strikes and that "all the options are open."
Since the launch of Operation Rising Lion on June 13, the Israeli Health Ministry has treated 2,345 individuals for injuries, with 21 in serious condition. Most patients have been discharged, but 106 remain hospitalized and 149 are still receiving emergency treatment.
Official figures indicate nearly 600 people have been killed in Iran and 24 in Israel since the conflict began, marking a sharp escalation in cross-border hostilities in the region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
