WASHINGTON, April 13, 2024 (AFP) – American forces have shot down drones launched at Israel by Iran in retaliation for a deadly strike on its consulate in Damascus, US media reported Saturday. The reports — which cited unnamed US officials — did not specify where or how many of the drones were shot down, while an Israeli official earlier said that more than 100 drones had been launched by Tehran.
Middle East
Israeli IDF Alert: Missile launches from Iran prompt urgent announcement
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) issue urgent announcement following missile launches from Iranian territory. Attached is a video message from IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, addressing the current situation. In the statement, he emphasizes the need for vigilance and adherence to Home Front Command guidelines. IDF: Attached is a video announcement of the IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, regarding missiles launched from Iranian territory: https://bit.ly/3vQWvVy Attached is an English translation of the announcement: […]
World reactions to Iran strikes on Israel
PARIS, April 14, 2024 (AFP) – Countries around the world condemned Iran’s strikes on Israel late Saturday, warning the attack threatened to further destabilise the Middle East. Here are some of the main reactions so far: – United States – US President Joe Biden promised “ironclad” support for Israel after holding an urgent meeting with top security officials. “I just met with my national security team for an update on Iran’s attacks against Israel. Our […]
Sirens sounded in Israel kibbutz near Lebanon border: army
The Israeli army said it sounded sirens in a kibbutz near the Lebanon border early Sunday, after Iran launched a drone and missile attack on Israel. “Sirens sounded in Kibbutz Snir, northern Israel,” the army said in a statement. In a separate statement, the army said it was urging residents of the northern Golan Heights and the areas of Nevatim, Dimona, and Eilat to stay “near protective spaces”. © Agence France-Presse
Iran and Israel: From allies to deadly enemies
By Jean-Philppe PARIS, April 13, 2024 (AFP) – Israel and Iran have moved from once being firm allies to sworn enemies. Here is a recap of their volatile relationship over the past half century. – Special relationship – Israel, following its creation in 1948, had close ties with Iran, which becomes the second Muslim country to recognise the Jewish state after Turkey. They become allies under the shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. At the time, Iran […]
Yemen rebels launch drones at Israel in coordination with Iran: security agency
DUBAI, April 13, 2024 (AFP) – Yemen’s Huthi rebels launched multiple drones at Israel in coordination with Iran, security firm Ambrey said late Saturday, adding that the projectiles were likely timed to reach Israel simultaneously. “Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVS) were reportedly launched by the Huthis toward Israel. The UAVs were launched in coordination with Iran,” the company said. “Israeli ports are assessed to be potential targets”, it added, and warned of “collateral damage” to shipping.
Iran launches direct strikes on Israel, opening wider conflict
By Jay Deshmukh with Laurie Churchman JERUSALEM, April 14, 2024 (AFP) – Iran launched more than 200 drones and missiles at Israel in an unprecedented attack late Saturday, the Israeli army announced, in a major escalation of the long-running covert war between the regional foes. Iran’s proxies and allies also carried out coordinated attacks on Israeli positions as sirens sounded in many places and AFP correspondents heard blasts in the skies above Jerusalem early Sunday. […]
Iran Guards confirm attack under way against Israel: state media
TEHRAN, April 13, 2024 (AFP) – Iran’s Revolutionary Guards confirmed early Sunday that a drone and missile attack was under way against Israel in retaliation for a deadly April 1 drone strike on its Damascus consulate. “In response to the numerous crimes committed by the Zionist regime, including the attack on the consular section… the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired dozens of missiles and drones at specific targets inside the occupied territories (Israel),” state television […]
Missing Israeli teen found ‘murdered’ in West Bank: Netanyahu
JERUSALEM, April 13, 2024 (AFP) – A missing Israeli teenager was found dead in the occupied West Bank on Saturday, in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called a “heinous murder”. The disappearance of 14-year-old Benjamin Achimeir on Friday sparked a huge manhunt and attacks on Palestinian villages. “The heinous murder of the boy… is a serious crime,” Netanyahu said in a statement. Israeli forces “are in an intensive pursuit after the heinous murderers and all […]
US troops head to region as fears grow of Gaza war’s spread
Troop reinforcements from Israel’s ally the United States headed to the region on Saturday, with fears of wider war growing more than six months into Israel’s battle against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. After pulling forces from the southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis one week ago, Israel’s military said Saturday it was continuing to operate against militants in central Gaza. In central Gaza’s main city of Deir al-Balah, fire burned in the rubble […]
Iran Guards seize vessel ‘related’ to Israel in Gulf: state media
TEHRAN, April 13, 2024 (AFP) – Iran’s Revolutionary Guards on Saturday seized a container ship “related to the Zionist regime (Israel) in the Gulf,” state media reported, as tensions soar in the region. “A container ship named ‘MCS Aries’ was seized by the Sepah (Guards) Navy Special Forces by carrying out a heliborne operation,” IRNA state news agency reported. It added that the operation took place “near the Strait of Hormuz”, a waterway vital to […]
Biden says expecting Iranian attack on Israel ‘sooner than later’
WASHINGTON, April 12, 2024 (AFP) – US President Joe Biden said Friday he was expecting Iran to attempt to strike Israel in the short term in retaliation for a strike in Syria but warned the clerical state not to attack. “I don’t want to get into secure information but my expectation is sooner than later,” Biden told reporters after an event. Asked what his message was to Iran on striking Israel, Biden said, “Don’t.” “We […]