After days of heightened tensions, Iranian forces launched drone strikes against Israel, according to the New York Times.
Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said at a press conference on Saturday that Iran “launched a drone from its own territory into the territory of the State of Israel,” the NYT reported. report. Hagari confirmed that the Israeli military was monitoring the drone, noting that it would take several hours to arrive. (Related: Israel limits gatherings, bans educational activities as Iranian threat looms)
This attack marks the first attack launched by Iran against Israel from its own territory in Iran’s history. according to To Axios.
President Joe Biden returned to the White House from a vacation in Delaware on Saturday to be briefed on the situation in Iran. The White House released a statement from National Security Council Press Secretary Adrian Watson regarding the escalation within Israel.
“Iran has launched an airborne attack against Israel. President Biden has been regularly briefed by his national security team and is scheduled to meet with them at the White House this afternoon,” Watson said. “His team is in constant communication with Israeli officials and other partners and allies. This attack could unfold over several hours. President Biden said our support for Israel’s security remains steadfast. “The United States stands with the Israeli people and will help defend Israel against the Iranian threat.”
BREAKING: Iran has launched an attack against Israel using dozens of drones, four U.S. and Israeli officials told me.
— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) April 13, 2024
According to the NYT, Israel plans to close its airspace at 12:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, and the Israeli military has begun evacuating some military bases. Tasnim, an Iranian media outlet affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards, reported that drones were launched in “all directions” to target “occupied territory.”
The attack came just hours after Israeli authorities announced that educational activities, gatherings and workplaces would be canceled or restricted due to escalating Iranian aggression. Earlier this month, Israel carried out an airstrike in Syria that killed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Mohammad Reza Zahedi, prompting Iranian authorities to threaten retaliation.
This is an evolving story. Please check back later for updates.
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