Tel Aviv, June 14 (IANS): Tensions in the Middle East escalated early Saturday as Iran launched a renewed wave of missile attacks on Israel, Iranian state television reported. The fresh offensive follows a period of rising hostilities between the two nations.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike, stating that “another barrage has been fired towards Israel.” However, the military did not immediately disclose the total number of missiles or the specific areas targeted.
In central Israel, at least ten civilians were injured after a missile reportedly struck near residential zones. Emergency services responded quickly to treat the wounded and evaluate the damage. The Israeli government has placed the country on heightened alert, advising residents in multiple regions to remain in protected areas.
Meanwhile, the United States military intervened to assist Israel’s air defence systems. According to two US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, American forces intercepted multiple Iranian missiles en route to Israeli territory. They did not specify the method of interception or whether it was carried out by fighter jets, missile defence systems, or naval assets.
Earlier in the day, nearly 100 missiles were launched from Iran toward central and northern Israel in two massive barrages. According to the Israeli military and the national emergency service, Magen David Adom (MDA), the attacks caused significant damage and injured 41 people. MDA reported that two individuals were critically injured, two were moderately wounded, and four sustained light to moderate injuries. The remaining individuals were treated for light injuries or trauma symptoms, including panic attacks.
Following the launches, air defence sirens sounded across the country, prompting millions of residents to seek shelter for over an hour. IDF spokesperson Effie Defrin stated that most of the missiles were intercepted or failed to reach their targets. He added that the reported injuries occurred indoors, many of them caused by shrapnel from intercepted missiles
