JERUSALEM. Israel’s military has reported that Iran has initiated a drone attack aimed at Israel on Saturday, although the drones are expected to take hours to reach their intended targets. This attack, if successful, could mark a significant escalation in hostilities between the two longstanding adversaries, with the United States reaffirming its commitment to stand by Israel.
According to two security sources in Iraq, numerous drones were observed flying from Iran towards Israel through Iraqi airspace. Iranian state media outlet Press TV has referred to these actions as “extensive drone strikes” carried out by the Revolutionary Guards.
The backdrop to this attack is Iran’s vow to retaliate against what it alleges was an Israeli strike on its Damascus consulate on April 1, resulting in the deaths of seven Revolutionary Guards officers, including two senior commanders. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement in the incident.
In response to the unfolding situation, U.S. President Joe Biden, who previously cautioned Iran against attacking Israel, reiterated America’s solidarity with Israel in the face of Iranian aggression.
Retired Israeli General Amos Yadlin revealed to Channel 12 news that the Iranian drones are reportedly armed with approximately 20 kg (44 pounds) of explosives each.
Israel’s military has announced that sirens will be sounded in areas under threat, and its defenses are on high alert to counter any potential attacks. Furthermore, Israel and neighboring Jordan have taken the precautionary measure of closing their airspace on Saturday night.
According to Reuters, three U.S. officials have revealed that the U.S. military intercepted and destroyed Iranian drone aircraft en route to Israel on Saturday. However, details such as the number of drones downed and specific locations were not provided.
Iran’s mission to the United Nations issued a warning via social media platform X, urging the United States to abstain from involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict. They cautioned that Tehran’s response would escalate further if Israel retaliates.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, now entering its seventh month, has already heightened tensions in the region. This escalation has seen confrontations extending to fronts with Lebanon and Syria, as well as long-range attacks targeting Israeli assets from as far as Yemen and Iraq.
Earlier on Saturday, Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported that a helicopter belonging to the Revolutionary Guards had intercepted and taken control of the Portuguese-flagged MSC Aries, bringing it into Iranian waters. MSC, the operator of the Aries, confirmed the seizure and stated that it is collaborating with relevant authorities to ensure the safe return of the vessel and the well-being of its 25 crew members.
Zodiac Maritime, partly owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer, clarified that MSC leases the Aries from Gortal Shipping, an affiliate of Zodiac Maritime. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz denounced the incident as an act of piracy attributed to Iran.
As tensions continue to escalate in the region, the international community closely watches the unfolding situation, hoping for a swift resolution to avoid further escalation.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
