Iran, Israel continue to trade missile strikes on day 2 of conflict
Tensions between Israel and Iran remained high on the second day of open conflict, with no signs of de-escalation.
According to Israel’s military, the country came under renewed attack in the early hours of Saturday from missiles and drones launched by Iran.
At least three people were killed in Israel as a result of the latest Iranian missile strikes, with dozens more injured, some seriously, The Times of Israel reported.
Iran’s attacks are seen as retaliation for a large-scale Israeli strike carried out early Friday which targeted the country’s nuclear sites and military leaders.
The Israeli campaign killed at least 78 people, including senior military officials, and injured more than 320 – most of them civilians, including women and children – Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani said.
Iran: drones shot down near border
Iran’s military has reportedly shot down drones near its north-western border, according to state media.
The incident occurred close to the borders with Azerbaijan and Turkey, state television reported on Saturday. The claims have not been independently verified.
Overnight, several Iranian cities came under heavy shelling. In central and north-eastern Tehran, explosions and sustained anti-aircraft fire were heard for hours, local media and eyewitnesses reported.
On Saturday morning, the Israeli military announced it had struck dozens of targets in Iran overnight, including infrastructure related to surface-to-air missile systems.
It said the strikes aimed to weaken Iranian air defences near Tehran, allowing Israeli aircraft greater operational freedom in the area.
Explosions near Tel Aviv
An Israeli military spokesperson said most Iranian missiles launched overnight were intercepted. Unconfirmed reports suggest US forces are assisting Israel with missile defence operations.
Despite interceptions, missile debris caused damage in central Israel, including the Tel Aviv area, where several buildings were badly affected.
On Saturday morning, the Israeli military reported another drone attack from Iran, triggering fresh air raid sirens and defensive responses.
Israel said it would continue targeting Iranian positions.
