Iran launches over 100 explosive drones toward Israel in first ever direct attack

Iran has fired more than 100 explosive drones toward Israel igniting fears of region-wide war.

It is Tehran’s first-ever direct attack on Israel’s soil, the Israeli military said, which comes amid escalating tensions following the six month war in Gaza. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards confirmed the strike on Saturday night, which they have dubbed ‘Operation True Promise’, adding that it had also launched missiles against specific targets in Israel.

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Iran had warned of retaliation for an Israeli strike on its Damascus consulate on 1 April that killed seven Guards officers, among them two senior commanders. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the consulate attack. Iranian state media reported ballistic missiles were also involved in Saturdays’ unprecedented attack — a claim the Israeli military would not confirm yet.

Neighbouring Jordan declared a state of emergency following the launch and has closed its airspace. The Israeli military warned that there would likely be several “waves of drones” following the first salvo which Iraqi security sources said were seen flying over the country from Iran.

“This is a severe and dangerous escalation,” said Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Israel’s military spokesperson. “Our defensive and offensive capabilities are at the highest level of readiness ahead of this large- scale attack from Iran. “Together with our partners, the Israel Defense Forces is operating at full-force to defend the State of Israel and the people of Israel. This is a mission that we are determined and ready to fulfill.”

Another Israeli military official told reporters that they expected the drones to reach Israeli soil “in the following hours” and there may be “more