Iran fires ballistic missile barrage at Israel

Iran launched retaliatory strikes against Israel late on Friday, firing “hundreds” of ballistic missiles toward the country, Iranian state media has reported. 

The incoming barrage was acknowledged by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which urged citizens to move to shelters and remain there until further notice. “Leaving the protected space is only permitted following an explicit directive. Continue to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command,” the Israeli military said in a statement.

The initial barrage was closely followed by a second wave of missiles. “The attack is ongoing. Dozens of additional missiles were launched toward the State of Israel,” the IDF said in a follow-up statement, urging the public “not to publish and share the locations and footage of hits” and claiming that “the explosions you are hearing are from interceptions or fallen projectiles.”

Numerous videos circulating online show multiple incoming missiles in the skies over Israel. The city of Tel Aviv appears to be one of the prime targets for the Iranian strikes, footage suggests. Videos purport to show Israeli anti-aircraft systems deployed inside the city firing at the incoming projectiles. Some of the Iranian missiles appear to make it through and strike in the immediate vicinity of the Israeli anti-aircraft positions.