Israel said it conducted air strikes against Iran on Saturday that hit military bases and missile sites in retaliation for the Iranian attacks, warning it would “pay a heavy price” if it responds. The Israeli military claimed its strikes hit Iran’s missile manufacturing facilities, missile arrays and other systems in several regions. Iran confirmed an Israeli attack had targeted military sites in capital Tehran and other parts of the country, but said it had caused “limited damage”. Israel had vowed to hit back at Iran for its October 1 missile strike, the second-ever direct attack by the Islamic republic on arch-foe. The rapid escalation of violence has heightened fears across the region and beyond of a wider war, pitting Israel against Iran and the allies, the “axis of resistance” on multiple fronts.

“Based on intelligence, IAF (air force) aircraft struck missile manufacturing facilities used to produce the missiles that Iran fired at Israel,” Israel’s military said in a statement. “Simultaneously, the IDF (military) struck surface-to-air missile arrays and additional Iranian aerial capabilities,” the army said, adding that the “retaliatory strike has been completed and the mission was fulfilled”. Since the deadliest attack in its history on October 7, 2023, Israel launched its war on Gaza, and since late last month, it has been at war in Lebanon. Iran on Saturday suspended all flights until further notice, the aviation authority announced.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan