Iran on Saturday launched multiple waves of drone attacks targeting Israel, according to state-run Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), which reported that the seventh and eighth stages of drone launches have been carried out.
“Information received indicates that most of the drones hit the intended targets,” IRNA said, without specifying the nature of the targets or the extent of the damage.
At the same time, Al Jazeera reported that the Israeli army as saying it had intercepted approximately 40 drones launched from Iran on Saturday. Despite the interceptions, one drone is believed to have breached Israeli air defences.
Since the onset of the current conflict, Israel claims around 450 ballistic missiles and more than 400 drones have been launched from Iran.
Meanwhile, videos verified by Al Jazeera show large plumes of smoke rising over the southwestern Iranian city of Ahvaz following what appears to be an Israeli strike. Ahvaz, situated in oil-rich Khuzestan province, is Iran’s primary oil-producing region.
The Israeli military has stated that it has numerous targets yet to strike and appears determined to continue its operations.
The campaign now appears to extend beyond military sites, encompassing scientific advisers and missile infrastructure.
Israel's stated objective remains halting Iran’s uranium enrichment, which it claims is aimed at developing a nuclear weapon. Officials have also expressed interest in acquiring the American bunker-busting bomb capable of destroying Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow nuclear facility.
Source: AP
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
