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Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Israel Strikes Iran (Updated)
Israel has launched an attack against Iran, a senior IDF official told The War Zone. The nature and extent of the attack is not yet known. 'The attack has just begun in Iran,' said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss operational details. 'We are in an emergency situation all over the country.' The official confirms earlier reporting by Axios that 'the Israeli Air Force conducted a strike in Iran on Thursday, according to two sources with knowledge of the operation. It's not yet clear what Israel is targeting, but explosions were reported in Tehran.' Axios confirms: The Israeli Air Force conducted a strike in Iran on Thursday, according to two sources with knowledge of the operation. It's not yet clear what Israel is — Jason Brodsky (@JasonMBrodsky) June 13, 2025 Israeli officials have yet to officially comment. 'If Israel is striking Iran, there is no U.S. involvement, no U.S. assistance,' a U.S. official told The War Zone. Once again, the nature of this operation, which has been labelled 'preemptive' in nature isn't clear. It could be the opening blows of a protracted campaign or an opportunistic play based on intelligence. We just don't know. The attack comes against the backdrop of rising tensions over Iran's nuclear ambitions. Earlier today, the International Atomic Energy Agency issued a scathing report saying Iran was trying to hide its uranium enrichment program. In response, Iran said it would create new facilities. You can read more about that in our story earlier today here. This is a developing story. Stay with The War Zone for IDF has issued a statement on what it is calling a 'preemptive, precise' strike on Iran. 'A short while ago, following the directive of the political echelon, the IDF launched a preemptive, precise, combined offensive based on high-quality intelligence to strike Iran's nuclear program, and in response to the Iranian regime's ongoing aggression against Israel. A short while, dozens of IAF jets completed the first stage that included strikes on dozens of military targets, including nuclear targets in different areas of Iran. The public is requested to follow the instructions of the IDF Home Front Command, which will be updated as necessary, and act calmly and responsibly. The IDF and the relevant authorities are prepared for a wide range of scenarios in defense and offense that may be needed. For years, the Iranian regime has been waging a direct and indirect campaign of terror against the State of Israel, by funding and directing terrorist activities via its proxies across the Middle East, while advancing toward obtaining a nuclear weapon. The Iranian regime is at the head of the axis responsible for all terrorist attacks against the State of Israel since the beginning of the 'Swords of Iron' War, including by arming and funding the Hamas terror organization which was responsible for the October 7th Massacre. During the 'Swords of Iron' War, Iran even directly attacked Israel twice, firing hundreds of missiles toward the State of Israel. The Iranian regime has proclaimed that its objective is to destroy the State of Israel. Senior officials in the Iranian regime have publicly declared their intent to destroy Israel, and are operating to achieve this together with their proxies in the Middle East. Today, Iran is closer than ever to obtaining a nuclear weapon. Weapons of mass destruction in the hands of the Iranian regime are an existential threat to the State of Israel and a significant threat to the wider world. The State of Israel will not allow a regime whose objective is to destroy the State of Israel to obtain weapons of mass destruction. The IDF has conducted a process of preparations for a campaign on the frontline and on the home front. The resilience of Israel's citizens will be an important factor of the campaign. The IDF is ready to continue to act as required. The State of Israel has the obligation to act in defense of its citizens and will continue to do so everywhere it is required to do so, as we have done in the past. The IDF is conducting an ongoing situational assessment and will update on any developments.' U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also isssued a statement. 'Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense. President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners. Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.' – The Israeli Air Force said the attack was designed to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. 'Iran is closer than ever to obtaining nuclear weapons. Weapons of mass destruction in the hands of the Iranian regime are a threat to the State of Israel and a significant threat to the entire world. The State of Israel will not allow a regime whose goal is the destruction of the State of Israel to possess weapons of mass destruction.' איראן היום קרובה יותר מאי פעם להשגת נשק גרעיני. נשק להשמדה המונית המצוי בידי המשטר האיראני הוא קיום על מדינת ישראל ואיום משמעותי לעולם כולו. מדינת ישראל לא תאפשר למשטר שמטרתו השמדת מדינת ישראל, להחזיק בנשק להשמדה המונית. — Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) June 13, 2025 Update: 9:02 PM Eastern – Netanyahu said Israel targeted Iran's leading nuclear scientists working on the Iranian bomb, according to Reuters. 'We also struck in the hear of Iran's ballistic missile program,' he said. NETANYAHU: WE TARGETED IRAN'S LEADING NUCLEAR SCIENTISTS WORKING ON THE IRANIAN BOMB, WE ALSO STRUCK THE HEART OF IRAN'S BALLISTIC MISSILE PROGRAMME — Phil Stewart (@phildstewart) June 13, 2025 This fits with what we are seeing as far as the nature of the strikes, although our view is very limited. This appears to have been an operation that focused as much of targeting individuals as capabilities, or at least both. Exactly how this will be staged going forward isn't clear. Air defenses would need to be degraded if a protracted air campaign were to occur that would make use of direct attacks and go after the entirety of the nuclear program and Iran's ability to build delivery systems for it. Other military capabilities — specifically long-range weapons that threaten Israel — and their production capacity would also likely be targeted. The coming hours will be telling as to if this attack was opportunistic and/or used as pressure device on the regime or if a much larger and prolonged campaign will spin-up. This feels more like targeting specific humans than capabilities, but it could be both. — Tyler Rogoway (@Aviation_Intel) June 13, 2025 More buildings struck in Tehran. — Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (BlueSky too) (@Archer83Able) June 13, 2025 Contact the author: howard@
Gulf Insider
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Insider
Major Israeli Attack Destroys Yemen's Sanaa International Airport
Israel's air force has continued a second day of large-scale attacks on Yemen, targeting the leadership and infrastructure of the Ansarallah movement, or Houthis, after the Sunday Houthi ballistic missile strike on Israel's Ben Gurion international airport in Tel Aviv. Huge plumes of black smoke have been observed rising above the Houthi-controlled airport area in the capital of Sana'a. Prior Israeli strikes, with US backing, focused on the vital port of Hodeidah. Video of airstrikes by #Israel on the #Houthis-controlled Sanaa International Airport in #Yemen. — Jason Brodsky (@JasonMBrodsky) May 6, 2025 Within a couple hours before the Tuesday Israeli strikes on Sana'a commencing, the IDF military issued an evacuation warning for Yemen's Sana'a International Airport, stated that being near it 'exposes you to danger.' This warning was given because Israel is fully aware that this is a civilian aviation hub. However, Israeli officials have accused the Houthis of using it as a military base and staging ground. 'We call upon you to evacuate the airport area — Sana'a International Airport — immediately and warn everyone in your vicinity of the need to evacuate this area immediately,' the IDF's Arabic spokesman warned earlier Tuesday. 'Failure to evacuate and move away from the place exposes you to danger.' Several power stations in the area of the Yemeni capital have also been hit, initial reports say. 'Among the targets were the Dhahban and Haiz power stations, a cement plant in Amran, and civilian aircraft and terminals at the airport,' according to regional media. BREAKING | Large fires have broken out as a result of Israel's attacks on different areas in Yemen's capital Sanaa, including the airport. — The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) May 6, 2025 The IDF has previously alleged that the Houthis use cement from the targeted factory to erect tunnels and military infrastructure, amid international criticism accusing Israel of destroying vital civilian infrastructure. Click here to read more Also read: Israel Approves 'Conquering Gaza, Holding Territories' Ahead Of Trump's Mideast Trip
Gulf Insider
31-03-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Insider
Mysterious Airstrip On Island Off Yemen Might Be Used By US Warplanes
Friday and the overnight hours saw US warplanes significantly ramp up airstrikes on Yemen, with several dozens of strikes on Friday alone, and more through the night and Saturday. 'United States air strikes have hit more than 40 locations across Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen, including in the capital, Sanaa, according to local media affiliated with the rebel group,' regional media details. Some reports have counted over 70 strikes in the last 24 hours. Some half of these attacks were on the Tahrir and Qiyada districts of the Yemeni capital, which contain residential neighborhoods. The Sanaa International Airport was also struck for a second night in a row. The US-led attacks have become nearly non-stop, with dozens killed and many wounded on the ground, after President Trump this week warned that he's ready to bomb Yemen for 'a long time' if the Houthis don't halt their drone and missile attacks on Red Sea shipping. The US President hailed the Yemen operation, which has been ongoing for about two weeks at this point, as 'very successful beyond our wildest expectations.' However, there's been no signs the Houthis intend to halt their own attacks off Yemen's coast and against Israel. Al Jazeera has noted that 'The US military's Central Command (CENTCOM), which now has authority from the White House to strike offensively in Yemen without pre-approval.' According to emerging reports of strikes which continued Saturday: Meanwhile, satellite photos analyzed by the AP show a mysterious airstrip just off Yemen in a key maritime chokepoint now appears ready to accept flights and B-2 bombers within striking distance of the country Saturday. The strikes into Saturday targeted multiple areas in Yemen under the control of the Iranian-backed Houthis, including the capital, Sanaa, and in the governorates of al-Jawf and Saada, rebel-controlled media reported. The strikes in Saada killed one person and wounded four others, the Houthi-run SABA news agency said. Times of Israel has reported more on the above-mentioned airstrip as follows: Satellite images from Planet Labs PBC show an airstrip now appears ready on Mayun Island, a volcanic outcropping in the center of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait off Yemen. The images show the airstrip had been painted with the designation markings '09' and '27' to the airstrip's east and west respectively. A Saudi-led coalition battling the Houthis had acknowledged having 'equipment' on Mayun, also known as Perim. However, air and sea traffic to Mayun has linked the construction to the UAE, which backs a secessionist force in Yemen known as the Southern Transitional Council. So it appears US warplanes can now utilize a 'local' airspace under Saudi coalition auspices. Click here to read more…
