Iran unleashes hundreds of drones in revenge strike as Israel warns attack expected in ‘several hours’ in war escalation
IRAN has unleashed hundreds of drones on Israel in a revenge strike triggering a major escalation of the war in the Middle East.
Israel said Tehran launched hundreds of drones and cruise missiles with some being fired over Syria and Jordan as it warned citizens to find cover.
The drones will take several hours to arrive, expected to hit around midnight (2am local time).
Security sources said a number of drones were spotted flying from Iran over Iraq’s Sulaymaniya province.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned “in the strongest terms” Iran’s “reckless attack” which he said showed that it was “intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard”.
While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has convened his war cabinet, at military headquarters as Israel prepares to intercept a salvo of drones and missiles in the coming hours.
The Israeli Military said on Saturday night Iran launched a “pilotless aircraft” towards Israel that will take “several hours” to reach Israel and explained that sirens will sound in the under threat areas.
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said: “We have prepared for diverse scenarios in advance.
“In order to intercept these launches, we have the circles of protection from both the navy and the air force on several layers.
“We are going to try to prevent them from reaching Israeli territory, that is our task.
“If they do enter Israeli airspace, then you will hear sirens and alarms wherever these threats enter and we will intercept them.
“I remind you—it doesn’t matter from where the threat is launched, if an alarm sounds, you must enter the shelter and stay there for ten minutes.
“Ten minutes after the alarm ends, no less. We will update you in real-time if you need to stay there longer.”
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said Iran has also unleashed a barrage of missiles towards Israel.
While the Iranian defence minister warned that any country that opens airspace to attack Iran will receive a divisive response.
The White House said US President Joe Biden, who warned Iran against attacking on Friday has pledged to stand with Israel.
Meanwhile, Israel El Al Airlines has cancelled 15 flights scheduled for Saturday and Sunday after Tel Aviv closed its airspace as a precaution.
It followed Jordan which also closed its airspace to all incoming, departing and transit aircraft.
The Prime Minister said the UK will “continue to stand up for Israel’s security and that of all our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq.”
Mr Sunak said on Saturday night: “I condemn in the strongest terms the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel.
“These strikes risk inflaming tensions and destabilising the region.
“Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard.
“The UK will continue to stand up for Israel’s security and that of all our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq.
“Alongside our allies, we are urgently working to stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation. No-one wants to see more bloodshed.”
And Foreign Secretary David Cameron said: “Iran’s reckless attacks on Israel will only further inflame tensions in the Middle East.
“The UK calls on the Iranian regime to stop this serious escalation, which is in no one’s interest.”
Earlier today Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was prepared for a “direct attack from Iran” following its threats of retaliation for a deadly air strike on its Damascus consulate.
“Our defence systems are deployed, we are prepared for any scenario, both in defence and attack,” he said in a televised statement, adding that Israel had the backing of the United States and “many” countries.
Israel warned earlier today that Iran would suffer the “consequences for choosing to escalate the situation any further.”
The strong warning came after Iran seized a container ship linked to Israel in the Gulf, and as Israel announced it was closing schools nationwide for security reasons.
Tehran has made repeated threats to launch a revenge strike, with Iran’s state media releasing a propaganda video showing missiles being launched.
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted his country is “prepared for any scenario” as they continue to fight in Gaza.
