Israel, early Friday morning local time, launched missiles in a retaliatory strike against Iran, a senior U.S. official told ABC News.
BREAKING: Israeli missiles have hit a site in Iran, a U.S. official confirmed to @ABC News. The official could not confirm whether Syria and Iraq sites were hit as well.
Follow live updates: https://t.co/EfYV23yh7U pic.twitter.com/MDWHFCCngK
— ABC News (@ABC) April 19, 2024
Explosions were heard in multiple locations across the Middle East late Thursday night, as Israel appears to have begun exacting revenge for Iran’s unprecedented attack on the Jewish State, which saw some 350 suicide drones and missiles fired at Israeli territory.
Explosions have reportedly been heard in Isfahan and Natzanz, both cities in Iran which have nuclear installations. Three explosions have been reported in Isfahan – where Iran has its main nuclear research facility, though it has not been confirmed that a nuclear site has been struck.
Iranian media report that the Hastam Shikari air force base was hit by a missile. The air base was among several from which Iran launched its direct attack against Israel last weekend.
Airspace across the western side of Iran has been shut and Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport has informed passengers that all flights have been cancelled.
ABC News says it has been in contact with an IDF official who has confirmed that tonight’s strikes are in response to Iran’s drone and missile barrage.
The Supreme National Security Council of Iran has called an emergency meeting following tonight’s retaliatory strikes – which may still be ongoing.
The Jerusalem Post also reports that airstrikes have targeted sites belonging to the Syrian army in As-Suwayda and Daraa in southern Syria.
Additional explosions are also being reported in several locations in Iraq.
The video below appears to show anti-aircraft systems operating in Isfahan, Iran.
The situation is rapidly developing, and additional and clarifying information will follow.
