An Iran-backed militant group launched a “surface-to-surface missile” assault in opposition to Israel on Sunday – sparking fears of a contemporary conflict within the war-torn area.
The long-range missile was fired from Yemen by Houthi rebels on the morning of September 15, the Israel Protection Forces (IDF) mentioned.
Sirens blared throughout central Israel, with footage exhibiting folks working for shelters at Ben Gurion Worldwide Airport.
A fireplace may very well be seen in a rural space of central Israel, not removed from Tel Aviv, and native media confirmed photographs of what gave the impression to be a fraction from a missile or interceptor that landed on an escalator in a railway station within the central city of Modiin.
The IDF mentioned in a press release: “At 06.21 this morning (Sunday), a surface-to-surface missile was fired from Yemen towards Israeli territory. An preliminary inquiry signifies the missile most probably fragmented in mid-air.
“In the course of the incident, a number of interception makes an attempt had been made by the Arrow and Iron Dome Aerial Protection Methods, and their outcomes are beneath evaluate. Sirens had been sounded in accordance with protocol. Your complete incident is beneath evaluate.
“Fallen fragments of the interceptors had been recognized in open areas and on the Paatei Modi’in Railway Station. A fireplace erupted in an space adjoining to Kfar Daniel. Israel Fireplace and Rescue Providers are at present working on the scene to extinguish the fireplace.”
Kfar Daniel is a 40-minute drive from Tel Aviv, one in all Israel’s most essential cities.
The Houthis have repeatedly launched drone and rocket assaults in opposition to Israel over the previous 12 months – claiming to be doing so in help of Hamas, which Israel has been preventing within the Gaza strip for the reason that militant group left greater than 1,200 lifeless in a harrowing assault on the southern area of the nation on October 7.
Most of those have been intercepted and destroyed over the Purple Sea, the place the Houthis are additionally attacking delivery, however this newest strike has sparked fears of a Israeli response and an escalation.
In July, a Houthi drone struck Tel Aviv, killing one particular person.
In response to that incident, Israel launched an airstrike on the Yemeni port metropolis of Hodeidah – inflicting extreme harm and killing three.
A Houthi spokesperson claimed this morning’s assault had seen the militants’ missile journey 2,040 km (1,267 miles) in 11 and a half minutes.
The militants additionally claimed the “new hypersonic ballistic missile” had prompted “nice panic” in Israel and that “the US-British alliance” – which has launched quite a lot of strikes in opposition to Houthi positions in current months – wouldn’t stop them from “supporting Gaza”.
The spokesperson additionally warned Israel to be prepared for additional assaults within the run-up to the primary anniversary of the continued Gaza battle on October 7.
In addition to the Houthis and Hamas, Iran – which launched its first-ever direct assault on Israel earlier this 12 months in response to the killing of Iranians in Syria – additionally helps Hezbollah, the highly effective Lebanese militia that usually targets Israel from the north.
The Israeli navy mentioned round 40 projectiles had been fired from Lebanon early on Sunday, with most intercepted or falling in open areas.