Israel says Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles, 99% of which were intercepted
Jerusalem (AP): Booms and air raid sirens sounded across Israel early Sunday after Iran launched hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles in an unprecedented revenge mission that pushed the Middle East closer to a regionwide war. A military spokesman said the launches numbered more than 300 but 99% of them were intercepted.
Calling the outcome “a very significant strategic success,” Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Iran fired 170 drones, more than 30 cruise missiles and more than 120 ballistic missiles. Of those, several ballistic missiles reached Israeli territory, causing minor damage to an air base.
Rescuers said a 7-year-old girl in a Bedouin Arab town was seriously wounded in southern Israel, apparently in a missile strike, though they said police were still investigating the circumstances of her injuries.
In Washington, President Joe Biden said U.S. forces helped Israel down “nearly all” the drones and missiles and pledged to convene allies to develop a unified response.
The Iranian attack, less than two weeks after a suspected Israeli strike in Syria that killed two Iranian generals in an Iranian consular building, marked the first time Iran has launched a direct military assault on Israel, despite decades of enmity dating back to the country's 1979 Iranian Revolution.
Condemnation from the United Nations chief and others was swift, with France saying Iran “is risking a potential military escalation,” Britain calling the attack “reckless" and Germany saying Iran and its proxies “must stop it immediately."
Hagari said the vast majority of the intercepts came outside Israel's borders, including 10 cruise missiles that were intercepted by warplanes.
"A wide-scale attack by Iran is a major escalation,” he said. Asked whether Israel would respond, Hagari said only that the army “does and will do whatever is required to protect the security of the state of Israel.” He said the incident was not over, and dozens of Israeli warplanes remained in the skies.
Israel's military said its Arrow system, which shoots down ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere, handled most interceptions and noted that “strategic partners” were involved.
“At my direction, to support the defense of Israel, the U.S. military moved aircraft and ballistic missile defense destroyers to the region over the course of the past week,” Biden said in a statement. “Thanks to these deployments and the extraordinary skill of our service members, we helped Israel take down nearly all of the incoming drones and missiles.”
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a separate statement that U.S. forces “intercepted dozens of missiles and UAVs en route to Israel, launched from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen.”
Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke early Sunday, Israeli time, their governments said. Biden said in his statement that he reaffirmed “America's ironclad commitment” to Israel's security — a departure from his growing criticism of Israel's conduct in its war on Hamas in Gaza.
Iran had vowed revenge since the April 1 airstrike in Syria, which Tehran accused Israel of being responsible for. Israel hasn't commented on it.
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Mangaluru International Airport now silent zone; details here
Mangaluru, Apr 30: The Mangaluru International Airport has implemented a new policy regarding passenger announcements, shifting away from using the public address (PA) system for such notifications, airport officials said on Tuesday.
This change aims to cultivate a quieter environment for travellers, allowing them to utilise their time at the airport for various activities such as reading, conversing with loved ones, or attending to work commitments, they said.
According to officials, instead of PA announcements, passengers will now rely on the Flight Information Display System (FIDS) for updates regarding their flights, including gate changes and delays.
The FIDS screens are strategically placed both inside and outside the airport terminal, providing real-time information on arrivals and departures. Additionally, prominent display boards within the departure and arrival areas offer timely updates.
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Airport staff, including those at the 'May I Help You' Desk, customer service representatives, guest relations executives, and Pranaam staff, will be available to assist passengers with any inquiries.
Flight information will also be accessible at airline check-in counters and boarding gates. Airlines will notify passengers of any changes via SMS to their registered email and mobile numbers, ensuring a smooth travel experience.
According to the airport spokesperson, this initiative aims to enhance the overall travel experience for passengers, with full cooperation from airline partners. Passengers seeking further information can visit the airport terminal manager's office or contact their respective airlines. PA announcements will now be reserved for emergencies only.
