File image.
The Iranian military announced that two of its officers were killed in the Israeli attack that targeted the Islamic Republic early on October 26.
In a statement, the military said that the officers were killed “during confrontation with the projectiles fired by the criminal Zionist regime” as its forces were working “to safeguard Iran’s security and prevent harm to the Iranian nation and interests.”
Iranian activists identified the two officers as Major Hamzeh Jahandideh and Corporal Mohammad Mahdi Shaherkhifar. Both were reportedly air defense operators.
The early morning attack on Iran was a response to the October 1 large-scale missile strike on Israel. The attack was carried out in several waves over the course of several hours with blasts being reported in the Iranian capital, Tehran, as well as in the provinces of Karaj, Isfahan and Shiraz.
During the attack, Syrian state media reported that Israel struck several military sites in the south and center of the country. Israeli fighter jets were also spotted over Jordan.
The first wave of the attack reportedly targeted Iran’s air defense capabilities, while the second hit drone and ballistic missile manufacturing sites, as well as sites used to launch such weapons. Some 100 aircraft of the Israeli Air Force took part in the attack, which the Israeli military dubbed “Days of Repentance.”
Iran confirmed an Israeli attack had targeted military sites in Tehran and other parts of the country, but said it had caused “limited damage” and that air defense systems had successfully countered much of the attacks.
The Fire Information for Resource Management System, a near real-time active fire location service provided by the United States’ space agency NASA, showed a potential fire at a military site to the southwest of Tehran, where an American-made MIM-23 Hawk medium-range air defense system is known to be deployed, following the attack.
🚨🚨🇮🇷🇮🇱
NASA’s FIRM map marked several Iranian military points targeted by Israel. It seems a Hawk defense system was hit by #Israel at south Tehran.#Israeli #Iran #IDF pic.twitter.com/mwaoWXnz3d
— World Crisis Tracker (@WorldCrisi19621) October 26, 2024
In addition, videos posted to social networks showed a factory in the town of Shamsabad, to the south of Tehran, that was allegedly damaged in the attack. Unverified reports said that three workers were killed at the factory, which is allegedly involved in the development and production of military drones.
The Axios news city reported that Israel warned Iran ahead of the retaliatory attack. However, the presence of casualties casts doubts on this claim.
Previously, Iran vowed to respond to any Israeli attack on its territory. However, Iranian officials have not talked yet about responding to the deadly morning strikes.
Any response by Iran could lead to a serious escalation and even an all-out war. At the same time, the lack of response could encourage Israel to escalate even further. Due to the complexity of the situation, the Iranian leadership will likely take time before making a decision.
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