Iran has launched a retaliatory drone attack toward Israel, sparking a fresh war in the Middle East.
Israel Defence Forces announced this on Saturday evening saying that Iran launched unmanned aerial vehicles “from within its territory toward Israel.”
“The IDF is on high alert and is constantly monitoring the operational situation,” the statement read.
“The IDF Aerial e Array is on high alert, along with IAF fighter jets and Israeli Navy vessels that are on a defence mission in Israeli airspace. The IDF is monitoring all targets,” the statement partly said.
However, no further details on the assault were immediately provided as of press time
Iran’s attack comes in retaliation for an April 1 Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, which killed seven members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
In a statement, the IRGC acknowledged that attack, saying Iran had “launched a punitive strike against the occupied territories.”
“This operation involved the use of both missiles and drones,” the IRGC said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Israeli citizens in a video address on Saturday night, saying, “In recent years, and even more so in recent weeks, Israel has been preparing for the possibility of a direct attack from Iran. Our defense systems are deployed, we are prepared for any scenario, both in defense and attack. The State of Israel is strong, the IDF is strong, the public is strong.”
In anticipation of the attack, earlier Saturday, the Israel Home Front Command issued guidelines limiting gathering to a maximum of 1,000 people. All schools were closed through at least Monday. People were advised to remain near safe rooms and shelters. The workweek in Israel runs from Sunday through Thursday.
The Jordanian Civil Aviation Regulatory Authority says the country will close its airspace from 11 p.m. local time (20:00 GMT) to ensure the safety and security of civil aviation.
The Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the authority, Haitham Misto, said that air traffic in Jordan was affected as a result of interference in the GPS system, which prompted aircraft to use alternative systems
The Jordanian Telecommunications Regulatory Authority said it had addressed the relevant authorities in “two neighbouring countries” to stop interference with GPS systems and is awaiting a response.
Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Syria, and Lebanon have reported disruptions to civilian air traffic due to disturbances in GPS systems.
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