Tehran: Iran launched a major missile attack on Israel just hours after US bomber jets targeted three nuclear sites in Iran. Among the missiles fired was Iran’s most powerful one yet — the Khorramshahr-4, which is capable of carrying a large payload. Iranian state television showed what looked like old footage of the missile, claiming it was used in the latest attack.
According to Iran’s elite military force, the Revolutionary Guard (IRGC), more than 40 missiles were launched in response to the US airstrikes. The Khorramshahr-4, also called “Kheibar”, reportedly has a range of 2,000 km and can carry a 1,500-kg warhead. Iran also claims it can carry multiple warheads, NDTV reported.
Tel Aviv under fire
The missile is named after Khorramshahr, a city that saw intense fighting during the Iran-Iraq War. Its other name, Kheibar, comes from a historical fortress that was captured in the 7th century and is now located in present-day Saudi Arabia.
The early morning attack injured at least 11 people, according to rescuers. A civilian area in northern Tel Aviv was one of the worst-hit. The strikes damaged a shopping centre, a bank, and a salon. Streets were littered with broken glass and debris, and many shops had their shutters bent or broken. An NDTV journalist on the ground described the scene as chaotic.
One resident said his house on the first floor was destroyed in the strike, but he survived because he happened to be at his mother’s place at the time. Emergency teams and security personnel quickly arrived at the site. Authorities blocked several roads and brought in earthmovers to clear the rubble.
