Iran has begun to retaliate against Israel’s air strike that targeted several IRGC top officials and its nuclear sites, by launching a swarm of drones over Israel.
Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said that they were working to shoot them down but were unaware when they would reach them and what type of drones they were. Videos circulating in Arabic-language media appeared to show the UAVs in flight.
This comes as Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had warned that a harsh punishment awaited Israelis. "With this crime, the Zionist regime sealed for itself a bitter and painful destiny and will definitely see that [destiny] brought upon it," Khamenei said.
Sirens were sounded at the Jordanian capital Amman amid the drone attack and the state’s media said that several were intercepted. Israeli fighter jets have already shot down several drones outside its borders, according to The Times of Israel.
Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations, in a letter to the Security Council, condemned the Israeli attacks and called for an emergency meeting on the matter. "The Islamic Republic of Iran will respond to these cowardly and illegal actions in a decisive, proportionate and deterrent manner at the appropriate time and place," it said.
Israel on alert
There are also reports that Israel lifted a directive requiring citizens to stay near protected areas, which was in place after Iran launched drones.
The measure had been issued earlier as Iran launched drones and missiles toward Israel in retaliation for overnight Israeli strikes.
Israeli authorities have already stated that it was prepared to face Iran's ballistic missiles.
Home Front Command chief Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo had earlier warned of prolonged alerts and urged the public to remain close to protected spaces. "This campaign may involve widespread alarms," Milo said. "It is essential to seek shelter in secure areas—preferably reinforced rooms, shelters or approved public protection spaces." The US embassy in Israel has instructed employees and family members to shelter until further notice. The Health Ministry and the Home Front Command have instructed that hospital facilities be moved to protected and underground areas in preparation.