What's happened
On October 1, 2024, Iran launched over 180 ballistic missiles at Israel, marking a significant escalation in regional tensions. The attack was reportedly in retaliation for the recent killings of key Iranian and Hezbollah leaders. Israel's air defenses, including the Iron Dome and US Navy support, intercepted many missiles, but some caused damage.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Business Insider UK, Iran's missile attack was a response to the killings of key leaders, with the IRGC claiming the use of hypersonic missiles for the first time. The Israeli military reported that most missiles were intercepted, but some caused damage. Axios highlighted the effectiveness of Israel's Arrow defense system, which played a crucial role in intercepting the missiles. The Independent noted that the attack followed an Israeli ground operation in Lebanon, indicating a direct escalation in hostilities. The Guardian reported on the US military's involvement, confirming that American destroyers shot down several Iranian missiles, emphasizing the coordinated defense efforts between the US and Israel.
How we got here
The missile barrage follows a series of Israeli operations targeting Iranian and Hezbollah leaders, including the assassinations of Ismail Haniyeh and Hassan Nasrallah. Iran's military strategy has shifted towards using ballistic missiles due to the decline of its air force since the 1979 revolution.
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