TEHRAN, Oct 26: Iran said an Israeli attack targeted military sites in the Islamic republic on Saturday, killing two soldiers, almost a month after Israel vowed to avenge a missile barrage that raised fears of a full-scale Middle East war.
The Israeli military said its retaliatory air strikes hit Iran’s missile manufacturing facilities, missile installations and other systems in several regions. It warned Iran it would “pay a heavy price” if it responded.
Iran confirmed an Israeli attack had targeted military sites in Tehran province surrounding the capital, and other parts of the country, saying it caused “limited damage”. The armed forces said later two soldiers were killed in the strikes.
Israel had vowed to retaliate against Iran for its October 1 barrage of 200 missiles, the second-ever direct attack by Iran on its arch-foe. Most of those missiles were intercepted but one person was killed.
The Israeli retaliation drew condemnation from Hamas and Saudi Arabia, which warned against further escalation.
Israel is already engaged in combat on two fronts, a full-on war against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon since last month, and in Gaza, where Israel has fought Palestinian group Hamas for more than a year and the United Nations warned the “darkest moment” of that conflict was unfolding.
“Based on intelligence, IAF (air force) aircraft struck missile manufacturing facilities used to produce the missiles that Iran fired at the State of Israel over the last year,” Israel’s military said in a statement.
Iran has carried out two direct missile barrages against Israel since April, but for more than a year Hezbollah, armed and financed by Tehran, has been firing over Israel’s border.
– Tehran residents fear escalation after Israeli attacks –
Iranian officials and media have played down the attack, but on the streets of Tehran many were concerned that it had marked a new escalation and a step towards all-out war.
Hooman, a 42-year-old factory employee, was on a factory night shift when he heard the blasts.
“It was an echoing sound … terrible and horrifying,” he told AFP. “Now that there is war in the Middle East, we are afraid that we will be dragged into it.”
Some in Tehran voiced fears over an escalation of the conflict.
“If they attack, it will be us who will be crushed,” said Moharam, a 51-year-old day labourer.
Others, however, said they were entirely unaware that an attack had even happened.
Flights over Iran were briefly suspended for a few hours following the attack, but later resumed as scheduled.
Sepideh, a 30-year-old insurance manager, said she woke up Saturday and hurried to work like usual despite her worries.
“War is frightening … but I don’t think a terrible war will happen in Iran,” she said. – TVS
