Tehran, June 13 (Tehran Times)- Iran’s air defences intercepted two F-35 Israeli fighter jets violating its airspace on Friday, downing both aircrafts and capturing one pilot after she ejected and parachuted into Iranian territory, according to an Iranian Army official speaking on national television.
The incident follows sustained Israeli attacks earlier in the day, which Iranian authorities report included bombs and drones. The strikes have so far killed dozens of civilians, along with several high-ranking military officials and nuclear scientists. Targets included residential buildings, nuclear facilities, radar installations, and military bases.
In response, Iran launched ballistic missile strikes against Israeli positions in the occupied territories late on Friday. Footage shows successful strikes on multiple targets in the region.
New volleys of Iranian ballistic missiles reached Israeli-occupied territories early Saturday morning, following initial launches hours earlier. Reports suggest Israelis were caught off gaurd as they believed Iran had wrapped up its retaliatory operation dubbed Operation True Promise 3.
Alert sirens sounded throughout the occupied territories. One image shows a large area in Tel Aviv brightly illuminated, after missiles struck targets in the vicinity. At least two Israeli media outlets reported that “strategic locations” had been hit in Tel Aviv, Ashdod, Haifa, and Be’er Sheva.
The first round of the Iranian attacks resulted in the death of at least one Zionist and injury of 50 others.
General Ahmad Vahidi, advisor to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution , appeared on national TV to announce Operation True Promise 3 will be ongoing for “as long as necessary”.
The operation follows Israeli strikes on residential buildings in Tehran, as well as nuclear facilities and military bases in other parts of the country. Dozens of Iranian civilians, military officials, and nuclear scientists have been pronounced dead.
As Iran was launching its new wave of attacks against Israel, air defense systems were active over central and western Tehran, intercepting Micro Air Vehicles (MAV).
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