Missile warning sirens rang out across northern, central, and parts of southern Israel around 8:45 p.m. local time on Sunday, following a new barrage of rockets launched from Iran, according to the Israeli military.
The military confirmed that “multiple areas were hit” across Israel as Iranian missiles targeted the country in what marks another escalation in the ongoing hostilities.
A Reuters journalist on the ground captured footage showing plumes of smoke rising over Haifa, seemingly the result of a direct strike during the latest wave of missile attacks.
“Sirens sounded in multiple regions of Israel after missiles were identified as having been launched from Iran toward the State of Israel,” a military statement said, urging the public to seek shelter immediately.
In Jerusalem, reporters from Agence France-Presse (AFP) witnessed dozens of missiles streaking across the sky before being followed by the sound of intense, repeated explosions.
Meanwhile, Iran’s armed forces issued a stark warning to Israeli civilians via a recorded message aired on state television, advising them to evacuate areas surrounding “vital sites” for their own safety. The message coincided with Iran’s latest barrage.
“We hold a database of vital and sensitive sites within the occupied territories,” a spokesperson for Iran’s military said. “We urge you not to allow the brutal regime to use you as human shields. Do not remain in or travel near these critical zones.”
Earlier Sunday evening, around 8:20 p.m., the Israeli military announced it had begun airstrikes on “dozens” of ground-to-ground missile launch facilities in western Iran. This marks the third day of direct conflict between Israel and the Islamic Republic.
“The Air Force has launched a wave of strikes against dozens of ground-to-ground missile targets in western Iran,” the statement read.
