Tehran – At least 555 people have been killed in joint US and Israeli strikes in Iran, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society. The attacks have affected 131 cities across the country, causing fear and panic among citizens. Hospitals and emergency services are under heavy pressure as authorities have just begun assessing the damage.
Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon
Also, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have killed at least 31 people and injured 149. The strikes hit the southern suburbs of Beirut and other areas in the country’s south. Twenty people were killed and 91 injured in Beirut’s southern suburbs, while 11 were killed and 58 injured in the south. These attacks were carried out in response to Hezbollah rocket attacks on northern Israel.
Top Iranian leaders killed, military response warned
The attacks began with the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior commanders on Saturday. In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vowed retaliation and declared it “the heaviest military operation the Iranian Armed Forces have ever carried out against the occupied territories and US bases.” This statement hints at possible retaliatory strikes and raises the specter of a large-scale conflict in the region.
Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis
During the attacks in Lebanon, Israel issued a warning of forced displacement, forcing hundreds of thousands of civilians in the southern regions to flee their homes. Humanitarian organizations are facing difficulties providing shelter, food, and medical assistance. Authorities in both Iran and Lebanon have urged citizens to remain vigilant and observe safety measures.
Regional Impact
The combined impact of the attacks has escalated tensions in the Middle East. Analysts say continued attacks and retaliation could further destabilize the region and impact neighboring countries and global energy supplies. The international community has urged restraint and ensuring the safety of civilians so that the conflict does not escalate into a full-scale war.