Explosions rock Israel as Iran launches new missile barrage

By Said Amori

JERUSALEM (AA) - At least five explosions were heard in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and surrounding areas following the launch of missiles from Iran toward Israel, an Anadolu correspondent reported Sunday evening.

A strong explosion was also heard in the northern city of Haifa, according to eyewitnesses.

Israel’s Channel 12 reported that sirens sounded in several areas in southern and eastern Israel after a new barrage of missiles was launched from Iran. Additional sirens were later activated in the northern parts of the country.

Channel 12 also reported that an Iranian missile or its shrapnel fell near Tel Aviv in central Israel.

The Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth said material damage occurred and buildings were affected after missile debris fell near Tel Aviv, with no injuries reported in that specific incident.

Sirens later sounded again in Dimona, the Negev, the Dead Sea area and other parts of southern Israel, Channel 12 reported.

Israel’s ambulance service said several people were injured while heading to shelters in the greater Tel Aviv area, according to a statement.

Meanwhile, Israel’s public broadcaster KAN reported that the government extended the nationwide state of emergency for an additional 12 days, until March 12, linking its termination to the end of the ongoing military operation against Iran.

Regional tensions escalated on Saturday after the US and Israel launched an attack on Iran, killing several top Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Tehran retaliated with a series of drone and missile attacks that targeted Israel, US assets and several Gulf countries.