Arad/Dimona [Israel], March 22 (ANI): More than 100 people, including children, were injured after ballistic missiles fired by Iran struck the southern Israeli towns of Arad and Dimona, officials said. The strikes caused significant damage to residential areas and placed heavy demand on local emergency services.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry condemned the evening attacks, saying on X that the Iranian regime had deliberately targeted civilians in Arad and Dimona and calling the strikes a war crime. Rescue teams worked through the night, treating the wounded and clearing rubble from collapsed structures. Hospitals in the area reported treating dozens of people for shrapnel wounds, broken bones and shock, with some patients listed in serious condition.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the attacks “a difficult moment in the battle for the future” and pledged Israel would take steps to ensure its security. Mayors of both towns spoke of the trauma to families and the urgent need to restore a sense of safety.
Iran said the missile launches were in response to an earlier strike on its Natanz nuclear facility, which Tehran blamed on a joint US-Israeli operation — an accusation Israel has denied. Iranian military spokespeople said the missiles were aimed at strategic targets; they did not dispute reports that strikes hit populated areas.
Israeli air-defence systems, including Iron Dome batteries, attempted to intercept several incoming projectiles, but officials said at least two missiles penetrated defences and struck populated neighbourhoods. Firefighters worked to extinguish blazes caused by impacts, and air-raid sirens sounded repeatedly across the region.
Authorities have called for calm while investigations proceed into how the missiles breached defences. Local officials said schools in both towns would remain closed while medical teams care for the injured and structural assessments are carried out.
The strikes have renewed international concern about escalating exchanges between Iran and Israel, where missile and air strikes have increased in recent months. World powers urged restraint to prevent further civilian casualties as Tehran and Jerusalem traded accusations and warned of possible further actions.
(ANI)
