Iranian Missile Strikes Near Israel’s Nuclear Facility, Over 100 Injured

Darwin, 22 March :

More than 100 people have been injured in Iranian ballistic missile strikes on the southern Israeli cities of Arad and Dimona. At least 11 of them are in critical condition.

According to a report by The Times of Israel, the casualties occurred on Saturday (March 21) after Israel’s defense systems failed to intercept at least two Iranian ballistic missiles, which then struck directly. The cities of Arad and Dimona are located near Israel’s main nuclear facilities.

The report states that 59 people were confirmed injured in Arad after a ballistic missile hit the city. Among them, six are in critical condition.

Following the attack, Israel’s fire service said in a statement that the missile made a “direct hit” in the center of Arad, striking between residential buildings. The statement added that there was extensive damage at the site.

Iran also launched a missile attack on Dimona, a city that hosts Israel’s nuclear facilities. Reports indicate that a three-story building collapsed in the attack, injuring at least 39 people. However, the British media outlet BBC, citing Israel’s emergency medical service Magen David Adom (MDA), reported that at least 47 people were injured.

Iran’s state media said the attack was carried out in retaliation for a U.S. strike earlier that day on Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment facility. The missiles were reportedly aimed at Israel’s nuclear research center, located about 10 kilometers (6 miles) outside Dimona and 30 kilometers (18.5 miles) outside Arad.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Air Force will investigate why its air defense systems failed to intercept the ballistic missiles mid-air.

According to Israeli military sources cited by local media outlet Arutz Sheva, two attempts to intercept the missile failed before it struck Arad directly.