Loud booms heard in Israel as Iran launches drone attack

JERUSALEM

Explosions were heard in several areas in Israel early Sunday as air defenses intercepted drones and missiles fired from Iran, according to media reports.

Rocket sirens and loud booms sounded in southern Israel, including Eilat, Beersheba, Dimona, Nevatim and other areas, The Times of Israel newspaper reported.

An Anadolu reporter said sirens and loud booms were also heard in Jerusalem, including above the Knesset, or Israel’s parliament, building.

The Magen David Adom ambulance service said one person was critically injured in the southern Negev region in the attack.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed on Saturday the launch of dozens of drones and missiles toward Israel.

The IRGC said the attack came in response to "numerous crimes" by Israel, including last week’s attack on the consular section of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus.

The Israeli army said its forces are on high alert following the Iranian attack.

At least 13 people were killed in a missile attack on the Iranian Consulate in Damascus on April 1, including seven military advisers. Tehran blamed Israel for the attack.

Tel Aviv has not officially claimed responsibility for the attack but it has for months carried out several strikes against Iranian targets across Syria.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar