ISTANBUL

Sirens sounded early Friday in northern Israel after Iran launched a missile attack, local media reported.

Israel’s Channel 12 said several missiles landed in open areas while others were neutralized by air defense systems. Explosions were heard in some towns, it noted.

​​​​​​​“Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat,” the Israeli army said in a statement published on Telegram.

Authorities urged the public to act responsibly, follow instructions and remain in protected spaces upon receiving an alert.

Regional tensions have intensified since Israel and the US launched a joint attack on Iran on Feb. 28, killing 1,300 people and injuring more than 10,000 others so far, according to Iranian authorities.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries that are home to US military assets.