Iraq launches missile strikes on Israel

Armed groups associated with the "Islamic Resistance of Iraq" have claimed responsibility for five missile strikes on various locations within Israel, as reported by the Iraqi resistance force.

The militants stated, "On October 8, five targets [in Israel] were attacked during five separate operations," Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

The "Islamic Resistance of Iraq" claimed that these strikes targeted facilities "in the northern and central parts" of Israel, using "advanced cruise missiles and drones."

The resistance groups described the attacks as "a continuation of resistance to [Israeli] occupation, support for the Palestinians and the people of Lebanon, and a response to [Israel's] aggression against the civilian population."

However, the specific targets of the strikes and their effectiveness were not detailed in the report.

Shia groups in Iraq have increased their activity following the escalation of violence in the Middle East. This comes after Hamas militants from Gaza infiltrated Israel on October 7, 2023, leading to the killing of residents in border towns and the taking of hostages.

The militants described the attack as retaliation for Israeli actions against the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

In response, Israel declared a complete blockade of Gaza and launched airstrikes on the enclave, as well as parts of Lebanon and Syria, before initiating a ground operation in the Gaza Strip.

By Aghakazim Guliyev