Israel claims interception of nearly 30 drones overnight VIDEO

The Israeli Air Force intercepted about 30 drones launched in the direction of the State of Israel during the night of June 16 to 17, Caliber.Az reports, citing an IDF post on X.

״נפלה, התפוצצה, המטרה הופלה״: במהלך הלילה - חיל האוויר יירט כ-30 כטב״מים ששוגרו לעבר מדינת ישראל pic.twitter.com/E2rr2bouA0

— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) June 17, 2025

To recall, on June 13, Israel launched Operation "Rising Lion", a major offensive targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities (e.g., Natanz, Isfahan), missile sites, and military leadership. The strikes killed senior IRGC commanders (Hossein Salami, Mohammad Bagheri), nuclear scientists, and reportedly caused significant damage to Natanz’s above-ground enrichment plant. Iran reported over 200 deaths, mostly civilians. Israel claimed the attacks were to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, asserting “full aerial superiority” over Tehran.

Iran’s retaliation came with waves of ballistic missiles, including advanced Haj Qassem missiles, targeting Israeli cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa. Strikes hit residential areas, an oil refinery, and a power plant, killing at least 24 and injuring hundreds. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowed “severe punishment,” and officials threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil chokepoint.

As of June 17, the tension between the Middle Eastern states has continued with periodic missile strikes, resulting in civilian casualties and heavy damage to buildings and infrastructure both in Tehran and Tel Aviv.

By Khagan Isayev