Iranian missile barrage injures 17 in Haifa as 20 rockets target Israel

Iran launched at least 20 ballistic missiles into Israeli territory on the afternoon of June 20, injuring over a dozen civilians and triggering air raid sirens across the country and causing multiple casualties. 

The heavy barrage struck several areas in northern and central Israel, leaving at least 17 others injured in Haifa, according to Israeli emergency services, the Jerusalem Post reports.

Sirens sounded across the country as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) identified the incoming attack. Initial explosions were reported in northern Israel and the central region.

Emergency services reported that at least three individuals sustained light injuries in one strike in the North, in addition to the two in serious condition.

Later updates from Ynet confirmed that in the direct hit on Haifa, 17 people were wounded, including three in serious condition and 14 lightly injured from blast and shrapnel. Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency teams are searching additional sites in the area.

At the same time, rescue authorities say that no injuries are reported in southern and central Israel following Iran’s ballistic missile attack. Fragment impacts were reported in Beersheba in the south and several cities in central Israel.

Footage circulating on social media showed a large plume of smoke rising over Haifa’s skyline, accompanied by the booming sound of explosions, CNN reported.

Emergency response teams have been deployed to affected areas as the situation develops.

By Sabina Mammadli