On 13 April 2024, after days of speculation and mounting tensions in the region, Iran reportedly launched upwards of 500 one-way suicide drones and cruise missiles during late evening hours local time toward Israel in retaliation for Israel's airstrike on Iran's embassy in Damascus, Syria that killed an IRGC commander. The slow moving drones (approximately 7-9 hour travel time) and cruise missiles (two hour travel time) passed over Iraqi, Syrian, and Jordanian airspace. Most were intercepted before reaching Israeli airspace. Only a handful of missiles and drones successfully impacted Israeli territory, with 99% destroyed in the air.
Situation Report
- Israel, Lebanon, and Iraq temporarily closed their airspace.
- Kuwait halted flights in and out of Kuwait International Airport.
- Multiple airlines halted flights in the region before the attack.
- Canada, Germany, Russia, and other countries urged their citizens to depart Iran and Israel amid risk of escalation.
- Israeli armed forces are on high alert and defensive measures were activated across the country.
- U.S. and UK fighter jets reportedly shot down over 100 drones along the Syria-Iraq border.
- Explosions were reported over northern and southern Israel and western Jordan amid air-defense activations to intercept Iranian drones.
- Israeli long-range interceptor missiles were launched to deal with Iranian cruise missiles.
Analysis
- Several hours after the launch of drones from Iran, the Iranian Mission to the U.N. issued a statement that "...Iran's military action was in response to the Zionist regime's aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus. The matter can be deemed concluded. However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran's response will be considerably more severe".
- This statement from Iran, while drones and missiles were still airborne, is a clear attempt to de-escalate and avoid total war with Israel and the U.S. while still "saving face" domestically.
- Israel's response to this attack is unknown, but it has promised retaliation.
Recommendations
- Follow guidance from local authorities
- Utilize the Red Alert missile alarm app
- Shelter in place as required
- Continue to avoid non-essential travel to Israel and the broader Middle East as the situation continues to evolve
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