Iranian Missile Hits Arad Residential Area, Dozens Injured
Over 64 were injured with a ballistic missile launched from Iran was not intercepted and struck multiple buildings in the southern city of Arad, in a neighborhood of Gur Chassidim.
by COLlive Editor · COLliveFor the second time on Motzei Shabbos, a ballistic missile launched from Iran was not intercepted and struck multiple buildings in the southern city of Arad, in a neighborhood where Gur Chassidim reside.
The missile hit the heart of a residential area, causing widespread destruction in a densely populated complex. Three buildings sustained heavy damage, while nearby structures were also affected. A fire broke out on the fourth floor of one of the buildings following the impact.
Emergency services reported dozens of casualties with varying degrees of injury, including several listed in serious condition.
The Israeli Air Force has launched an initial investigation into the apparent failure to intercept the missile, after attempts to stop it were unsuccessful and it ultimately struck a populated neighborhood.
Large emergency response teams were dispatched to the scene, including helicopters and dozens of ambulances, alongside significant forces from MDA, police, and fire departments. The attack marked the ninth launch from Iran toward the southern region within the past 24 hours, amid ongoing escalation.
MDA emergency medic Yakir Talker described the difficult scenes, stating that large teams arrived quickly and immediately began establishing a casualty concentration point, triaging the injured and administering life-saving medical treatment.
“This is a very complex scene, with extensive destruction and multiple casualties,” he said, noting that searches for additional victims are still ongoing.
Fire and Rescue Services reported that the strike occurred between residential buildings in the city center, sparking a blaze and trapping residents. Firefighters continue working to extinguish the fire and rescue those trapped.
MDA Update as of 11:25 PM:
“MDA paramedics and EMTs are providing medical treatment and evacuating 64 victims to hospitals via dozens of ambulances, intensive care units, and MDA and Air Force helicopters. Among them are 7 in serious condition, 15 in moderate condition, and 42 with light injuries. MDA teams continue to search for additional casualties.”
Earlier on Shabbos, a missile barrage struck southern Israel, leaving 39 people injured in and around Dimona, with at least 12 impact sites reported and significant damage across the area.
Among the injured, a 12-year-old boy is in serious condition, while a woman in her 40s was moderately wounded. The remaining victims sustained light injuries. A preliminary investigation indicates that at least 11 of those injured were not inside protected spaces at the time of the sirens.
In central Israel, additional impacts were reported. A cluster missile struck 11 locations in Rishon Lezion, including a kindergarten that sustained heavy damage. One person was lightly injured.
Following the attacks, authorities in Dimona and Yerucham announced that educational institutions will remain closed until further notice.
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