Tel Aviv, 18 March (H.S.): The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a ferocious assault on over 100 targets in Israel's capital, Tel Aviv, in retaliation for the killing of Iran's former top security official, Dr. Ali Larijani, in a joint U.S.-Israel military operation. This marks the 19th day of escalating conflict between Iran, on one side, and the U.S.-Israel alliance on the other.
According to Iran's Press TV, citing an IRGC statement, the strikes formed the 61st wave of Operation True Promise 4. The IRGC deployed multi-warhead Khorramshahr-4 and Qadr missiles, alongside Emad and Khaibar Shekan projectiles, to pulverize enemy positions. The barrage avenged Dr. Larijani's death, who previously served as secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.
Press TV reported that the attack crippled Israel's advanced air defense systems, triggering partial blackouts across Tel Aviv. This hampered the Israeli military's efforts to regain control and rescue affected civilians.
The IRGC claimed that Operation True Promise 4 has now killed more than 230 Israelis to date.Beyond Tel Aviv, the IRGC targeted sensitive and strategic sites in the holy city of Al-Quds (Jerusalem), the port of Haifa, Beersheva, and the Negev Desert. Strikes also hit U.S. bases in Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.
Sources, quoting Israel's national emergency medical service, disaster relief, ambulance, and blood bank organization—Magen David Adom (MDA)—reported two fatalities in central Israel from Iranian ballistic missiles: one woman and one man, both found bleeding in Ramat Gan. Missile debris also rained down in Bnei Brak, just north of Tel Aviv, lightly injuring one person.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) posted on X: Home Front Command teams rushed to sites in central Israel where impacts were reported. Rescue and relief operations are underway. Residents may now exit shelters.
Meanwhile, the IDF bombarded Hezbollah rocket launchers and fighters in Lebanon with airstrikes, described as part of Operation Roaring Lion. A post on X from the Department of War declared: We are executing President Trump's orders with full speed and precision. Operation 'Epic Fury' has utterly devastated Iran's military.
U.S. Navy Admiral and Commander Brad Cooper stated in a video: We remain laser-focused on our military objectives—neutralizing Iran's ballistic missiles, drones, and naval threats. Our Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps pilots have logged over 6,000 combat sorties so far. The U.S. also struck fortified Iranian missile sites along the Persian Gulf coast near the Strait of Hormuz.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
