The Air Force attacked a refueling plane at Mashhad airport - in the first attack by Iranian aircraft on the ground. IDF spokesman:"The goal - achieving air superiority throughout Iran." Footage from the east of the country: Heavy smoke is seen rising from the site of the attack
Yoav Zeiton, Iskander Khabibulin|
An IDF spokesman updated this afternoon (Sunday) that the Air Force had recently attacked an Iranian refueling plane at Mashhad airport in eastern Iran - about 2,300 kilometers from Israel."This is the furthest attack since the start of the operation. The Air Force is working to achieve air superiority throughout Iran," the IDF spokesman said.
Smoke rises at the airport in Mashhad
In fact, the Air Force attacked Iranian aircraft on the ground for the first time. Not long before, the Sabreen News Agency reported an attack on the city of Mashhad in northeastern Iran. The Iranian Fars News Agency reported that two explosions were heard in Mashhad in the evening. According to reports, air defense systems were activated around 6:30 PM in the area of Shahrior Street 17, and thick smoke trails were seen rising into the sky. In addition, the city's airport caught fire - and initial reports indicated an explosion there as well.
Also, two sources earlier told Reuters that at least 14 nuclear scientists were killed in Israeli strikes. According to the sources, the scientists were also killed in car bombs.
The IDF spokesman earlier reported that Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir held a situation assessment today at the Air Force base with Air Force Commander, Gen. Tomer Bar, Air Force Chief of Staff, Air Operations Chief and other commanders. The Chief of Staff visited the defense and attack cells during the Air Force's attacks on Tehran, and expressed his great appreciation for their work.
The Chief of Staff said during his visit that"the offensive moves we are making in Iran are changing the strategic reality of the State of Israel. We are removing an existential threat and establishing our security. The IDF, through the Air Force, has completed paving the way to Tehran, and is precisely and extensively striking the regime's infrastructure and nuclear program in a way that the enemy did not imagine.
"The defense and home front effort is crucial. I would like to send my condolences to the families of the dead and call on everyone to continue to show responsibility and listen to the instructions of the Home Front Command. A strong home front gives us the strength to continue our mission. We will continue to act with determination, strength, responsibility and cooperation with all security forces – until all our goals are achieved."
