The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted three drones launched from Iraq early Wednesday, which were claimed by the Iranian-backed militia group Islamic Resistance in Iraq. The drones were reportedly aimed at Eilat and the Golan Heights. In addition to these, two more drones were shot down over northern Israel, launched from Lebanon.
The military confirmed that the drones were intercepted as they approached their targets. All three drones were noted to have originated “from the east,” a reference to Iraq. Earlier this month, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq conducted a drone attack that resulted in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers and injured 24 others in the Golan Heights.
The group claims to be targeting “vital targets” within Israel, amidst ongoing tensions following last year’s conflict triggered by Hamas’s attacks. While drone attacks from this coalition of pro-Iran groups had been frequent, including a notable strike on the Eilat port in September, the frequency of such attacks has reportedly diminished in recent weeks.