Tehran checkpoints hit in reported drone attacks
Checkpoints in Tehran came under attack Wednesday evening, according to Iranian state media, which said Israeli drones killed several security personnel and Basij members in the capital.
Checkpoints in Tehran came under attack Wednesday evening, according to Iranian state media, which said Israeli drones killed several security personnel and Basij members in the capital.
Revolutionary Guards-affiliated Fars News reported at least 10 people were killed in what it described as “terrorist” attacks. Witness accounts sent to Iran International also suggested checkpoints had come under attack and that air defenses were engaged against Israeli drones over parts of the city.
According to Fars, the checkpoints targeted were in District 14 near the Mahallati Highway, District 15 opposite the Hashemabad gas station, District 16 on Fadaiyan-e Islam Street and District 1 at the end of Artesh Boulevard. Residents reported explosions and exchanges of fire in several areas, the outlet said.
An unnamed official cited by Fars said the operation was carried out jointly by Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency and monarchist groups, alleging the aim was to infiltrate operatives and carry out sabotage inside Iran. No evidence was provided for the claim.
The reported attacks come amid tightened security across Tehran, where residents say checkpoints have multiplied and nighttime patrols intensified as the conflict escalates.
Some witnesses say Basij units accompanying patrols have chanted slogans warning against unrest and challenging people to protest.
Since the strikes began, leaders in the United States and Israel have urged Iranians to rise against the authorities, framing the conflict as an opportunity for change, while the exiled prince Reza Pahlavi has told supporters to remain ready to mobilize when the time is right.
A spokesman for the Israeli military said Wednesday that Israel was prepared to continue the war with Iran for as long as necessary.
Separately, Fars reported that an overnight strike early Tuesday hit a residential area in the central city of Arak, killing five civilians from the family of Gen. Ismail Dehghan.
