The IDF assesses with high probability that the drones intercepted this morning near the Dead Sea and the drone intercepted last week on Mount Hermon were launched by Shiite militia operatives from Iraq, according to a military source. The assessment refines earlier reports linking the launches to pro-Iranian militias in Iraq.
The IDF has now assessed with high probability that the drones intercepted earlier today near the Dead Sea and the drone intercepted last week on Mount Hermon were launched by Shiite militia operatives from Iraq, according to military correspondent Itai Blumenthal. This refines earlier assessments that linked the launches to pro-Iranian militias or Shiite militia areas in Iraq without specifying the exact type of operatives. The assessment also connects the two incidents, which were previously reported separately.
The thread began at 20:54 Jerusalem when Channel 14 reported a defense establishment assessment that Iran-directed drones were launched from Iraq toward the Jordan border. At the same time, KAN reported that the IDF assessed the two drones intercepted at the Jordan border were launched from an area in Iraq where Shiite militias operate. Also at 20:54, i24NEWS reported Israeli sources assessed the drones were launched by pro-Iranian militias in Iraq. These three reports, all published at 20:54, provided a general attribution. The new IDF assessment, reported minutes ago, provides a more specific attribution: "Shiite militia operatives from Iraq" with high probability, and expands the scope to include the Mount Hermon incident.
As The Zioneer reported on June 9, a Houthi-launched drone was intercepted over Eilat, highlighting the multi-front drone threat from Iran-backed proxies. The current development underscores the expanding operational range of Iraqi Shiite militias, which have been a less common origin for attacks on Israel compared to Yemen, Lebanon, and Syria.
The IDF assessment does not name the specific militia group responsible. The involvement of Iran, which was cited in the initial assessment, is not explicitly mentioned in the new IDF statement. The assessment is described as "high probability," leaving room for other possibilities.
4 developments
- DevelopingShiite sources claim downing of multiple US drones over Iraq overnight
- StrongJordanian army intercepts two drones after IDF downs pair over Dead Sea
- DevelopingArmy Radio reports unusual drone interception near Dead Sea on Jordan border this morning
- DevelopingIraqi reports claim interception of 8 Iranian drones tonight
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