Israel has reportedly escalated its ongoing conflict with Iran, striking the world’s largest gas field and other energy infrastructure as part of a two-day assault that had otherwise largely targeted sites and personnel tied to the Islamic Republic’s armed forces and nuclear program.
Iranian semi-official media outlets, including Tasnim News Agency and Fars News Agency, reported on Saturday that an Israeli drone struck Iran’s South Pars Gas Field, which is shared with Qatar, where it is known as the North Dome Gas Field. The attack was said to have targeted Phase 14 refineries of the Iranian section, with at least one unit reportedly on fire, leading to a suspension in operations.
Footage circulating on news channels and social media appeared to show flames and smoke rising from a section of the complex, which is located in the Kangan area of Iran’s south coast Bushehr province.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has yet to confirm the attack. Newsweek has reached out to the IDF for comment.
Israeli officials continued to announce operations Saturday in line with what’s been dubbed “Operation Rising Lion,” a sweeping and unprecedented series of attacks launched late Thursday targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, military infrastructure and senior personnel, including commanders and nuclear scientists.
Vowing severe retaliation, Iran commenced a retaliatory “Operation True Promise III” on Friday and fired several waves of missiles and drones against Israel. Iran claims to have severely damaged a number of Israeli military bases, while the IDF has said the majority of incoming attacks have been intercepted.
Iranian ambassador to the United Nations Saeed Amir Iravani said Friday that the Israeli strikes had thus far killed 78 people, the majority of them civilians, and injured more than 320. Among the dead are Iranian Armed Forces chief of staff Major General Mohammed Bagheri, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) chief Major General Hossein Salami and IRGC Aerospace Forces commander Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, as well as several nuclear scientists.
Israel’s Magen David Adom emergency service director Eli Bin reported Friday that the toll of Iranian attacks on Israel included at least 44 wounded.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
Vahid Salemi/AP