Representational.
Iran blasted central Israel with a suspected cluster warhead on Sunday afternoon, wounding six people, including one seriously, as Tehran launched another ballistic missile barrage amid the escalating conflict with Israel. The strike, part of the sixth salvo of the day, scattered multiple smaller explosives across several locations in the region, indicating the likely use of a cluster munition, The Times of Israel reported.
According to the Magen David Adom ambulance service, a man in his 40s sustained serious injuries in Tel Aviv. In nearby Petah Tikva, five others were wounded, including a 25-year-old man in moderate condition, while three others suffered light injuries.
Police reported more than a dozen impact sites across central Israel. Officials said the wide spread of debris and impact points indicated that the missile likely carried a cluster bomb warhead, which disperses multiple smaller explosives over a large area.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said search and rescue teams were dispatched to the affected areas and that the military was investigating the circumstances surrounding the impacts.
Earlier in the day, five other missile salvos were launched toward Israel beginning at around 2 a.m. local time, but no serious injuries were reported. Two additional attacks later in the afternoon also did not appear to cause damage or casualties.
The IDF said a ballistic missile aimed at southern Israel was likely intercepted, according to preliminary assessments.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain also reported fresh attacks, more than a week after the United States and Israel carried out preemptive strikes on Iran. Tehran has since vowed to intensify its military response.