As tensions between Israel and Iran escalate, the Nigerian government has announced plans to evacuate citizens from Lebanon following Iran’s launch of 180 ballistic missiles at Israel.
The Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, shared the news on X.com.
He posted, “Alert! All Nigerians in Lebanon are expected to get in touch with the Nigerian mission for profiling and documentation and subsequent evacuation.”
On Tuesday, Iran unleashed a barrage of missiles targeting Israel, reportedly in retaliation for the killings of Iran-backed militant leaders.
This triggered alarms across Israel, sending civilians into shelters. The Israeli military confirmed the missile attack, stating, “A short while ago, missiles were launched from Iran towards the State of Israel.”
Fortunately, Israel’s air defense systems successfully intercepted a “large number” of the missiles, and after an hour, authorities declared the threat neutralized, allowing citizens to leave protected areas.
According to The Times of Israel, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) managed to intercept the ballistic missiles effectively.
The attack marked Iran’s second direct strike on Israel this year, following a missile and drone offensive in April in response to an Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus.
Reports indicate that two people sustained minor injuries from shrapnel in central Israel, while explosions were heard over Jerusalem.
Iran’s official news agency, IRNA, confirmed the missile attack, claiming that it targeted Tel Aviv in response to the deaths of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, both killed in operations attributed to Israel.
In response, Israeli airspace was closed, with all flights redirected. Jordan, Iraq, and Lebanon also closed their airspace, while the United States pledged to support Israel’s defense.
President Joe Biden ordered U.S. military assistance, with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stating that the Iranian missile assault had been “defeated and ineffective.”
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire, condemning the widening conflict in the Middle East.
