An Iranian Shahed 129 drone on display in Tehran, Iran. (Credit: Atta Kenare/AFP/File photo)
Iran has launched dozens of drones in the direction of Israel, Israeli media reported Saturday night, claiming that the unmanned aerial vehicles are expected to take several hours to reach their targets.
The information was confirmed by the Israeli army, which added that "defense systems are ready to deal" the incoming drones. The Israeli army also stated that alarm sirens would sound in "threatened" areas.
Three security sources told Reuters that drones had been spotted in Iraqi airspace over Sulaymaniyah.
On social networks, several analysts suggested that this volley of drones could be accompanied by other types of missiles, in a synchronized attack.
Shortly before the reports of the drones' launch, Jordan and Israel announced the closure of their airspace.
Since the end of last week, the region has been on high alert, with reports circulating widely in diplomatic and security circles that Iran was about to retaliate for the attack on its consulate in Damascus on April 1. Several countries called on their citizens to avoid the region, and many airlines revised their flight plans or canceled certain routes, particularly to Tehran.