Fact Check: Iran's first direct attack on Israel, Operation True Promise 1, took place on April 13, 2024, involving over 300 missiles and drones targeting military installations.

Fact Check: Iran's First Direct Attack on Israel

What We Know

On April 13, 2024, Iran launched a significant military operation against Israel, known as Operation True Promise. This attack involved a coordinated strike using 170 drones, over 30 cruise missiles, and more than 120 ballistic missiles targeting various military installations in Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights (Wikipedia, Al Jazeera). This event is notable as it marks Iran's first direct military engagement with Israel, escalating the ongoing proxy conflict between the two nations.

The operation was reportedly a response to an Israeli airstrike on April 1, 2024, which targeted the Iranian consulate in Damascus, killing several Iranian military personnel, including two generals (Wikipedia). The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that they intercepted 99% of the incoming missiles and drones, with at least nine Iranian missiles successfully striking two Israeli airbases, causing only minor damage (Wikipedia, Wikipedia).

Analysis

The claim that Iran's attack involved over 300 missiles and drones is partially accurate. While the total number of projectiles launched was indeed significant, the breakdown provided in various reports indicates that the figures are slightly different. Reports confirm that the attack included 170 drones, over 30 cruise missiles, and more than 120 ballistic missiles, which totals approximately 320 projectiles (Wikipedia, Al Jazeera). This aligns closely with the claim but does not specify the exact number of missiles and drones as stated.

The reliability of the sources used in this analysis varies. The information from Wikipedia is generally well-cited and provides a comprehensive overview of the events, but it is important to note that Wikipedia can be edited by anyone, which may introduce bias or inaccuracies. The Al Jazeera report is a credible news source known for its coverage of Middle Eastern affairs, which adds to the reliability of the information presented (Al Jazeera).

However, the interpretation of the attack's significance and the extent of damage caused can vary based on the source. For instance, while Iranian sources may emphasize the success of their strikes, Israeli sources focus on their defensive capabilities and the limited impact of the attack (Wikipedia, Wikipedia). This discrepancy highlights the need for critical assessment when evaluating claims from different perspectives.

Conclusion

The claim that "Iran's first direct attack on Israel, Operation True Promise 1, took place on April 13, 2024, involving over 300 missiles and drones targeting military installations" is Partially True. While the operation did involve a significant number of drones and missiles, the specific count of "over 300" is slightly misleading as it does not clarify the exact breakdown of the types of projectiles used. The attack represents a notable escalation in the Iran-Israel conflict, confirming its importance in the broader geopolitical landscape.

Fact Check: Iran's first direct attack on Israel, Operation True Promise 1, took place on April 13, 2024, involving over 300 missiles and drones targeting military installations.