IDF intercepts cruise missiles, rockets from Iraq near Golan Heights

Iranian-backed militias in Iraq fired rockets to the southern Golan Heights, while an additional drone approached Israel from the east.

Illustrative: View of a wildfire following a missiles attack from Lebanon, near Kibbutz Ayelet HaShahar, northern Israel, August 17, 2024.  (photo credit: AYAL MARGOLIN/FLASH90)
Illustrative: View of a wildfire following a missiles attack from Lebanon, near Kibbutz Ayelet HaShahar, northern Israel, August 17, 2024.
(photo credit: AYAL MARGOLIN/FLASH90)

The Israel Air Force intercepted two cruise missiles as well as rockets that were fired from Iraq at the southern Golan Heights on Sunday, the IDF confirmed later on Sunday. 

The targets did not cross into Israeli territory, and sirens were activated as per protocol, the IDF stated early that morning. 

Additionally, a drone was identified approaching Israel from the east, resulting in drone infiltration sirens in the Arava in southern Israel, the IDF stated early on Sunday. 

The UAV was intercepted before it crossed into Israeli territory, and sirens were sounded per protocol, the military noted.

 A report of a fall in Kfar Baruch, a fire broke out there (credit: SCREENSHOT/X)
A report of a fall in Kfar Baruch, a fire broke out there (credit: SCREENSHOT/X)

Following the strikes, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq took responsibility.

"The Islamic Resistance in Iraq launched several cruise missiles at northern Israel and explosive drones at southern Israel on Sunday morning," a source in the group said.

Iraqi militias have launched attacks on Israel before

Iran-backed militias in Iraq have previously claimed to launch cruise missiles at urban centers in Israel, including Tel Aviv and Beersheba.

These militias also routinely attempt to attack US military bases in the region, including a base in northeastern Syria in April.  

Reuters continued to this report.