March 22, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel
At least 100 people have been injured after Iranian ballistic missiles struck southern Israel, hitting the cities of Arad and Dimona in what authorities describe as a major security breach following a failure of air defence systems.
Emergency officials confirmed that among the victims are a 12-year-old boy and a five-year-old girl, both in critical condition, as rescue teams continue to battle the aftermath of the attacks.
Local reports indicate that 27 people were injured in Dimona, including a teenager severely wounded by shrapnel, while Arad recorded at least 68 casualties—10 in serious condition and several others with moderate to minor injuries.
A mass-casualty emergency was declared at a hospital in Beersheba as first responders rushed to multiple impact sites.
Chief executive of Israel’s emergency service, Eli Bin, described the situation as “an event of enormous magnitude,” warning that some victims may still be trapped under debris.
Preliminary findings suggest that at least one missile, believed to carry a heavy conventional warhead, struck between residential buildings, causing extensive structural damage and igniting fires in nearby homes.
The Israeli military confirmed it has launched an investigation into the failure of its air defence systems to intercept the missile that hit Arad.
Spokesperson Effie Defrin stated that while the systems were activated, they failed to neutralise the incoming threat.
“Our hearts are with the residents of Arad and Dimona tonight,” he said, adding that lessons would be drawn from the incident.
Unverified reports suggest that at least one building partially collapsed with residents inside, while another structure was engulfed in flames, raising fears that the casualty toll could rise.
Reacting to the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described it as a “very difficult evening,” vowing continued military action.
“We will continue to strike our enemies on all fronts with determination,” Netanyahu said.
Authorities are also investigating whether one of the strikes occurred near the sensitive Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Center, a key component of Israel’s undeclared nuclear programme.
Meanwhile, Iranian state-linked media claimed responsibility for the strikes, describing them as retaliation for alleged attacks on nuclear facilities in Iran—claims Israel has denied.
The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed it is monitoring the situation closely and reported no signs of radiation leakage, while urging all sides to exercise restraint to avoid a nuclear incident.
Its Director General, Rafael Grossi, called for “maximum military restraint” amid fears of further escalation.
Air raid sirens reportedly continued to sound across southern Israel overnight, heightening concerns of additional attacks as tensions in the region spiral.
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