Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a call for restraint to both Iran and Israel in the wake of an attack on Israel late Saturday night. In a statement released in Abuja on Sunday, Francisca Omayuli, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urged all parties involved to prioritize ongoing diplomatic endeavors aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Middle East.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria aligns itself with other members of the international community in urging Iran and Israel to exercise restraint, as diplomatic channels are actively engaged to defuse tension and prevent a broader conflict in the region. During this critical juncture, it is imperative for both countries to contemplate the universal commitment to peaceful conflict resolution, thereby contributing to global peace and security,” the statement read.
Late on Saturday, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps claimed responsibility for launching “dozens of drones and missiles” towards Israeli military sites.
“Iran’s military action was prompted by the Zionist regime’s aggression against our diplomatic premises in Damascus earlier this month,” stated the Iranian mission to the UN.
The mission cited Article 51 of the UN Charter, pertaining to legitimate defense, as the legal basis for the attack.
According to Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Iran unleashed over 300 ballistic missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and cruise missiles towards Israel in the unprecedented assault overnight, resulting in at least 12 injuries.
“Last night, Iran fired over 300 ballistic missiles, UAVs, and cruise missiles towards Israel,” Rear Admiral Hagari stated during a televised address, revising an initial estimate of more than 200 launches.
He clarified that out of these, 170 drones and 30 cruise missiles were deployed, none of which breached Israeli airspace, while approximately 110 ballistic missiles were launched, with only a few reaching Israeli territory.
In a separate statement, the Israeli military reported identifying “dozens of surface-to-surface missile launches,” the majority of which were intercepted before crossing into Israeli territory.
Among those injured was a seven-year-old girl from a Bedouin community near the southern town of Arad, who was admitted to intensive care, as confirmed by the medical center treating her.
