The Aryavarth Express:
Tel Aviv, March 18: An Iranian ballistic missile targeting central Israel is believed to have carried a cluster bomb warhead, according to footage reviewed by The Times of Israel.
Cluster munitions disperse multiple submunitions over a wide area, increasing the risk of widespread damage. Their use is prohibited under the Convention on Cluster Munitions, although Israel, Iran, and the United States are not signatories.
The missile strike led to multiple impact sites across central Israel. Emergency services responded swiftly, and while infrastructure damage was reported—including a road hit by a submunition—no immediate injuries were initially recorded.
However, fatalities were later confirmed in separate incidents. According to Magen David Adom (MDA), two people were killed in a missile strike in Ramat Gan after suffering severe shrapnel injuries. Another individual sustained minor injuries in Bnei Brak, located just north of Tel Aviv.
Israeli police and rescue teams are continuing operations at multiple sites to secure affected areas and assist residents. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that Home Front Command units are actively working on the ground, and authorities have allowed residents to leave protected spaces while urging continued caution.
Meanwhile, the IDF has intensified operations in Lebanon under “Operation Roaring Lion,” targeting positions linked to Hezbollah. The military said it has struck hundreds of rocket launchers and operatives in an effort to prevent further attacks on Israeli territory.
The broader conflict has also seen increased involvement from the United States. US forces have conducted extensive air operations, reportedly flying over 6,000 combat missions aimed at neutralising Iran’s missile, drone, and naval capabilities.
Recent US strikes targeted fortified Iranian missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz using heavy “deep penetrator” munitions. According to US Central Command, these actions were taken to counter threats to international shipping in the strategic waterway.
Authorities across the region continue to assess the evolving situation as tensions escalate.
