IDF Strikes Iranian Missile Crews Preparing Attacks on Israel; Historic Mosque Damaged in Haifa

In a decisive overnight operation, Israeli Air Force jets and drones neutralized Iranian missile launchers and IRGC personnel poised for attack, while Iranian retaliation damaged centuries-old mosques in Haifa, escalating regional tensions.

Tel Aviv [Israel], June 21: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced a precision strike overnight that targeted Iranian missile crews preparing to launch surface-to-surface missiles at Israeli territory. According to The Jerusalem Post, Israeli Air Force (IAF) jets located and destroyed three launchers being readied for attacks, while drones identified and eliminated a group of Iranian soldiers, including an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander responsible for 15 missile systems. The move comes amid escalating hostilities and retaliatory strikes between Iran and Israel.

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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Friday that it had conducted a targeted airstrike operation against Iranian missile crews who were actively preparing to launch missiles into Israel. The strike was carried out during the early hours of Friday by Israeli Air Force (IAF) jets and drones, and comes amid a sharp rise in hostilities between Iran and Israel, The Jerusalem Post reported.

According to the IDF, three surface-to-surface missile launchers—expected to be used in multiple barrages aimed at Israeli territory later that day—were discovered and destroyed in the initial wave of the operation.

Simultaneously, IDF surveillance drones detected a group of Iranian soldiers making preparations for another missile attack. Among them was a senior IRGC commander reportedly responsible for managing at least 15 missile launchers. The IAF conducted an immediate strike on the group, successfully eliminating the commander and his team, The Jerusalem Post stated.

In a separate and deeply symbolic development, an Iranian missile struck downtown Haifa, causing significant damage to one of the city’s oldest and most revered religious landmarks—the Al Jarina Grand Mosque. Built in 1775 and expanded in 1901, the mosque’s stained glass windows were shattered, and key portions of its infrastructure were damaged, according to The Times of Israel.

Fortunately, due to ongoing security advisories against large public gatherings, only 15 worshippers were present at the mosque during Friday prayers, down from the usual 200. Khaled Dagash, a representative of the Wakf, stated that prayers had just concluded before the missile landed, and the mosque was empty at the time. One person sustained minor injuries outside the building.

Dagash also noted that the mosque was under renovation and expressed concern that government compensation might not fully cover the extent of the damage. Nearby, the Masjid Al-Saghir—constructed in 1761—also suffered blast damage, mainly in the form of shattered windows, though no major structural destruction was reported. The area remains sealed off by Israeli security personnel.

The attack sparked immediate condemnation from President Isaac Herzog. “Iran is trying to kill Israelis of all faiths — Muslims included,” he said in a statement. “Israel will defend all Israelis. All faiths included.” Herzog highlighted the multicultural fabric of Haifa, calling it a symbol of coexistence among Jews, Muslims, Christians, Druze, Circassians, and Baha’is. “The outrageous attack took place in Haifa, a city that embodies unity and peace,” he added.

The latest escalation underscores the growing severity of the Israel-Iran conflict, raising fresh concerns about regional stability and civilian casualties amid historic and cultural devastation.