Iranian missile hits Arad, dozens injured, multiple trapped

• Iranian missile strike in Arad kills several and leaves at least 7 seriously injured, including a 5-year-old girl.
• Fire, structural damage reported; rescue teams continue evacuations and medical treatment.

A large Iranian missile struck the city of Arad on Saturday night, causing extensive damage, leaving multiple people trapped, and injuring dozens, according to emergency services and 'Israeli' authorities.

Casualties and injuries

Medical teams report that at least 64 people were evacuated to hospitals, including 7 in serious condition, 15 moderately injured, and 42 lightly wounded. Among the seriously injured is a 5-year-old girl. Hospitals in the region, including Soroka, have declared a state of emergency to handle the influx of casualties.

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“The emergency department is trained to receive a large number of casualties,” said Prof. Roy Kassus, deputy director of Soroka Hospital. “Operating rooms and protected sites are prepared to treat the wounded.”

Destruction and rescue operations

The missile, weighing approximately half a ton and not a fragmentation type, hit residential areas, damaging buildings and starting a fire in a four-story building. Firefighters and rescue teams are actively working to free trapped civilians. Helicopters and ground units from ‘Israeli’ forces and MDA continue evacuations and casualty treatment.

MDA emergency technician Yakir Talkar described the scene as “very difficult”, adding that teams immediately set up a casualty collection point and began life-saving treatment amid chaos. Senior medic Riyad Abu Ajaj reported “extensive destruction” and ongoing searches for additional casualties.

Air defense and investigation

‘Israeli’ forces confirmed that interception attempts were made over Arad and Dimona but failed. Investigations are underway to determine why the missile evaded the air defense system. Military sources said similar missiles have been intercepted successfully in past incidents.

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Officials urge caution

Mayor Yair Maayan emphasized that the city’s educational institutions will continue operations but encouraged parents to make individual safety decisions. Authorities warned residents to avoid the impact zones while rescue and security forces work.

A police spokeswoman added, “Avoid arriving or congregating in the areas of the fall to prevent risk to life and allow emergency forces to operate effectively.”

The strike is part of a wider wave of Iranian missile attacks targeting southern communities in ‘Israel,’ with several other casualties reported throughout the day, including a 10-year-old boy in serious condition.

Rescue efforts continue as authorities work to evacuate the injured and assess structural damage.