More Than 160 Injured After Iranian Missile Strikes On Southern Israeli Towns
News Updated: 22 March 2026 18:01 EAT
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More than 160 people have been injured, some seriously, after Iranian missile strikes hit two southern Israeli towns near a nuclear facility, Israeli emergency officials confirmed on Sunday. The strikes mark a significant escalation in tensions between the two countries following recent attacks on nuclear infrastructure.
The missiles targeted the towns of Dimona and Arad, both located in Israel’s Negev Desert region. Dimona is notable for housing the Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Center, a critical part of Israel’s nuclear program, though officials say the facility itself was not damaged.
Casualties include men, women, and children. Hospitals in the region reported treating residents with severe injuries, ranging from shrapnel wounds to fractures caused by collapsing structures. Emergency services have been stretched, with rescue teams working around the clock to assist affected neighborhoods.
The initial missile strike in Dimona came early in the morning, causing panic among residents. Eyewitnesses reported explosions and debris raining down on residential streets. Many homes and public buildings suffered structural damage, with windows shattered and walls cracked by the force of the impact.
In Arad, the second town hit by the barrage, emergency responders said dozens of residents sustained injuries when missiles struck residential areas. Rescue teams evacuated affected neighborhoods and established temporary medical centers to cope with the influx of patients.
Israeli authorities confirmed that some missiles penetrated local air defense systems, raising concerns about the capability of existing protective measures in southern regions near sensitive sites. Investigations are ongoing to determine how several missiles evaded interception.
Despite the proximity to the Dimona nuclear facility, officials have reported no radiation leaks or abnormal readings. International monitors and Israeli safety authorities have reassured the public that the facility remains secure, though heightened security measures have been put in place.
Iranian officials claimed the strikes were retaliation for a recent Israeli operation against its Natanz nuclear site. Tehran described the missile attacks as a defensive measure in response to what it termed Israeli aggression, signaling a continuation of the tit-for-tat confrontations in the region.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern about potential long-term health risks for residents living near nuclear installations impacted by the strikes. The agency urged local authorities to ensure medical care and protective measures for vulnerable populations.
The strikes have drawn international attention, with multiple countries calling for restraint. Diplomatic sources indicate that the incident is likely to feature prominently in discussions at the United Nations, as the international community seeks to prevent further escalation between Iran and Israel.
Local leaders in Dimona and Arad have called for calm, urging residents to follow safety instructions and avoid gathering near damaged structures. Emergency services continue to coordinate rescue operations, while Israeli authorities evaluate the broader security implications of the attacks for the country’s southern region.
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FELIX MAKONA
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