Ballistic missiles explained: What are they and explosion radius as Iran launches attack on Israel

The move comes after a series of Israeli air strikes in Lebanon.

Iran has reportedly launched missiles at Israel after warnings by White House officials that a 'ballistic missile attack' in the region was imminent.

It follows a series of deadly Israeli air raids across Lebanon's capital, Beirut, after the IDF said on Monday night it had began to carry out what it called a "limited, localised" operation against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.

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A ballistic missile is a rocket-powered missile that can move across more than 5,500 kilometres of area if fired at "intercontental range". The rockets can also be fired at medium-range (1,000–3,000 kilometres), intermediate-range (3,000–5,500 kilometres).

They are often used to carry out strategic and long-range attacks. The missiles, which can carry either conventional or nuclear warheads, are often shot at a high arc trajectory towards its target, but is unpowered and unguided during its descent.

According to the Missile Defence Advocacy Alliance, a short range ballistic missile could create an explosive damage radius of up to 1.06km, and see more than 77,000 casualties in an urban centre.

News of the possible missile strike comes as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah escalates even further. Last night, Israel said its troops had entered southern Lebanon to carry out what it called a "limited" raid.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the country's invasion of southern Lebanon. According to Axios political reporter Barak Ravid, Netanyahu said: "We are in the midst of a campaign against Iran's axis of evil.

"We must stand together. We will stand firm together in the challenging days ahead." Meanwhile Lebanon's Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, says Lebanon faces “one of the most dangerous phases of its history”.

Around 1,000 people in Lebanon have been killed, roughly 6,000 wounded and one million displaced from their homes as a result of Israeli attacks in recent days.

Israeli attacks have also continued on the Gaza Strip, where at least 41,638 people have been killed and 96,460 injured in Israeli attacks since October last year.

At least 1,139 people were killed in attacks led by Hamas-on October 7, 2023, in Israel, while more than 200 people were taken captive.

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