The ongoing war between Iran and Israel has entered its third week, with Tehran continuing to launch missiles and drones toward Gulf countries and Israel.
Following a fire reportedly caused by a drone strike on a fuel tank near Dubai International Airport early Monday morning — the 17th day of the war — Iranian officials confirmed that they tested their strategic ballistic missile Sejjil for the first time during the 54th wave of Operation “Wadah-e-Sadiq 4” against Israel on Sunday.
Sejjil or Ashura missile
The Sejjil missile, also known as Ashura, is a two-stage ballistic missile powered by solid fuel. Unlike liquid-fueled missiles, it can be launched very quickly. The missile is about 18 meters long and weighs approximately 23,600 kilograms. It is capable of carrying a conventional or nuclear warhead weighing up to 700 kilograms.
One of the most dangerous features of this missile is its speed and flexibility. According to Iranian claims, the missile can reach Tel Aviv in just seven minutes if launched from central Iran.
The Sejjil missile reportedly has a range that allows it to strike targets as far as Egypt, Sudan, parts of southern Russia, most of Ukraine, parts of western China, India, and large areas of the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
Iran’s dancing missile
The missile has earned the nickname “dancing missile” because of its ability to change its trajectory during flight, making it difficult for defence systems such as the Iron Dome to intercept it. Reports also claim that the missile has an anti-radar coating that helps it avoid radar detection.
Meanwhile, Israeli media reported that an Iranian missile struck the residence of a US consular official in Tel Aviv. At least three Israelis were injured in a bombing in southern Tel Aviv, while another person was injured in central Israel by missile fragments.
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