FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The attacks launched by the United States and Israel hit a number of strategic targets in Tehran and, according to data confirmed by American and Israeli sources, eliminated 48 senior figures in the Iranian leadership within a few hours.
Analysis of footage and satellite images shows that the strikes were focused on the heart of the state apparatus, CNN reports .
Among the main targets was the compound housing the residence and office of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is now confirmed dead. The surrounding area includes state institutions, scientific centers and museums, in a traditional neighborhood of the Iranian capital. Khamenei usually stayed inside the complex and was seen there in recent days during a public event at a mosque.
Sources from American and Israeli intelligence services say that the operation was prepared for months.
The CIA and Israeli intelligence monitored the movements of Iranian leaders and analyzed the moments when some of them were in the same place. According to these sources, the objective was to strike the command structure in a limited time interval.
Inside Khamenei's compound, the attacks hit three facilities simultaneously.
The footage shows a completely destroyed central building and two craters nearby. One of them appears to have targeted an underground structure. Damaged vehicles are also seen in the area.
The operation also included the headquarters of the Ministry of Intelligence, where explosions caused a large fire. Another attack was recorded near the residence of former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Some Iranian media reported his death, but this information has not received independent confirmation.
Iranian authorities also reported the death of Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to the Supreme Leader. He had previously survived two previous assassination attempts, including a precision strike on his apartment on the top floor of a building. This time, he did not escape the attack.
Not all officials were in the country. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi was in Geneva this week and had met with foreign counterparts days before the attacks. Being out of Iran kept him away from the affected areas.
The strikes continue on other targets. A message published on Sunday morning showed another attack on the headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the elite unit of the Iranian armed forces.
The situation remains tense. Iran has launched a military response, and further developments are expected to determine the direction of the clash.
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