Iran launches massive wave of drones and missiles at Israel

• This story is breaking, more to follow

Iran has launched at least 100 drones and missiles to attack Israel that are set to hit within hours, after Israel announced it was closing all schools amid fears of an upcoming attack from the rogue state. 

Dozens of drones were seen flying from Iran over neighbouring Iraq's Sulaymaniya province, according to three security sources. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said via state media that it had 'launched extensive drone strikes against targets in occupied territories.'

The IRGC added via state media: 'The aerospace unit of the Revolutionary Guards has attacked targets in Israel with dozens of drones and missiles in reaction to the Zionist regime’s crimes, including the attack on the consulate section of Iran’s embassy in Damascus and martyring our commanders and military advisers in Syria.'

It added that it was ordered to launch the drones and missiles by Iran's Supreme National Security Council, and was under the guidance of the General Staff of the Armed forces, which coordinated military activity.  

Israel said tonight that its airspace was shutting down at 12:30am local time. Iraq also announced it was shutting down its airspace and suspending all air traffic on Saturday from 11:30pm local time to 5:30am tomorrow. 

Iranian media reported that a second wave of drones has been launched, though details of where they currently are aren't yet known. It is not known if a second wave of cruise missile has been launched. 

The IDF's spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said it would take several hours for the drones to arrive in Israel, adding that sirens would be sounded in threatened areas. 

He said that the Iranian attack was a 'a severe and dangerous escalation' in tensions, adding: 'Our defensive and offensive capabilities are at the highest level of readiness ahead of this large-scale attack from Iran.'

The IDF said: 'The air defense array is on high alert at the same time as the Air Force planes and Navy ships that are on a mission to protect the country’s skies. The IDF is monitoring all targets.

'We ask the public to adhere to and follow the instructions of the Home Front Command and the official IDF announcements regarding the matter.'

Details about the drones have not been officially confirmed, but a retired IDF general told Israeli media that the Iranian drones had the capacity to carry up to 44lbs (20kg) of explosives each.

Surrounding countries appear to have begun preparations for an escalation in hostilities. 

Jordan, Israel's eastern neighbour, temporarily closed its airspace to all incoming, departing and internal flights. The nation's air defence system is also ready to intercept and shoot down any drones or aircraft that violate its airspace, security sources said. 

The Jordanian army is also on a state of high alert, and radar systems are monitoring drone activity. 

Syria is also on high alert, setting up its ground-to-air defence systems around the capital Damascus and major bases in the event of an Israeli strike, army sources said. 

Sources told Reuters they expected Israel would retaliate against army bases and installations where pro-Iranian militia were based after Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards said they launched dozens of drones and missiles against specific targets in Israel.

It was reported today that Iran has more than 100 cruise missiles ready to be launched as part of an 'imminent' strike against Israel in retaliation for an airstrike against Iran's embassy in Damascus, Syria.

Announcing increased security measures in Israel during a televised briefing, chief military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said dozens of combat planes were airborne as part of the state of readiness. 

Starting from 11pm tonight, the strict measures, which include the ban of all 'educational activities' across the country, the restriction of working in offices without 'standard protected spaces' and limits on the number of people at gatherings', will be implemented. 

Educational activities have been banned across the country, while restrictions on working have been put in place on areas directly next to the Gaza Strip, and other areas in the Gaza Envelope. 

Israelis living on the areas next to the Gaza Strip have been banned from meeting outside in groups of more than 30, and are allowed to meet up to 300 people inside buildings. Beaches in the Gaza Envelope have also been closed to the public. 

Hagari said in the televised address that the directive will be reassessed at 6am local time, and urged Israelis to remain vigilant and to head to bomb shelters if they hear warnings.

Tensions between Iran and Israel have been massively escalating after the IDF killed 12 people, including two top military figures, in an airstrike against Iran's embassy in Syria's capital, Damascus, on April 1. 

More to follow.