A series of explosions and fires have occurred across Iran, including at a military plant in Isfahan, an ammunition factory in Esfahan, and an industrial area near Tabriz, Iran International reports.
According to the Iranian Defense Ministry, small drones were responsible for attacking the military plant in Isfahan.
Although the explosion caused some damage, there were no reported casualties, according to Mohammad Reza Jan-Nesari, the deputy head of security for the Isfahan governorate.
As reported by the Iranian Defense Ministry, the attack was unsuccessful, and the military shot down all the drones.
Investigations Ongoing
Despite the absence of casualties, the explosions and fires have alarmed the public, with some Twitter users alleging that Iran was supplying Russia with drone warheads from the Esfahan factory.
#BREAKING Several Isfahan citizens told @IranIntl they have heard at least "three or four explosions".
Meanwhile, Telegram channels affiliated to IRGC are sharing this video with the caption "the moment a drone hits the Iranian Defense Ministry's ammunition facility in Isfahan". pic.twitter.com/tb9tHJOCKq— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) January 28, 2023
Although these reports have not been confirmed, there have also been reports of explosions and smoke in Tehran's northwest on social media. In addition, a sizable fire that has engulfed an industrial area close to Tabriz has no known origin.
As stated by the deputy governor for security in Esfahan, the damage from the explosion at the ammunition factory is being investigated. Authorities will reveal the causes and elements behind the attack later.
However, eyewitness accounts have reported the actual explosions, and videos of the aftermath of the attack have circulated on social media.
Possibility of a Foreign Attack
Given that small drones have a limited range and would need to be launched from a close distance, it has not been ruled out that the attack was the work of an outside nation.
The situation also calls into question whether any Iranian citizens were involved. The IRGC and traditional Iranian army's air defenses have been on high alert in response to the attacks.
Along with the explosions and fires, there have also been reports of an explosion in the city of Dezful in the Khuzestan province's southwest and air raid sirens at the Nozheh airbase in Hamedan. These reports are still unconfirmed, though.
According to the most recent update, three advanced quadcopters equipped with bomblets were used in this attack. Security forces stationed in the complex tried to counter these MAVs after hearing the sound of quadcopters and intercepted one of them, informed sources told local news IRNA.
A History of Iran Fire Attacks
LocalNews8 reports that there have been a series of explosions and fires at Iranian military and nuclear facilities in recent years. The most recent incident was the fire at the Natanz nuclear complex in 2020. The Iranian authorities declined publicly release the cause of the fire for security reasons.
The following year, a blackout occurred in Natanz, which the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization called a "terrorist action." Israel's army chief hinted at possible Israeli involvement. In 2019, a tanker belonging to the National Iranian Oil Company was hit by missiles, with no conclusion as to who was responsible.
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