Watch: Deadly Iranian strike devastates Beersheba chemical factory in Israel, triggers hazardous chemical leak; roads sealed, residents ordered to…
A massive Iranian strike devastated a chemical factory near Beersheba in Israel’s southern Negev Desert, triggering a massive fire at the site and a hazardous chemical leak, following which Israeli authorities ordered residents to remain indoors with windows and doors closed.
Iranian strike devastates chemical plant in Beersheba
According to reports, the an Iranian missile or drone struck a critical carbon disulfide (CS₂) production in the Negev Desert, triggering a chemical leak. Carbon disulfide (CS₂) is highly-inflammable and toxic, and can cause severe respiratory issues, skin irritation, and even death upon prolonged exposure.
Following the strike, Israel’s Home Front Command ordered nearby residents to stay indoors with windows and doors closed, wear masks, and switch off their air conditioning systems. Reports said Israeli authorities sealed off roads, while all flights in the Negev region were cancelled.
Massive fire at Israeli chemical plant
Visuals shared on social media showed the facility engulfed in flames and completely devastated in the strike with thick plumes of black smoke emanating from the site.
According to The Times of Israel, the missile strike occurred at Neot Hovav industrial zone, south of Beersheba, adding that no injuries or casualties were reported and rescue operations were underway.
The Iranian strike comes amid fears of a major escalation in the Iran war as the United States is reportedly planning to stage a ground assault in the region to secure the Strait of Hormuz.
US planning ground attack in Iran
As per the US Central Command (CENTCOM), 3,500 US Marines aboard the USS Tripoli reached the Middle East earlier this week, marking the entry of one of US’ largest amphibious assault ships (AAS) into an active combat theatre in West Asia from its home base in Japan amid the ongoing conflict.
“U.S. Sailors and Marines aboard USS Tripoli (LHA 7) arrived in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, March 27. The America-class amphibious assault ship serves as the flagship for the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group / 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit composed of about 3,500 Sailors and Marines in addition to transport and strike fighter aircraft, as well as amphibious assault and tactical assets,” it said in a post on X.