A disturbing image from the Middle East conflict shows a young boy climbing on an unexploded Iranian rocket in Syria. The photograph, taken on the outskirts of Qamishli in eastern Syria, captures the boy hanging off the missile as locals gather to inspect the ordnance. Another image shows him poking the rocket, accompanied by another child and two adults, with sheep visible nearby.
The missile was part of a barrage launched by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which has targeted several countries in the region. Syria is among those hit, as Iran continues its attacks across the Middle East. Meanwhile, thousands of Syrians have fled from Lebanon into Syria over the past three days to escape Israeli strikes, as tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah escalate.
In a separate incident, Azerbaijan's Defence Ministry has condemned an Iranian drone strike on Nakhchivan International Airport, which injured two people. The ministry stated it is preparing a 'necessary response' to protect the country's territorial integrity and civilian infrastructure, warning that the attacks 'will not go unanswered.'
Iran also launched missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia and Kuwait overnight. Additionally, Cyprus has confirmed that the Iranian-made Shahed drone that struck RAF Akrotiri, a British airbase on the island, was launched from Lebanon, raising suspicions of Hezbollah involvement. Two more drones were intercepted by British warplanes. Britain has deployed the destroyer HMS Dragon and Wildcat helicopters with anti-drone capabilities to protect Cyprus. Defence Secretary John Healey is travelling to Cyprus to ease tensions.
