By Hüsameddin Salih and Rania Abu Shamala
ISTANBUL (AA) - The Israeli army issued a warning late Thursday to villagers of Kalashtar and Kolesh Taleshan in northern Iran to evacuate the Sefid Rud industrial area, citing preparations to attack military installations.
“Urgent warning: The Israeli army is expected to operate in your area, as it has in recent days across Iran, to strike military infrastructure. Dear citizens, for your security and safety, we ask you to evacuate from the area marked on the map. Your presence in this area endangers your lives,” the military’s statement said.
Hostilities broke out last Friday when Israel launched airstrikes on several sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes.
Israeli authorities said at least 25 people have been killed and hundreds injured since then in Iranian missile attacks.
Meanwhile, in Iran, 639 people have been killed and more than 1,300 wounded in the Israeli assault, according to Iranian media reports.