DUBAI, Jan 29 (Portal) – A loud explosion at a military facility in Iran’s downtown Isfahan was caused by an “unsuccessful” drone attack, Iranian state media reported on Sunday, citing the defense ministry.
“One of the (the drones) was hit by the … air defenses and the other two fell into defense traps and exploded. Fortunately, this unsuccessful attack did not result in any fatalities and caused minor damage to the workshop roof. The ministry said in a statement to the state news agency IRNA.
Iranian news outlets previously reported on the loud blast and carried video showing a flash of light inside the facility, which was said to be a munitions factory, as well as footage of emergency vehicles and fire engines outside the facility.
In July, Iran said it had arrested a sabotage team composed of Kurdish militants working for Israel who were planning to blow up a “sensitive” defense industrial center in Isfahan.
The announcement came amid rising tensions with nemesis Israel over Tehran’s nuclear program. Israel says Iran aims to develop nuclear weapons. Tehran denies this.
“(The attack) has not affected our facilities or our mission … and such blind measures will not affect the continued progress of the country,” the Department of Defense statement said.
In recent years there have been a number of explosions and fires near Iran’s military, nuclear and industrial facilities.
The blasts have raised concerns at times amid tensions over Iran’s nuclear program with Israel and the United States.
Israel has long threatened military action against Iran if indirect talks between Washington and Tehran fail to salvage a 2015 nuclear deal.
Reporting by the Dubai newsroom; Editing by Daniel Wallis and Cynthia Osterman
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