Tel Aviv: The Israeli army announced on Saturday that it has killed two senior Iranian officials as part of ongoing military strikes that began with initial attacks on Iran early Friday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Israeli military identified the deceased as Gholam Reza Mehrabi, head of the Intelligence Division of the Iranian Armed Forces, and Mohammad Bakeri, commander of the surface-to-surface missile array in the Revolutionary Guards Air Force. The claims of their deaths were reported by the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, which also noted that missile launchers poised to target Israel in western Iran were attacked.

The Israeli operations, which commenced with strikes on Iranian soil targeting nuclear and missile facilities, have resulted in the deaths of at least 78 individuals and injuries to 320 others, according to figures previously announced by Iran's UN envoy. The strikes aim to neutralize threats posed by Iran's military capabilities, particularly its missile and nuclear programs.

In a counteraction, Iran launched missiles at several locations within Israel on Friday night, causing the deaths of at least three individuals and injuring dozens more. The escalating conflict continues to heighten tensions in the region, with significant casualties on both sides.