The host was condemning the situation on the program when there was a "bang" sound... Israel bombed the Iranian national television station.
At around 16:00 local time on the 16th, Israel carried out precise strikes against the headquarters of the Iranian National Broadcast Corporation (IRIB) located in Tehran, the capital of Iran. The live news broadcast was suddenly interrupted, and the scene of the anchor evacuating urgently was directly broadcasted.
In videos released on social media showing local TV stations, at around 18:24 that day, the female anchor of IRIB's news program heard an explosion sound after broadcasting the statement of the highest security council of Iran condemning Israel, and the camera shook violently. The shocked female anchor quickly stood up from her seat. The roaring sound lasted for more than 3 seconds, and what appeared to be part of the studio ceiling shattered and fell. Then, the sound of a man shouting "God" could be heard. The program quickly switched to recorded footage soon after.
The IRIB headquarters is located in the third district of northeastern Tehran, where there are high-end residential areas and government buildings. The official announcement of IRIB stated: "Israel's bombing hit the nearby area of the TV station. Studio staff evacuated immediately." Local Iranian media reported: "The IRIB headquarters building was hit by two airstrikes, causing a fire. IRIB resumed broadcasting using a backup studio."
About 330,000 people live in the third district of Tehran and its surrounding areas. After the airstrike, the Israeli military said: "IRIB is a strategic communication asset associated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. We conducted precise strikes on it while trying to minimize civilian casualties." In contrast, Iran's Foreign Ministry rebutted: "This attack is a clear war crime and an aggression against freedom of speech."
Previously, one hour before the airstrike, the Israeli military warned local residents to take cover on X, stating: "The Israeli military will conduct an attack on Iran's military facilities in the third district of Tehran within the next few hours." Additionally, Israeli Defense Minister Gantz mentioned "Iran's propaganda and incitement loudspeakers will soon disappear," which observers believe indicates that IRIB would be targeted.
The Associated Press of the United States reported: "In addition to state-owned broadcasting facilities, many military command centers and storage facilities also became targets of the Israeli military." The Times of London reported: "After the airstrike, some residents in parts of Tehran drove away from the capital." The Guardian of Britain analyzed: "The bombing of Iran's national television station by Israel is highly symbolic. The signs of the expansion of the war between the two countries are becoming visualized."
Source: Chosun Ilbo
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1835154522428615/
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