Israel continues its targeted strikes against Iranian military and nuclear sites, killing senior IRGC officers and damaging Iran's nuclear capabilities, while Iran has launched drone and missile attacks on Israel, with some success, amidst ongoing regional tensions.
An Israeli cargo ship, the CMA CGM Symi, was reportedly attacked in the Indian Ocean by an Iranian drone, causing damage but no casualties. The attack occurred just hours before the start of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The US military believes Iran was responsible for the attack, although it is unclear how they obtained this information. The ship had its tracker switched off since Tuesday, and this incident follows the recent hijacking of another ship partially owned by an Israeli businessman by Houthi rebels from Yemen.
A key air defense system, the Avenger, at a coalition base in Syria was reportedly not fully operational when a suspected Iranian drone attacked US forces on March 23, killing a US contractor and injuring several American soldiers. The conflict between the US and Iran-backed militias in Syria has escalated, with retaliatory attacks on coalition bases. The Avenger is a short-range air defense system meant to defend against drones, cruise missiles, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft. Its full operating capabilities are essential given the aerial threats that American forces are currently facing in Syria.