Israeli City Of Eilat Hit By Two Rockets

At least two rockets have hit the southern Israeli city of Eilat.

Police said the rockets landed in open areas, without causing damage or injury. The Israeli military said they were fired from Sinai in Egypt.

Warning sirens went off just before the rockets hit. The city’s airport has been closed and security tightened.

Eilat, a popular tourist destination on the Red Sea, has previously been hit by rockets fired by militants in neighbouring Egypt and Jordan.

It is not yet known who was behind Wednesday’s attack. The Egyptian military said it was investigating.

Earlier this month, an Iron Dome anti-rocket battery – designed to intercept short-range missiles – was positioned near the city.

About 50,000 people live in Eilat, and tens of thousands of holidaymakers visit there every year.

There were several rocket attacks on the city last year, though without causing any injuries.

Most of the rockets were fired from Sinai, which has become increasingly lawless since the revolution which toppled former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in 2011.

Islamic militant groups have grown in strength there and have used it as a base from which to target Israel across the lengthy shared border.

BBC