IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said Monday that the campaign against Iran has thus far claimed the lives of around 1,900 soldiers, including higher-ranking officials such as commanders.

The Israeli Air Force attacked sites linked to Iran’s Quds Force, such as military airfields and aircraft, as well as other military targets across Tehran, Isfahan and southern Iran, he said. He added that overnight strikes on six military airports destroyed 16 aircraft, including transport planes used by forces linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The strikes also obliterated detection systems, air defense systems and runways at the airports, the general said.

The IDF particularly targeted these transport sites to disrupt Iran’s ability to transport weapons and other military aid to its proxy groups: Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon. This presents just one part of a multifaceted approach to diminishing Iran’s military capabilities across the board and establishing complete air dominance over Iran.

“Air force aircraft are striking in Iran even at this moment,” Defrin said.

Separately, the IDF said it struck about 700 targets in Lebanon, including about 100 belonging to Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force and buildings used for military purposes. To protect northern communities, the IDF said it had carried out operations in southern Lebanon overnight, destroying terrorist infrastructure and killing terrorists.

Nevertheless, the threat to civilians remains.

“Our air defense system is the best in the world, but the defense is not hermetic,” Defrin said.

He added that the IDF is investigating the failure of a siren to go off before a rocket attack earlier in the day, saying the warning systems appear to be working as they should, but the IDF, together with cellular service providers, is trying to uncover what caused the malfunction.

Meanwhile, guidelines issued by the Home Front Command remain in effect until 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 14:

• Daycare centers, schools and universities remain closed for in-person learning.
• Reopening, which will take place in stages, is expected for next week in some areas.
• Groups of children limited to 30 may gather near a protected spot, accompanied by at least two adults. But near the border or in areas where the conflict is more intense, these gatherings may take place only in protected spaces.
• Outdoor funerals can be attended by no more than 20 people.
• Public gatherings are limited to 50 people and must be held in a place where people can get to a shelter in time.
• Workplaces can only open if employees have quick access to shelter.