JERUSALEM (VINnews) — The Israel Defense Forces carried out airstrikes Wednesday night on Iranian naval targets in the northern port city of Bandar Anzali on the Caspian Sea, destroying several vessels and infrastructure, the military announced.

The strikes targeted an Iranian Navy corvette, four missile boats, several auxiliary ships and guard boats, along with a command center and a shipyard, the IDF said. Some vessels were docked at the port while others were at sea.

Footage of the attacks was released by the military.

The IDF described the operation as a significant blow to Iran’s military capabilities, even though the Caspian Sea assets do not pose a direct threat to Israel from that location. Officials noted that the missile boats possess anti-aircraft systems that could endanger Israeli aircraft operating over Iran, as well as anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Planning for the strikes began only days earlier and was not part of the IDF’s initial target list for operations in Iran. Researchers from the Naval Intelligence Division identified the vessels’ locations and collaborated with the Military Intelligence Directorate and Israeli Air Force to execute the mission.

This marks the first time the IDF has struck in northern Iran, both in the current conflict and in previous rounds of hostilities, according to the military.

The port of Bandar Anzali serves as a base for Iran’s northern naval fleet and has been linked to maritime supply routes between Iran and Russia. The strikes extend Israel’s campaign beyond the Persian Gulf region amid the ongoing war.