Missiles

• Russia conducted one of the most intense single-day aerial assaults on Ukraine during the second year of the conflict, firing 659 drones and 44 long-range missiles at major cities. • Ukrainian officials reported widespread devastation including strikes on residential buildings, critical infrastructure, and southern port hubs, resulting in dozens of casualties and extensive damage. • The massive attack underscores the ongoing intensity of the Ukraine-Russia conflict and its humanitarian toll on civilian populations.

• North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles from near Pyongyang into the Sea of Japan at 5:20 AM UTC on April 8, 2026, reaching 500 km altitude per South Korean military. • The launch followed US B-52 bomber flights over the peninsula; Kim Jong Un called it a 'warning to imperialists' in state media. • It heightens regional tensions, with Japan evacuating 10,000 residents near landing zones and US vowing 'ironclad' deterrence.

• Iran fired six ballistic missiles and 29 drones at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on Friday, wounding at least 15 US service members and destroying a US military E-3 Century radar aircraft. • The attack resulted in at least 13 US service members killed to date, prompting the Pentagon to prepare for weeks of potential ground conflict in Iran according to The Washington Post. • President Trump is reportedly considering a military operation in response, with 3,500 additional US troops beginning to arrive in the region as part of a broader deployment now exceeding 50,000 personnel.

Both weapons, fired after Starmer authorised US to carry out further attacks from British bases, failed to hit Chagos Island targetMiddle East crisis live – latest updatesIran has reportedly fired missiles towards a joint US-UK base on the island of Diego Garcia after warning that British lives were “in danger” after Keir Starmer backed the US to carry out further strikes from British bases.Tehran fired two intermediate-range ballistic missiles at the Chagos Islands but neither hit, the Iranian news agency Mehr reported. Continue reading...