Power cuts hit Haifa as Iranian missile debris strikes electricity plant

2026-03-20 - 07:40

A power station in the northern Israeli city of Haifa sustained damage on Thursday after debris from intercepted Iranian missiles fell on the facility, triggering electricity outages across multiple neighborhoods. Israel's public broadcaster reported that the falling debris caused significant infrastructure damage at the power generation site, though no casualties were immediately reported. The incident occurred as part of a wider Iranian missile barrage targeting Israeli territory. According to Israel's Channel 12, Tehran launched three separate waves of missiles aimed at the country's central, northern, and southern regions. Air raid sirens sounded across wide areas as Israel's air defense systems worked to intercept incoming projectiles. Loud explosions were heard in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and surrounding areas, according to an Anadolu correspondent on the ground. Iran Targets Haifa Oil Refineries Channel 12 later reported that Iran's latest attack specifically targeted oil refineries in Haifa, marking a deliberate effort to strike at Israel's energy infrastructure. Iranian state television confirmed that the strike on the Haifa power station was carried out in retaliation for Israel's recent attack on the South Pars natural gas field, Iran's largest gas reserve and a cornerstone of its economy. The attack on Haifa comes amid a dramatic escalation between the two nations. The US and Israel launched a joint military offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, a campaign that has so far claimed approximately 1,300 lives, including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran has conducted multiple waves of drone and missile strikes targeting not only Israel but also Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf nations hosting US military assets. These attacks have caused casualties, damaged critical infrastructure, and disrupted global energy markets and aviation routes. Wider Regional Impact Sirens were also activated in the southern city of Ashdod and its port area following the missile launches, underscoring the broad scope of the Iranian response. As both sides continue to exchange blows, the targeting of energy infrastructure on both sides has raised concerns about further escalation and the potential for wider regional conflict.