Iranian Missile Barrage, Russia Takes Vuhledar

THE WAR NEWSLETTER — OCT 2 2024

Good morning. Today’s update covers Iran’s missile attack on Israel and the latest Russian advances.

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Today’s updates:

• 🇮🇱 Iran launches missile barrage against Israel

• 🇺🇦 Russia seizes town of Vuhledar

• ⚔️ The Roem 155mm howitzer

1 - ISRAEL

1 thing to know

Yesterday (October 1) Iran fired 181 missiles at Israel in a major barrage, threatening both civilian and military sites. Most of the missiles were intercepted before they could cause damage.

The context 

The missiles were launched toward key areas, including Jerusalem, the Jordan Valley, and central Israel. Israel's missile defense systems, with significant support from the United States, intercepted most of the incoming missiles, preventing widespread destruction. 

However, several missiles impacted civilian and military locations, causing two reported injuries from shrapnel in Israel and damaging a school in Gadera without causing any casualties. A Palestinian in Jericho in the West Bank was also reported killed by shrapnel. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Iran had made a "big mistake" and vowed retaliation, stating that Israel remains committed to defending itself. US President Joe Biden also reiterated his support for Israel, with American forces playing an active role in intercepting the missiles. 

More from the region

Just before the Iranian missile barrage, there was a shooting in the Jaffa region of Tel Aviv in Israel, killing seven civilians. Terrorist group Hamas has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The first Israeli casualties of the IDF ground raids into Lebanon occurred during gun battles against Hezbollah terrorists in southern Lebanese villages. Several other soldiers were seriously wounded.

In the news

• First 8 IDF casualties of the battle with Hezbollah in Lebanon

• An overview of possible actions the IDF could take in response

• The terror attack in Jaffa

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TECH SPOTLIGHT: ROEM 155MM HOWITZER

The Israel Defense Forces have introduced the Roem/Sigma self-propelled howitzer - the world’s first fully automated artillery. This 155mm gun, developed by Elbit Systems, aims to replace the many older M109s in the Israeli Artillery Corps. The Roem can fire around 8 shells per minute.

The “automated” part is why this weapon is useful: the Roem is capable of automatic firing without human intervention. That means no more 10-man crew to operate the reloading, aiming, and turret system. The Roem - built on a military truck chassis - is also highly mobile, which makes it far easier to reposition than conventional artillery.

What it’s used for

IDF chief artillery officer Yair Natans said the the Roem’s main role is in enhancing artillery capabilities for ground operations, where it will provide crucial support and cover for maneuvering forces.

Read a detailed overview here.

2 - UKRAINE

1 thing to know

Russian forces reportedly seized the town of Vuhledar after Ukrainian forces withdrew.

The context 

Although not yet confirmed, geolocated footage shows Russian forces in moving about in Vuhledar, and reports claim that Russian troops seized the town after Ukraine withdrew to avoid being encircled. Casualties so far are unknown.  

The seizure of the town comes after Russian forces have attempted to take the town for two years, with at least two major offensives toward it failing and resulting in heavy losses. 

Despite the Vuhledar now being under Russian control, analysts don't necessarily think it will help rapid Russian advances on the front lines, because of the heavily fortified Ukrainian positions to the northeast, as well is its relative distance from supply routes.

More from the region

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree conscripting 133,000 young men for required military service. In total for 2024, the Russian military will have drafted 283,000 men, including the 150,000 conscripted back in the spring. 

Avoiding conscription is punished by up to two years in prison. Despite initially saying that new inexperienced conscripts would not participate combat operations, there have been reports to the opposite effect since then, as a result of the Ukrainian incursion into Russian territory.

In the news

• Overview and assessment of Russia’s offensive campaign

• Putin’s enlistment decree

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