PIA pilot films Iranian missiles heading toward Israel mid-flight

ISLAMABAD: A pilot from the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) recorded footage of ballistic missiles being launched from Iranian territory during a commercial flight late Monday night.

The event transpired while flight PK-168, transporting Pakistani citizens from Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia, to Islamabad, Pakistan, was traversing Saudi airspace near Dammam.

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A spokesperson for the PIA confirmed to Hum News correspondent Muhammad Zareef, indicating that the missiles were fired from Iranian territory and were directed towards Israel. The pilot, operating at an altitude of 35,000 feet, successfully captured the missile launches on video.

As reported by Mr Zareef, the spokesperson stated that these missiles operate at considerable altitudes and do not pose a threat to commercial aviation. This allows for a clear visual of distant objects from such heights.

The incident unfolds against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. Recently, the right-wing Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, suggested that the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, could potentially “end the conflict”, despite the fact Israel attacked Iran first in the midst of fragile peace talks with the US.

Israel launched strikes on Iran early on Friday, that saw several elite military figures and scientists assassinated. Iran retaliated with drones and later strikes of its own. In retaliatory fire, Israel targeted Iran’s gas fields and oil refineries.

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The situation further intensified as Iranian missile struck an oil field in Haifa, Israel. The attack was part of a series of nightly missile barrages launched by Iran. Iranian Foreign Minister also vowed to continue retaliation against Israel until the attacks on the country ceased.