Sinai-based jihadist group claims credit for Eilat rocket attack

Iron Dome intercepts rocket; two explosions heard in southern city; No reports of injury or damage.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Iron Dome battery 370 (photo credit: Ben Hartman)
Iron Dome battery 370
(photo credit: Ben Hartman)
The Sinai-based jihadist organization Ansar Beit al-Maqdis has claimed credit for the rocket attack on Eilat late Friday night, according to Israel Radio.
The group issued an official communique on Saturday proclaiming that its operatives had launched two Grad rockets at Israel's southern tip as revenge for Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip.
The Iron Dome rocket defense system intercepted a rocket over the southern city of Eilat on Friday evening, the IDF Spokesperson confirmed. 
Two explosions were heard in the city following the sounding of the Code Red missile alert siren.
There were no reports of injuries or damage. Security forces sweeping the area for the fallen projectile.
The Iron Dome missile defense battery was stationed near Eilat in July 2013 amid increased unrest and instability in Egypt, particularly in the Sinai region.
There have been a number of rocket attacks on Eilat. Earlier this month security forces located the remains of two Grad rockets fired at the city. 
In August 2013 the Iron Dome intercepted a Grad rocket fired at the city by Jihadi terrorists.In April 2013, two rockets landed in Eilat, one of which fell in a residential area and caused minor damage.
On Thursday night a rocket landed in open territory in the Sdot Hanegev Regional Council near the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Air Force launched airstrikes at three suspected terrorist targets in the Gaza Strip before dawn on Friday in response to the rocket fire. 
Also on Thursday, soldiers shot and wounded a man who approached an Iron Dome anti-missile battery outside Eilat after he refused calls to stop.