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Haifa Bombed by Italian Planes in First Raid on Palestine; 10 Wounded

July 16, 1940
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Palestine experienced its first air raid today when five Italian warplanes flashed in from the sea and dropped bombs on this important port city and oil pipeline terminus, inflicting at least ten casualties and causing some damage.

Sirens were sounded and anti-aircraft guns went into action when the raiders appeared at 9 a.m. Intense anti-aircraft fire prevented the enemy ships from flying over the city proper but numerous bombs crashed into the port area.

Four tanks of the Iraq Petroleum Company were hit. Explosives also hit Kiryat Haim, Jewish workers suburb, causing 10 casualties at that point alone.

British airplanes soon appeared in the sky and drove off the enemy machines.

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