Rocket of Syrian M302 class injured 71 people in Ashkelon

The rocket that injured 71 people and destroyed two buildings in Ashkelon Tuesday was an R-160 belonging to the Syrian M302 class of rockets, which are normally armed with 90 kilogram of explosives. This type of rocket is exceptionally destructive. The one fired by Hamas was estimated to have carried a reduced warhead of 60 kilos to extend its range as far as Tel Aviv. But it fell short, striking a residential area of Ashkelon, which is why no red alert was triggered. The last known Hamas launch of an R-160 was against Haifa on July 9. For it to cover the 110km distance, the warhead was then stripped of most of its explosive charge.  The rocket which exploded in Ashkelon carried the most powerful warhead of any so far used by Hamas.