News Center- Israel and Iran continue to trade missile strikes. Early Monday, an Israeli airstrike hit the entrance gate of Evin prison in Tehran, known for holding political activists, journalists, human rights activists and dual nationals.

According to local sources, thick black smoke rose up into the sky after explosions were heard from Evin prison.

No official statement

Following the airstrike, Iranian authorities closed the entrance and exit of the prison and many ambulances and fire engines were sent to the prison. The Iranian authorities have not issued an official statement on the attack yet.

The Evin prison was established in 1972 during the rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi as a place for political prisoners. It has become the Islamic Republic's most infamous detention facility since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. When it was first established, there was space for 320 prisoners, however, there has been space for 15,000 prisoners since the 1979 revolution. The prison is located in the Evin neighborhood of Tehran, Iran. Political prisoners, journalists, academics, human rights activists, dual nationals, and foreign citizens accused of espionage or propaganda offenses are held in the prison. Many female political prisoners such as Pakhshan Azizi and Verisheh (Warisha) Moradi are held in the prison.