SESAME STREET — Humans and Muppets were seen fleeing in terror with chaos descending from the skies, as Israel leveled Sesame Street with a series of precisely targeted airstrikes.

Though details about the strikes were still unconfirmed, it was believed that the Israeli Defense Forces launched the preemptive attack to disable what reports indicated was a growing anti-Israel extremist group led by Elmo.

"This was an action that Israel had no choice but to take," said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a video address following the strikes. "After we were notified of the dangerous comments being made by Elmo on social media, it was determined that it was in the best interests of our national security to act now to prevent the threat from growing more dangerous. The strikes will continue until we have concluded that the threat has been neutralized."

Eyewitnesses reported seeing flaming Muppets running through the Sesame Street neighborhood to escape the barrage of Israeli missile strikes. "One building leveled! Ah! Ah! Ah! Two buildings leveled! Ah! Ah! Ah!" The Count could be heard saying as he ran for his life.

Oscar the Grouch reportedly turned multiple people and Muppets away, insisting that his trash could only provide shelter for one. "Scram!" he was heard shouting at Telly before slamming the lid shut on his can.

Damage was still being assessed in the neighborhood, with the number of injured unknown.

At publishing time, Elmo was reportedly preparing to record a video response to the Israeli attacks from his secret underground bunker.

---

Desperate to win back male voters, Democrat strategists propose bold new ideas.