Mossad has for the first time declassified details of a large-scale counterintelligence operation that thwarted an attempt by Iranian intelligence services to infiltrate a professional group of hitmen into Israel. According to the Ynet publication, the saboteurs' goal was the assassination of high-ranking Israeli officials and citizens.
According to Israeli intelligence services, Iran's Ministry of Intelligence, together with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), recently shifted the focus of their activities. While they previously built a global network, Tehran now seeks to transfer attacks directly inside the Jewish state.
"Proxy via proxy" tactics
The newly revealed scheme relied on the use of international criminal syndicates to mask Tehran's direct involvement. Recruiters sought individuals capable of infiltrating Israel or already located there, tasking them with initial intelligence gathering.
The coordination of this cell was handled by T'rot Ozkur, nicknamed "Philip," who lived in France. The threads of his contacts led to criminal dealers Babak and Nadim, who are hiding under the protection of Iranian authorities. They, in turn, are closely connected to major drug lord Naji Sharifi Zindashti.
Results of the international operation
During the investigation, counterintelligence identified by name the key officers of Iran's Ministry of Intelligence overseeing the mission. One of them, Asadollah Behzad Okhsari, who played a central role in coordinating the attacks, was eliminated as part of Operation Lion's Roar. French authorities promptly expelled Ozkur from the country.
It is noted that thanks to the joint work of Mossad, the General Security Service (Shin Bet), and Western allies in recent years, dozens of large-scale terrorist attacks have been thwarted and numerous attempts to recruit Israeli residents have been stopped.
Source: haqqin.az
