Israel threatens to target infrastructure in Iraq and assassinate “prominent figures”
Israel threatens to target infrastructure in Iraq and assassinate “prominent figures”
2024-11-18
Shafaq News/ Israel accused Iran, in a press report quoting intelligence sources published on Monday, of smuggling ballistic missiles into Iraq, while threatening to target infrastructure and assassinate figures it described as “prominent” in the Iraqi factions.
The Israeli newspaper Maariv said in a report today that Iran is smuggling short-range ballistic missiles to Iraq, as part of its response to the recent Israeli strikes.
According to the Hebrew newspaper report, these missiles are believed to be hidden inside water or oil tanks, which raises concerns about their use in future attacks against Israeli or American targets.
The newspaper quoted intelligence sources as saying that “Israel is working on gradual plans to confront any potential escalation from Iraq, starting with targeting infrastructure and facilities, then moving to focused assassinations against prominent figures in the Iranian militias, as happened previously in Syria,” according to the newspaper.
Escalation of drone attacks The Hebrew newspaper reported that recent months have witnessed a significant increase in drone attacks launched from Iraq.
The Washington Institute for Middle East Policy reported that the number of attacks jumped from just 6 in August to 90 in October, while more than 65 attacks have been recorded since the beginning of November.
Last night, the newspaper says, the Israeli Air Force intercepted a drone heading to Israel, launched by “Iraqi militias” that claimed responsibility for the attack.
The newspaper said, “Despite the Israeli army and navy intercepting most of these threats, Israel considers these attacks to be more of an operational nuisance than a strategic threat, but it realizes the seriousness of this escalation and its repercussions.”
Israeli-American cooperation to confront threats According to the newspaper, Israel is working in cooperation with the United States to enhance its defensive efforts in the face of increasing threats, noting that naval operations recently revealed the interception of Iraqi drones that were targeting American bases in the region.
The newspaper says that the Iraqi government is trying to contain the escalation by sending envoys to Tehran, while Israel confirms, through diplomatic and intelligence channels, that it will not tolerate the opening of an additional front from Iraq.
The Hebrew newspaper concluded its report by saying, “With the pace of attacks from Iraq remaining lower compared to other fronts, Israeli intelligence agencies do not rule out the possibility of rapid escalation, especially in light of Iran’s use of its agents in the region to respond to recent Israeli operations.”
shafaq.com
