Operation Narnia: An Unforgettable Engagement in Military History
Overview of Operation “With the Lion”
In an ambitious move against Iran, Israel has launched a military campaign dubbed “Operation With the Lion.” As part of this operation, Israel executed a powerful initial strike that resulted in the targeted elimination of several key figures involved in Iran’s nuclear project and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Interestingly, the name associated with the operation to eliminate Iranian nuclear scientists is reportedly “Narnia,” a title that evokes the fantastical and may seem improbable for a real-world military campaign.
Targeting Iranian Nuclear Scientists
The Israeli intelligence community meticulously ranked Iranian nuclear scientists into four tiers based on their expertise and the irreplaceability of their knowledge. Those deemed most dangerous and knowledgeable were prioritized for elimination. By the time the operation commenced, a comprehensive hit list was in place, highlighting the scientists identified as posing the greatest threat to Israeli national security.
Key Casualties Identified
The offensive, supported by precise intelligence from the IDF’s intelligence division, resulted in the deaths of several prominent scientists with collective experience spanning multiple decades in nuclear weapon development. Many of these individuals were successors to Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, often referred to as the father of Iran’s nuclear program. Among those confirmed killed in the operation were:
- Fereydoun Abbasi – Nuclear engineering expert
- Mohammad Mahdi Tehrani – Physics specialist
- Akbar Matlabi Zadeh – Chemical engineering expert
- Saeed Barji – Materials engineering specialist
- Amir Hasan Pakhai – Physics expert
- Abdul Hamid Minushahr – Reactor physics specialist
- Mansour Asgari – Physics expert
- Ahmad Reza Dolapkari Daryani – Nuclear engineering expert
- Ali Bakhi Katirimi – Mechanics specialist
Behind the Scenes: Planning the Operation
A senior IDF source revealed the inner workings of the military planning involved in building “Operation With the Lion,” informing that 120 personnel from intelligence and the Israeli Air Force convened within Unit 8200 to strategize the operation. The urgency intensified in January, as officials recognized a need to devise solutions for repelling the Iranian air defenses. Over the past year, they systematically developed a target bank, encompassing not just attacks on scientists but also command centers and radar systems, leading to the formal execution of the operation.
Engaging in Psychological Warfare
Israel appears to have also engaged in a psychological warfare strategy, previously avoided but now seen as necessary. Recently, the IDF’s X account in Persian disseminated a message urging Iranian citizens to reach out to the Mossad. This communication hinted at dissatisfaction within the Iranian regime, implying that even some members of its security institutions fear for their future.
In the message, it was noted, “We understand you are in a difficult situation due to the regime’s actions. In recent days, we have received distressing messages from our dear starts concerned about an uncertain future. Even within the regime’s security apparatus, there is a sense of fear, despair, and anger regarding the current state of affairs in Iran. We encourage you to reach out to authorities in Israel.” Accompanying the message was a provision for secure communication with the Mossad.
The Mossad subsequently made headlines for a sharp social media retort, stating, “Iran claims it hit a Mossad facility in missile attacks. Fortunately, no start was there… they’re all in Iran.”
Conclusion
Operation Narnia signifies a noteworthy moment in military engagement and intelligence strategy, marking a new chapter in Israel’s endeavors to mitigate threats originating from Iran’s nuclear ambitions. As Israeli forces continue to confront these challenges, the ramifications of this operation will likely resonate across diplomatic and military spheres for some time to come