The Israeli Mossad intelligence agency mounted a multi-pronged covert operation deep inside Iran, using advanced systems and explosive drones to strike multiple targets overnight on Friday, sources told Euronews.
The Mossad managed to place systems with “precision-guided weaponry" deep in Tehran's territory, a source from the Israeli intelligence told Euronews on condition of anonymity.
“They were positioned in open areas near Iranian surface-to-air missile systems,” the source added.
The system was activated when the Israeli military offensive began, at the time the precision-guided missiles were about to be launched, Israeli intelligence confirmed.
In a separate operation, the Mossad secretly installed “strike systems and advanced technologies on vehicles” to “neutralise Iranian air defence capabilities” that Israel said were posing a threat to its fighter jets.
These systems were activated “at the onset of the surprise attack,” the Israeli intelligence source said, “launching weapons that completely destroyed Iranian air defence targets”.
A third campaign was also launched, with the Mossad operating well in advance of last night's operation. The secret services established “a base for explosive drones” deep into Iran, the source said.
“During the Israeli strike, these drones were activated and launched toward surface-to-surface missile launchers at the Esfajabad base near Tehran,” the Israeli intelligence concluded.
Information obtained by Euronews has since been corroborated by similar reports from Israeli and international outlets.
Israel has launched strikes across Iran overnight on Friday targeting Tehran's nuclear programme and killing Revolutionary Guard Commander Hossein Salami, Chief of Staff Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, and Emergency Forces Commander Gholam Rashid, as well as at least six top nuclear scientists.
