Jerusalem: Israeli intelligence company Mossad executes operations with such precision that not even its targets get any proof of who carried them out. One in all its most legendary missions occurred in 1966 when the company stole one of many world’s strongest weapons from underneath the noses of countries equipped by the erstwhile Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). The operation was as a lot about enjoyable because it was about sending a message of concern.
A weapon these days struck concern among the many world’s strongest nations. The Soviet Union had upgraded the MiG-19 fighter jet into a brand new mannequin referred to as the MiG-21. The plane was equipped to international locations like Egypt, Lebanon and Iraq, and Israel seen its deployment as a menace to its safety.
Provoked by repeated threats, Mossad determined that stealing the MiG-21 would turn out to be its achievement.
A Playful However Lethal Mission
Then Mossad chief Meir Amit convened a gathering to debate what could possibly be the company’s biggest feat. The room unanimously named the MiG-21. The plan, which was codenamed ‘Operation Diamond’, aimed to steal the fighter jet and convey it to Israel.
The primary two makes an attempt failed, however Mossad’s workforce recalibrated. The choice was made to focus on the nations receiving the jet from the Soviets. Iraq grew to become the main focus, and a feminine Mossad agent was assigned to the mission.
The important thing to success got here within the type of Munir Redfa, an Iraqi pilot who was pissed off with authorities insurance policies and denied promotions and wage increments. The Mossad agent wooed him with guarantees of $1 million, a authorities job and a house in Israel for his household.
Redfa agreed, and on 16 August 1966, Mossad efficiently smuggled the MiG-21 out of Iraq. The operation grew to become one of the vital celebrated missions in intelligence historical past, combining crafty, technique and sheer audacity.