The Chhattisgarh

Tag: Israel-Iran Conflict

  • Highly Classified Intel On Israel’s Potential Strike Plans Against Iran Leaks On Telegram, US Investigates | world news

    The United States is currently investigating the leak of highly classified documents that reveal Israel’s potential plans for a retaliatory strike against Iran, according to a CNN report. The documents, which circulated online, offer a rare glimpse into Israel’s military preparations and have raised significant concerns within US intelligence circles.

    The Leak and Its Source

    The classified documents, dated October 15 and 16, began appearing on the internet last Friday after being posted by a Telegram account named “Middle East Spectator.” Marked as top secret, the documents were intended solely for the US and its intelligence-sharing partners, known as the “Five Eyes” alliance, which includes Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

    One of the documents, sourced from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, describes Israel’s movement of munitions, likely in preparation for an impending strike against Iran. Another document, attributed to the National Security Agency (NSA), outlines Israeli air force exercises involving air-to-surface missiles, further suggesting military preparations.

    Major Breach of Security

    A US official described the leak as “deeply concerning” and confirmed the authenticity of the documents, CNN reported. The leak comes at a sensitive time for US-Israel relations, particularly as Israel prepares for potential retaliation against Iran following a missile attack on October 1.

    One particularly alarming detail in the leaked documents alludes to something Israel has never publicly confirmed—the existence of its nuclear weapons. However, the documents clarify that the US has seen no evidence indicating Israel plans to use such weapons against Iran.

    Former CIA officer Mick Mulroy weighed in on the situation, stating, “If it’s true that Israeli tactical plans to respond to Iran’s attack on October 1 have been leaked, this is a serious breach.” Mulroy also highlighted that this could damage future coordination between the US and Israel, as trust between the two nations could be eroded depending on how the leak occurred.

    Investigation Underway

    The US is now conducting a joint investigation, led by the FBI, Pentagon, and US intelligence agencies, to determine how the documents were leaked and who had access to this sensitive material. The FBI has so far declined to comment.

    One US official hinted that while the leaked documents are troubling, they are not the worst-case scenario. “These two documents are bad, but not horrible,” the official said. “The concern is if there are more.”

    Past Breaches and Cyber ​​Threats

    This latest leak is reminiscent of a significant intelligence breach last year when a 21-year-old Air National Guardsman posted classified documents on Discord, damaging the US’s relationships with key allies like South Korea and Ukraine. In light of these ongoing concerns, the US has been on high alert for cyber threats, particularly from Iran. In August, US intelligence reported that Iran had hacked documents from Donald Trump’s campaign.

  • IDF Airstrikes In Gaza Kill Head of Hamas’s Govt, 2 Others Amid Tensions In Middle East | world news

    Israel-Iran Conflict: Amid the boiling tensions in the Middle East after Iran launched ballistic missiles at targets in Israel on October 1, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday claimed that it has killed three senior leaders of Palestinian terror outfit Hamas, including their Gaza government head Rawhi Mushtaha.

    The Israeli forces also said that they claimed the lives of 15 Hezbollah members after striking a municipality building in Bint Jabal in southern Lebanon. The IDF, in a post on X, shared a video, showing the strike on the building.

    “During the night, fighter jets of the Air Force, in a targeted manner and in cooperation with the 36th Division, attacked the Bint Jabal municipality building where several terrorists of the Hezbollah terrorist organization were operating. Many weapons used by the organization were stored in the building. As part of the attack, about 15 terrorists who were in the building were killed,” the IDF said in a post on X.

    As far as the IDF’s operation in northern Gaza is concerned, the Israeli forces struck an underground compound, killing Rawhi Mushtaha and two other Hamas commanders, Sameh Siraj and Sameh Oudeh. Hamas, however, did not comment on the IDF’s strikes on Thursday.

    “Approximately 3 months ago, in a joint IDF and ISA strike in Gaza, the following terrorists were eliminated: Rawhi Mushtaha, the Head of the Hamas government in Gaza, Sameh al-Siraj, who held the security portfolio on Hamas’ political bureau and Hamas’ Labor Committee, and Sami Oudeh, Commander of Hamas’ General Security Mechanism IAF fighter jets struck and eliminated the terrorists while they were hiding in a fortified and equipped underground compound in northern Gaza,” the IDF said in a post on X.

    Approximately 3 months ago, in a joint IDF and ISA strike in Gaza, the following terrorists were eliminated:

    Rawhi Mushtaha, the Head of the Hamas government in Gaza Sameh al-Siraj, who held the security portfolio on Hamas’ political bureau and Hamas’ Labor Committee Sami… pic.twitter.com/6xpH6tOOot — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 3 , 2024

    “The compound served as a Hamas command and control center and enabled senior operatives to remain inside of it for extended periods of time. The IDF will continue to pursue all of the terrorists responsible for the October 7 massacre and will operate against anyone who threatens the State of Israel,” the IDF said in a statement.

    Last week, Lebanon’s militant group Hezbollah confirmed that its chief and one of the founders, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in a strike carried out by Israeli Defense Forces. The attack took place in Beirut. The development came after Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched precision strikes targeting Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah’s headquarters in Beirut on Friday.

  • India Expresses Deep Concern, Calls For Civilian Protection Amid Mounting Tensions In Middle East |

    Israel-Iran Conflict: Amid the escalating tensions in the Middle East following Iran’s missile attacks on Israel, India on Wednesday expressed deep concerns, saying that the conflict between the two countries must not take a wider regional dimension and called for restraint and protection of civilians.

    The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a statement, emphasized that “dialogue and diplomacy” should be channeled to resolve all conflicting issues.

    “We are deeply concerned at the escalation of the security situation in West Asia and reiterate our call for restraint by all concerned and protection of civilians. It is important that the conflict doesn’t take a wider regional dimension, and we urge that all issues be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy,” the MEA said in the statement.

    Statement on the evolving situation in West Asia:https://t.co/6SNjnBHOUT pic.twitter.com/BxVAFTjuWv
    — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) October 2, 2024

    The statement from the MEA came a day after Iran fired more than 180 ballistic missiles on Israel. Following the unprecedented attacks by Iran, alarms sounded across Israel, and explosions were heard in Jerusalem and the Jordan River valley.

    Earlier, the Indian Embassy in Israel also issued travel advisory for Indians in Israel. “In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to stay vigilant and adhere to the safety protocols as advised by the local authorities. Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel within the country, and stay close to safety shelters. The Embassy is closely monitoring the situation and remains in regular touch with the Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of all our nationals. In case of any emergency, please contact the 24 x 7 helpline of the Embassy at +972-547520711, +972-543278392,” the Embassy said.

    The advisories came after Iran’s missile attack on Israel days after Israeli Defense Forces began their ground operations against Hezbollah in Israel. Israel has said that it will respond to the Iranian attack at a date and time of its choice.

    IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari said, “Iran’s attack is a severe and dangerous escalation. There will be consequences… We will respond wherever, whenever, and however we choose, in accordance with the directive of the government of Israel.”

  • Iran-Backed Militia Coalition Alleges US Airstrike Targets Base In Iraq

    Popular Mobilization Forces’ Kalsu base suffered an airstrike on Saturday injuring three members of the PMF.

  • ‘Israel Will Decide How To Respond To Iran’: PM Benjamin Netanyahu Tells West Amid Calls For Restraint | world news

    Tel Aviv: Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed his nation’s commitment to defending itself autonomously, regardless of advice from allies, amid escalating tensions with Iran. Netanyahu’s assertion came during a cabinet meeting following discussions with UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who had arrived in Israel in the wake of Tehran’s recent attack. Germany and the UK, while urging restraint from Israel, warned of the potential for broader conflict in the Middle East. However, Israel remains steadfast in its determination to retaliate against Iran, emphasizing the need for consequences following the attack.

    Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s prerogative to make independent decisions for its defense, regardless of external counsel. While appreciating the suggestions from allies, he reiterated Israel’s commitment to taking necessary measures to ensure its security. In his remarks at the cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said that the two leaders had “all kinds of suggestions and advice.” He noted that while it was appreciated, Israel would nevertheless “make our own decisions, and Israel will do everything necessary to defend itself.”

    Cameron acknowledged the likelihood of retaliation against Israel but expressed hope for a measured response to prevent further escalation. Baerbock voiced opposition to Israel’s retaliatory plans, advocating for prudence and emphasizing the need to prevent further fueling of the conflict.

    Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, Netanyahu’s office underlined Israel’s right to self-defense during discussions with foreign counterparts. Talks between Cameron, Baerbock, and Israeli leaders centered on the potential for Israeli retaliation.

    Baerbock and Cameron are slated to participate in a G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Italy, where discussions will include considerations for imposing sanctions on Iran. Baerbock reiterated calls for Israel to exercise restraint, stressing the importance of responsible action.

    Cameron urged a refocus on addressing the situation in Gaza, where Israel’s counter-offensive against Hamas continues. The escalation between Israel and Iran follows Tehran’s retaliatory strikes for an alleged Israeli airstrike in Syria.

    Israel’s Defense Forces reported a high interception rate of projectiles launched by Iran, underscoring Israel’s military capabilities. The attack, comprising drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, was largely intercepted, with support from allies including the US, Jordan, and the UK.