A major covert Israeli military operation, codenamed Operation Narnia, has reportedly led to the assassination of 10 top Iranian nuclear scientists, according to a report by Israel’s Channel 12.
The strike, which took place overnight between Thursday and Friday last week, allegedly involved a “special weapon” that targeted the scientists while they were asleep in their homes. Details of the weapon used remain classified.
Nine of the scientists were killed at the same time, with the 10th eliminated shortly after. Israeli intelligence reportedly planned the operation months in advance and marked the scientists for assassination as far back as November last year.
The scientists were believed to be safe in their homes, as previous assassinations typically occurred while they were commuting. A senior Israeli official quoted in the report said that Israel chose simultaneous strikes to prevent any warnings from being issued between targets.
The operation also included strikes on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility and ballistic missile sites, as well as attacks on senior Iranian military officials.
Israeli intelligence reportedly viewed the killings of the nuclear scientists as the most critical aspect of the mission, arguing that while equipment and military commanders could be replaced, the specialised knowledge the scientists had would take years to recover.
This report comes amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran, particularly over Tehran’s controversial nuclear programme, which many Western countries fear is aimed at developing nuclear weapons — a claim Iran denies.
