'Step by step' of Iranian scientist's assassination
Israeli source describes alleged targeted attack of Iranian nuclear scientist by Mossad agents in Tehran in UK's Sunday Times
According to the London-based newspaper, Mossad agents are responsible for the targeted attack which killed the Iranian scientist last week. "There is zero tolerance for mistakes. By nature, every failure not only risks the neck of the agents but also risks turning into an international scandal," the source told the paper.
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It was a classic assassination mission for Israel, the paper claimed. According to the paper, Israeli Mossad agents gathered in small groups to observe key locations across Tehran. The agents monitored Roshan's every move from an improvised control room in a safe house nearby. Meanwhile, the Iranian intelligence headquarters in the city center was also under observation, less than a mile away from the assassination location.
Suddenly they noticed a number of cars and people running. The streets quickly filled with police officers. One of the agents, listening to the radio communication between the Tehran police and security forces confirmed the irregular activity.
Magnetic Bomb
Later that day, the paper claimed, Roshan's bodyguard and driver checked the state-issued silver Peugeot 405, for explosives. He then proceeded to slip into the driver's seat and waited for the scientist.
Just before 8 am, an Israeli observer reported the objective had left via an intercepted message. Then the assassins' commander made the final decision, telling agents who were standing by with a motorcycle in a hidden garage to "go."
At around 8:20 am, the agents tracked down the scientist's car, The Sunday Times reported. The masked man made sure the passenger was in fact Roshan before proceeding to attach a magnetic bomb to the vehicle, intended primarily to injure Roshan. Nine seconds later an explosion was heard. The scientist was killed instantly. The driver was badly injured and died in the hospital later that day.
New information also reveals that killed nuclear scientist also had a hand in developing Iran's missile program, claimed Roshan's commander from the Basij, a volunteer organization under the Iranian Revolutionary Guards.
According to him, Roshan initially worked for the defense ministry and after sometime was "responsible for other sensitive things" at the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI). Roshan studied chemistry at Sharif University of Technology in Tehran, which has been previously linked to the development of arms and missiles, with the help of Iranian Revolutionary Guards.
According to the Israeli source, targeting nuclear scientists is a precursor to a military strike and not an alternative, in an ongoing attempt to stop Iran's nuclear program.
Dudi Cohen contributed to this report
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