Tehran, Iran. Israel has launched a new phase of its assault on Iran, targeting checkpoints manned by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps personnel using intelligence from informants on the ground, a source briefed on Israel’s military strategy told Reuters.
Source describes use of informants
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said informants in Tehran had passed intelligence on the locations of three checkpoints struck over the past three days.
Israel’s military said on Thursday it had struck checkpoints in the capital operated by the Basij, a part-time paramilitary force under IRGC control commonly used to suppress internal dissent. The source was unable to confirm whether the checkpoints struck included the Basij positions cited by the military.
Broader objectives and assessment
The targeting of IRGC checkpoints signals an intensification of Israel’s efforts to weaken Iran’s elite forces as it continues joint aerial bombardment with the United States.
Israel’s stated war objectives include destroying Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities, as well as what it describes as “creating the conditions” for Iranians to overthrow their government, though Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has acknowledged this is an uncertain prospect.
There has been no sign of organised dissent within Iran while the country is under attack, nor any indication that its rulers are relinquishing power.
Reporting and response
The use of ground informants to identify checkpoint locations was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. Israel’s military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
What do you think the reported use of informants indicates about how the conflict is developing?
