Death of al-Qaeda's No. 2 in Iran: why Israel's discretion?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mossad leader Yossi Cohen in 2015 in Jerusalem (illustrative image).

AFP PHOTO / GALI TIBBON

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2 min

Much discretion in Israel on the targeted assassination of Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah also known as Abu Mohamed el-Masri.

Al Qaeda's number 2 was shot dead with his daughter on a street in Tehran by two men riding a motorcycle.

A technique used several times by the Mossad.

According to the New York Times, Israeli intelligence agents were working closely with the CIA.

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With our correspondent in Jerusalem,

No official reaction in Israel and the intelligence specialists here remind us: the Israelis very rarely confirm this kind of operation.

Yet it is pointed out that there was a precedent, and of size.

It was Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu who himself revealed that Mossad agents had operated in the heart of Tehran to seize Iran's nuclear archives.

Half a ton of documents that a few hours later were smuggled into Tel Aviv.

Never officially recognized either, the existence of the Kidon unit of the Mossad.

This is a group of elite agents trained for eliminations in enemy territory.

Last month state television in Israel aired a mini-series called Tehran which showed Mossad operatives operating in the streets of the Iranian capital.

But the question in Israel is why this operation has been disclosed precisely now.

And several commentators believe that the answer can be found in Donald Trump's entourage.

► To read also: The n ° 2 of al-Qaeda killed in Iran by Israeli agents, according to the "New York Times"

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• Israel

• Iran

• al-Qaeda

• Donald trump

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Al-Qaeda No. 2 Killed in Iran by Israeli Agents, According to "New York Times"