30 years ago ..


ALGERIA FOILED AN ISRAELI ATTEMPT TO BOMB THE PALESTINIAN LIBERATION ORGANISATION GATHERING IN ALGIERS IN 1988

ALGER - Almost everything has been said about the proclamation of the Palestinian state in Algiers 30 years ago. But the story of the planned Israeli attack on the Palace of Nations and thwarted by the Algerian army, five days earlier, is much less well known.

It all began on January 1 st October 1985, 800 kilometers from Algiers. Tunis then saw the unthinkable.

The small suburb of Tunis, Hammam Chott, is bombed by an Israeli air strike targeting the headquarters of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Force 17. The losses are hight: 68 people including 50 Palestinians dead among them many leaders.

By successfully perpetrating this attack under everybody's, including the United States, allies and friends of Tunisia, Israel has managed to prove that it had the technical and logistical capabilities to strike its targets without loss or undue risk taking, even 3,000 kilometers from his bases, and ensuring a precious surprise effect in his psychological war against the Palestinian resistance.


Operation "Leg of Wood" , authorized by Prime Minister Shimon Peres, was a real technical and tactical feat. At the time, stealth was not yet relevant, the Mediterranean was studded with naval forces from both sides of the Cold War, and Libya was at open war with the US Sixth Fleet.

To carry out its plan, the Israeli Air Force used two Boeing 707 tankers, disguised as airliners, and ten F-15 fighter bombers to dump their ammunition on the PLO headquarters. All in absolute radio silence and flight configurations mimicking those of civil airlines while remaining far from any visual observations of the line pilots who can report them.


Six F-15B and F-15D's 106 th Squadron "Spearhead" opened training. Each aircraft had an American-made GBU-15 electro-optical guided bomb under its wings, the gondola needed to guide these weapons, and four AIM-7 Sparrow missiles for self-defense.

Tail were two F-15C of the 133 th squadron "Twin Tail", armed with missiles AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-9 Sidewinder and six Mark 82 conventional bombs.


Shortly before entering Tunisian airspace, the formation split into two flights of four, separated by four minutes. Two of the F-15s experienced various avionics failures and were forced to interrupt the mission. The other crews had to redistribute targets between them.

The first three aircraft dropped their guided bombs twenty kilometers off Hammam Chott. Two others followed them a few seconds later. Later, the two late F-15Cs finished the job by dropping their conventional bombs on the target now "marked" by the plume of smoke rising from the Palestinian compound.





A threat taken seriously

In Algeria, the Israeli attack is like a bomb. The decision is made to evacuate urgently the military camp of Fatah, Tebessa, about ten kilometers from the border of Tunisia since its became within reach by the enemy.

Palestinian soldiers are taken to distant El Bayadh in the south-west and its resembling American western landscapes.

"Fortifying anti-aircraft defenses in Tebessa in anticipation of an Israeli surprise attack required positioning radars in Tunisia, and even anti-aircraft batteries," Middle East Eye reported from a retired colonel who oversaw air defense, in the east of the country.

"At that time, President Bourguiba was facing a Tunisian push to break off diplomatic relations with the United States, thus rejecting the Algerian military support that was offert to him to protect Tunisia.



Three years later in Algiers , when the decision to proclaim the creation of a Palestinian state (only known only to a handful of people) the possibility of an Israeli attack was taken very seriously.

To counter the threat, the risk assessment is carried out for three months and then the security measures were prepared. "Algeria has never been so much on the war footing. Even in the face of the Moroccan threat, we had never taken such measures! " a captain who took part in the preparations for the summit, told MME

"In 1988, the capabilities of the Algerian army were at their climax: it never had so many planes, anti-aircraft missiles, and the personnel who operated them were trained and were at the top of their game.


In general, all radars and anti-aircraft systems were on alert. Two high-speed interceptors and two MiG-21 fighters are sent on a permanent patrol. Alert crews take turns on the ground and in the cockpit of their aircraft, in Blida, Boufarik, Annaba and Oran.

In September 1988, officers of the 11 th group of anti-aircraft missiles, based in Algiers, were responsible for establishing a defense perimeter away from the capital. They have at their disposal three sites, in Reghaia, Ouled Fayet and Eucalyptus, and a complete regiment of Pechora missiles capable of shooting down a plane 25 kilometers away.

The preparation mission consists in verifying that all the equipments are parameterized and calibrated and that the means of communication with the commands work.



The men of the 31 th Group of ground-air missile batteries (GBMSA), which depend on the defense against aircraft of the Army ,based in Annaba, in the east of the country and in Ain Oussara, south of Algiers, they must identify the best places to deploy the OSA-AK short-range anti-aircraft missile batteries.

The choice is on the summit overlooking the district of Ain Benian, west of the capital. With a panoramic view of the entire bay of Algiers, this position is located not far from the Palais des Nations where the conference is to be held.

The military was ordered to establish a no-fly zone of twenty kilometers radius around the capital and a 200-kilometer control zone.


On the very site of the Palais des Nations where the PLO meeting was held, they deployed short-range Strela 2M missile batteries on armored vehicles. They are the last resort in the event that the enemy manages to thwart the radar and approach the site.

The 31 th GBMSA also has its own reconnaissance and fire control Battery (BRCT) that includes, back, Soviet radars P15 radar and PRV that determine long distances the position and altitude of the enemy.

All the data captured by the different radars used are centralized and transmitted 60 kilometers south of Algiers in Mount Chréa, to what is called the Center of Detection and Control (CDC) responsible for giving the firing order and to direct aviation for possible interceptions.


Radar echo

In Annaba, 500 kilometers east of the capital, another CDC handles threats from the east, mirroring the center of Chréa.

At sea, the Algerian navy comes to give more ground radars with Koni corvettes deployed between Algiers and Annaba. Underwater, all Algerian submarines where out for more than two months. Two Romeos and two brand-new Kilos to chase possible intruders.

At the end of October at least one Soviet frigate deploys in Algiers, a Krivak. Its powerful radar gives additional detection capabilities. A second frigate reportedly patrolled off the Algerian seaboard.

At that time, the Soviets had placed their ship on the cargo dock of the port of Algiers, visible by all the chancelleries whose seats overlooked the port.



On November 10, as the congress begins, a radar echo is captured by Algerian radar in Annaba and Algiers. It represents a tight formation of unknown hunters arriving from the eastern Mediterranean. They had branched off towards Sardinia after having passed Sicily and had regrouped to point to the south.

In parallel, tells an officer of the CDC Chréa to MEE , a listening station captures the communications of an Air France pilot flying over Sicily. He asked if a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) bulletin for any military exercise had been issued when he saw unidentified and armed aircraft near his flight.

In Reghaia, east of Algiers, the BTRC 31 th GBMSA that captures the echoes anticipates events and request confirmation of the order of shooting at the CDC.


At Club des Pins, where the Palais des Nations is, we are about to evacuate the hall. What the captain of the GBMSA does not know is that the CDC does not intend to let the threat come closer to the ground defenses and takes off two MiG-25s, two MiG-21s and two MiG-23 MFs.

"Everyone was 100% sure that 'they [Israelis] would come back and attack! As a result, the Algerians deployed one of their SA-6 sites nearby and created a no-fly zone within a radius of 20 kilometers around Club des Pins. A pair of MiG-25s were conducting a high-altitude combat air patrol, and two at mid-altitude, whenever senior Palestinian representatives met. Additional interceptors were on alert at their bases, "says Tom Cooper, author specializing in the history of military aviation, in an article that traces this episode.



"As expected, '' they '' have come. On 10 November 1988, Algerian early warning radars detected suspicious radar contact formation from the east. An Algerian radar has detected a number of distant contacts in the east, approaching an average level, "reports a retired Tunisian officer in the article by Tom Cooper. "Immediately, a pair of MiG-23s and one of MiG-25 took off to strengthen four MiGs already on the CAP compared to the Club of Pines. "


"The Algerians did not incite them to intercept the Israelis, who were still far too far away. They ordered their MiGs to climb and take up positions in front of the planes. Because of the Algerian activity, we also went on alert. Our radars then detected two groups of aircraft. At the time and place, no commercial or military activity was planned or announced. "

The tension in the heavens and on the ground then begins to increase. In the next few minutes, more and more Algerian and Tunisian radar stations light up and begin to follow the incoming training. According to the retired Tunisian officer, the vigilance of the Algerian anti-aircraft defenses "has finally had an effect".

"It's just a guess, but I think they've detected all this electromagnetic activity. They followed a radial trajectory for a moment, then returned to the east. They were not afraid of us, nor Algerians. But for their raid to succeed, they wanted to touch the PLO without suffering losses. That's why they decided to cancel their attack. "

I was enjoying reading that lol, it was like a novel . Sadly too short
The Israelis are sneaky bast*rds aren't they lol

Algerian1:
30 years ago ..


ALGERIA FOILED AN ISRAELI ATTEMPT TO BOMB THE PALESLO GATHERING IN ALGIERS IN 1988

Nigerian army ATV

South-African Special Forces

Namibian Police Special reserve force display
Can someone please ID the weapon the S.W.A.T guy is carrying?

South-African Army during the occupation of Namibia.

Apartheid South-Africa.

Going through some archival footage. South-Africa did have a decent military in the 80s.

The Ratels and Casspirs are all from that era.

It seems like apart from the 1999 arms deal, no significant military equipment has been purchased for the SANDF.

Pic-1, The last 2 South-Africans depart Angola.

Pic 2, Olifant Tank in Angola in 1986.

Pic 3, Elands in Angola

Fun Fact: There are over 50 counties on the African continent.

Nigerian Air Force Regiment

to our southies brothers.

Henry240:

It seems like apart from the 1999 arms deal, no significant military equipment has been purchased for the SANDF.

Army Projects Only
- Project Hoefyster: 246 Badger IFV's
- Project Pantile: New equipment for the engineers (earthmovers etc)
- Project Pirate: Mine detection equipment
- Project Teamster: New feild kitchens, SANDF can now feed 3,700 men in the field.
- Project Blesbok: New water-purification systems for the Engineers
- Project Itambo: Drones for Defense Intelligence
- Project African Warrior: R4 upgrade
- Project Acrobat: Aquisition of long range 60 mm mortars)
- Projecy Ambition: Aquistion of 120 Gecko vehicles
- Project Arum Lily: Rooikat upgrade
- Project Bioskoop: Upgrade of artillery radar/battery command post
- Project Cytoon: Acquisition of 14 Thales Squire ground surveillance radars, 65 Thales Sophie thermal imagers
- Project Jury: Mamba upgrade
- Project Kingfisher: acquisition of Milan missiles
- Project Klooster: Acquisition of artillery target engagement system
- Project Pigeon: SS-77 upgrade
- Project Ambition: Acquisition of Hornet rapid deployment vehicles for the Special Forces.
- Unknown Project: Acquisition of Star-Steak VSHORAD missiles

If you are ignorant on something, just ask a question and I will educate you.

Henry240:
South-African Army during the occupation of Namibia.

Apartheid South-Africa.

Look at the emblem on the first vehicle. Thats 53 Battalion, those are Namibians based at Ondangwa.

Are they occupying their own country?

Idiot

patches689:


Army Projects Only
- Project Hoefyster: 246 Badger IFV's
- Project Pantile: New equipment for the engineers (earthmovers etc)
- Project Pirate: Mine detection equipment
- Project Teamster: New feild kitchens, SANDF can now feed 3,700 men in the field.
- Project Blesbok: New water-purification systems for the Engineers
- Project Itambo: Drones for Defense Intelligence
- Project African Warrior: R4 upgrade
- Project Acrobat: Aquisition of long range 60 mm mortars)
- Projecy Ambition: Aquistion of 120 Gecko vehicles
- Project Arum Lily: Rooikat upgrade
- Project Bioskoop: Upgrade of artillery radar/battery command post
- Project Cytoon: Acquisition of 14 Thales Squire ground surveillance radars, 65 Thales Sophie thermal imagers
- Project Jury: Mamba upgrade
- Project Kingfisher: acquisition of Milan missiles
- Project Klooster: Acquisition of artillery target engagement system
- Project Pigeon: SS-77 upgrade
- Project Ambition: Acquisition of Hornet rapid deployment vehicles for the Special Forces.
- Unknown Project: Acquisition of Star-Steak VSHORAD missiles

If you are ignorant on something, just ask a question and I will educate you.

Also Ratel upgrade in the early 2000s(can't remember the project name),Project Atolasa: Olifant upgrade, Project Drummer: Oryx upgrade.

Henry self, leave anything South Africa matter alone, whatever acquisition they made or didn't make no concern us now
And perhaps it will be nice if people don't resort to insults over something so simple, Jeez.
he said something about SA, if you think he was wrong, show your reason with proof and that should do it, throwing insults around only invite same, then the whole thread goes to sh!t, what ever happen to men acting like men and not children.
And if anyone feel slighted by my comment, feel free to insult me, won't respond to ya. Life's too short for drama

Tunisian sf

Sizzorkay:
Henry self, leave anything South Africa matter alone, whatever acquisition they made or didn't make no concern us now
And perhaps it will be nice if people don't resort to insults over something so simple, Jeez.
he said something about SA, if you think he was wrong, show your reason with proof and that should do it, throwing insults around only invite same, then the whole thread goes to sh!t, what ever happen to men acting like men and not children.
And if anyone feel slighted by my comment, feel free to insult me, won't respond to ya. Life's too short for drama

I insulted him because this is not the first time he has said that and this is not the first time I have posted that Project list. He knew what he was doing.

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes

Sizzorkay:
Henry self, leave anything South Africa matter alone, whatever acquisition they made or didn't make no concern us now
And perhaps it will be nice if people don't resort to insults over something so simple, Jeez.
he said something about SA, if you think he was wrong, show your reason with proof and that should do it, throwing insults around only invite same, then the whole thread goes to sh!t, what ever happen to men acting like men and not children.
And if anyone feel slighted by my comment, feel free to insult me, won't respond to ya. Life's too short for drama

The joy of seeing their tears is indescribable.

Especially that of the ignorant patches. I don't even respond to him, i just ignore him, dude literally doesn't exist.

The Nigerian Chief of Air Staff was at the HQ Air Task Force Maiduguri to asses progress of Op Green Sweep, which is an is an Air Interdiction Op aimed at destroying selected Terrorists locations in the Lake Chad green fringes as well as areas within the Alagarno and Sambisa Forests

...

Off topic

First man jumping without parachute from 25.000 feet ( 7620 m)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaANi96Z-Wg

Henry240:


The joy of seeing their tears is indescribable.

Especially that of the ignorant patches. I don't even respond to him, i just ignore him, dude literally doesn't exist.

lol

Because you got tired of losing. Just like last night.

patches689:


you dont respond because you got wrecked and you know it.

The times when i responded to you are long gone. consider this response a privilege.

AMISOM

IED attack on AU forces in Mogadishu Somalia.

Henry240:
AMISOM

IED attack on AU forces in Mogadishu Somalia.

Doesnt matter Henry, everyone can see my responses and everyone reads them.

You tried to provoke us by saying something incredibly st.u.pid, and you got humiliated.

Nigerian Defence Industry

Locally built military truck from Ashok Leyland offered to the Nigerian military.

Sizzorkay:
Henry self, leave anything South Africa matter alone, whatever acquisition they made or didn't make no concern us now
And perhaps it will be nice if people don't resort to insults over something so simple, Jeez.
he said something about SA, if you think he was wrong, show your reason with proof and that should do it, throwing insults around only invite same, then the whole thread goes to sh!t, what ever happen to men acting like men and not children.
And if anyone feel slighted by my comment, feel free to insult me, won't respond to ya. Life's too short for drama

It's fair to say everyone can now see for themselves that he has some deep seated problem with SA. Whatever it is, who knows. Admitting that he enjoys seeing South Africans cry is straight from the troll textbook. He was already well aware of the list that Patches posted, before he made his post. Anyways... so be it

Henry240:
Nigerian Defence Industry

Locally built military truck from Ashok Leyland offered to the Nigerian military.

They have been building those trucks in Nigeria for over a decade.

Very sad that your amy waits until now to buy them - after the troops have been suffering from poor supply in the frontlines for so long.

Very incompetent, very corrupt

Algerian1:
30 years ago ..


ALGERIA FOILED AN ISRAELI ATTEMPT TO BOMB THE PALESTINIAN LIBERATION ORGANISATION GATHERING IN ALGIERS IN 1988

This post sort of reminds me of the Al Jazeera "spy leaks" a few years back. How South African intelligence were following Mossad activities in SA.

https://www.google.co.za/amp/s/www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2015/02/spy-cables-reveal-israel-mossad-tactics-south-africa-guardian-150224124719957.html

"A secret South African spy document obtained by Al Jazeera's Investigative Unit provides insights into the tradecraft of Israel's secret service.

South African agents have, in part, compiled the information through counter-espionage surveillance of one of the Israeli Mossad's individual agents.

But they appear to have also drawn a lot of their information from a well-known book by author Gordon Thomas. Information printed in Gideon's Spies: The Inside Story of Israel's Legendary Secret Service The Mossad is liberally quoted throughout.

Among the findings of the State Security Agency's (SSA) 2009 "intelligence assessment," were claims that the Israeli agency:

"Often employs actual prostitutes" and photographs them with Palestinian sources "for potential blackmail leverage".

Sends agents abroad to seduce "an international array of embassy secretaries and airline stewardesses, for they can provide much valuable information about the diplomats, airports and cities of the Arab world".

Stepped up its assassination programme under former Director General Meir Dagan.

The report also shows the SSA so distrusted Mossad that it assigned counter-espionage agents to watch one of its operatives at work in South Africa.

They followed the Israeli as he carried out day-to-day activities, met with sources, and travelled to Cape Town with his supervisor.

They noted that the Mossad agent:

Maintains numerous sources within the South African government and police.

Has "constant contact" with Jewish community members, possibly "to assist… in intelligence activities".

Takes basic counter-surveillance steps, including slicing rubbish bags and varying regular travel routes.
Life as a Mossad spy
South Africa's surveillance of an individual Mossad agent in the country reveals he is, as expected, a deeply cautious and security-conscious individual.

"When attending liaison meetings," the document describes the Mossad operative performing counter-surveillance. He "varied his driving speed between 30km/h and 90km/h" and "would also pull over and waited next to the road for approximately four minutes for no specific reason".

The agent "also changed his access routes to his house every time he used his vehicle".

He "cut his rubbish bags in such a manner that it could not be lifted from the dustbin without spilling the content". This presumably makes it hard to rifle through his waste paper without being detected.

The SSA briefing says the Mossad operative had very close links with the Jewish community in South Africa, including the Jewish Board of Deputies, something which "might have been an indication that the Mossad utilised them in its covert collection activities".

The Mossad agent was also "in regular contact with a member of the South African Police Service" and the cooperation between them "revolved around Islamic Militancy issues in South Africa."

The counter-espionage officers say the Mossad agent "also had contacts within government departments which included the Agriculture, Trade and Industry, Health and other institutions that deal with research.

"Most of his contacts within these departments were contacting him on his cellular phone precisely because he might have been aware that it was not easy to monitor a cellular phone," says the 2009 report.

South Africa's State Security Agency (SSA) even followed the Mossad man as he travelled to Cape Town with his supervisor. They noted that he "had a possible 'brush' meeting with two persons in a public toilet, one of them of Muslim origin".

When he checked out of his hotel, the Israeli agent also paid for another guest, a U.S. citizen. The South Africans say this was "yet another point of concern".

Clearly, the report shows, South African intelligence are worried about Israel agents' activities in their country, and go to considerable lengths, at significant cost, to ascertain just what the Israelis are doing, even if they fall back on the details contained in popular books on the subject."

Apologies for that long a.s.s text in a pic thread.

Namibian Special Forces

South-African Special Forces