The Mossad has failed in an attempt to assassinate Syria-based Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal, the Tehran Times reported Monday.
Citing "reliable sources", the paper said Yemeni Jews disguised in Islamic clothing recently took part in a ceremony held in commemoration of former Hamas leader Dr. Abdel-Aziz al-Rantissi, who was killed by Israel last month in Gaza.
According to the report, the five had entered the Yarmook camp in Damascus to meet with Khaled Meshaal and Mousa Abu Marzook, a high-ranking member of the Hamas political office.
The five agents, who were commissioned by the Mossad to assassinate Khaled Meshaal in Damascus were caught by his bodyguards before they could take any action, the Iranian newspaper added.
They were then handed over to Syrian security forces but have not yet been identified.
In the course of interrogations, the men confessed that they had entered Syria through Jordan and were instructed by the Mossad to assassinate Khaled Meshaal and Mousa Abu Marzook.
This was the Mossad’s second failed assassination bid against Khaled Meshaal. In 1997, the Mossad had attempted to kill Meshaal by injecting him with poison. Following the attack, former Jordanian King Hussein announced that the Mossad agents would be executed if an antidote was not sent to Jordan in 48 hours. Meshaal’s life was saved after an Israeli doctor delivered an antidote for the poison.
Following the failed attempt in 1997 to kill Meshaal, Israel released former Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin from jail. (Albawaba.com)
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
