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Anthony Aguilar on Israeli strikes and troop movements

Unverified reports from Sunday describe explosions at an Iranian radar site in Tabriz that sounded like airstrikes, even though Iran says the blasts were just old ordnance detonating. The location sits near a border where Israeli jets flew between October 12 and 19. Anthony Aguilar, a retired Green Beret lieutenant colonel, argues this marks the start of strikes under the table. He notes conventional raids usually begin with preparatory fire before entry, stating, "I do believe that Israel is already taking a bite at the apple under the table and striking." Aguilar claims the chief of staff debated timing while the intent stayed fixed, with a target list given to Netanyahu on October 10 covering nuclear sites, power plants, and bridges. He expects the Theodore Roosevelt carrier group in the region by the 28th. Roughly 3,200 US troops are reported in Saudi Arabia, with additional forces sent for Operation Yemeni Dawn against the Houthis. The Pentagon instructed bases to plan for 90 days of self-sufficiency. Aguilar reports hearing more discussion about a draft than during his career including the Iraq surge. He anticipates stop-loss orders followed by calls for drone and cyber operators with bonuses or orders.

1h

Jolyon@jolyon

Follow

Anthony Aguilar on Israeli strikes and troop movements

Unverified reports from Sunday describe explosions at an Iranian radar site in Tabriz that sounded like airstrikes, even though Iran says the blasts were just old ordnance detonating. The location sits near a border where Israeli jets flew between October 12 and 19. Anthony Aguilar, a retired Green Beret lieutenant colonel, argues this marks the start of strikes under the table. He notes conventional raids usually begin with preparatory fire before entry, stating, "I do believe that Israel is already taking a bite at the apple under the table and striking." Aguilar claims the chief of staff debated timing while the intent stayed fixed, with a target list given to Netanyahu on October 10 covering nuclear sites, power plants, and bridges. He expects the Theodore Roosevelt carrier group in the region by the 28th. Roughly 3,200 US troops are reported in Saudi Arabia, with additional forces sent for Operation Yemeni Dawn against the Houthis. The Pentagon instructed bases to plan for 90 days of self-sufficiency. Aguilar reports hearing more discussion about a draft than during his career including the Iraq surge. He anticipates stop-loss orders followed by calls for drone and cyber operators with bonuses or orders.

1h