Israel Destroys Iraqi Nuclear Reactor in Surprise Air Strike
Israeli F-16 fighters destroy Iraq's Osirak nuclear reactor near Baghdad in Operation Opera, claiming it was developing nuclear weapons.
Israeli F-16 fighter jets successfully destroyed Iraq’s Osirak nuclear reactor complex near Baghdad in a surprise air strike, Israeli military officials confirmed today. The operation, codenamed “Opera,” involved eight F-16s escorted by six F-15s flying over 1,000 kilometers through hostile airspace.
Prime Minister Menachem Begin defended the preemptive strike, stating that Iraq was developing nuclear weapons that would pose an existential threat to Israel. “We chose this moment: now, not later, because later may be too late, perhaps forever,” Begin said in a statement.
The attack has drawn international condemnation, including from the United States. The UN Security Council is expected to convene an emergency session to discuss the violation of Iraqi sovereignty.
Iraqi officials reported minimal casualties but significant damage to the French-built reactor facility. France, which had supplied the reactor, strongly condemned the attack as a serious blow to nuclear non-proliferation efforts.
The strike marks a significant escalation in regional tensions and demonstrates Israel’s willingness to take unilateral military action against perceived threats to its security.