by Uzi Eilam
Dan’s face did not reflect the enthusiasm that Gideon had expected.
“We’re getting some serious interference in the surveillance array since this morning. There are too many hang-ups, and we’re having a hard time stabilizing the system. Rogel and Tyler also tried to locate the problem, but we still haven’t managed to pinpoint the source.”
“The three of you should focus on this issue and get the system back to normal operation, even if it takes all night,” Gideon stated. He and Deutsch parted from Dan with a quick pat on the back and left to set up a brief consultation for him with Tyler Roberts and Brigadier-General David Rogel in the “war room.” They were hoping the three would quickly find the source of the malfunction.
Chapter 27
Razek summoned three of his people to the urgent meeting, while Ja’afari brought Dr. Fakari and the Quds Force officer from the embassy’s staff. Per Ja’afari’s request, Razek’s office also summoned the officer in charge of Hezbollah and Hamas members.
“We’re stuck with a series of attacks that failed, or ones that succeeded only partially. This situation seems to have no solution,” Ja’afari said, assessing the attendees’ reactions, especially that of his friend General Razek, who nodded. “I wanted us to analyze the situation and decide on new ways to carry out attacks. We’ve gotten too much proof that our communication is wide open to the enemy. Preparing attacks based on explosives was clumsy and not professional enough. Dr. Fakari told me that our preparations for a cyber attack were encountering a sophisticated firewall.” Ja’afari paused briefly, while all of the attendees maintained their silence. He turned a commanding look toward Fakari, who shifted nervously in his chair.
Fakari reviewed the failures and successes, mentioning Israeli involvement, but then veered from his dry report.
“I wouldn’t give up on using cyber technology. The Chinese ambassador promised to place computer experts at our disposal, and then we can resume progress on planning cyber attacks. We also need to take into account that after signing the nuclear agreement, our country is sensitive about the exposure of the terrorist activity we’re carrying out. The beauty of cyber attacks is the challenge of identifying their source.”
“We have to find a way to solve the problem of this task force, if they really are the dangerous core group opposing us,” Razek said. The Malaysian general’s people nodded as one.
“We’re still left with the task of smuggling fighters into Singapore,” Ja’afari resumed. “There has to be a backup plan to Fakari’s brilliant idea with the containers and the port’s cyber system. With all due respect to high tech, I think we’re not quite there yet.”
“We have a means of entering Singapore covertly that we haven’t revealed to anyone but General Ja’afari so far,” Razek said, nearly whispering. “We consider this to be at the highest level of secrecy.”
Everyone waited for Razek to continue, but he enjoyed leaving them hanging. Fakari straightened in his seat, his eyes fixed upon the Malaysian general. He tried to pretend he was hearing about the tunnel for the first time. We’ll let the Malaysian general play his game of secrets, he thought.
“There’s a tunnel that was built very covertly years ago. We decided to dig the tunnel, which goes under the Straits of Johor and ends in the center of Singapore, when there was much tension and rivalry between the two countries. We paid considerable sums to the North Korean crews carrying out the work. We were certain that North Korea would guard our secret well. Very few of our people currently know of the tunnel’s existence, and only a small technical crew that occasionally inspects its condition is allowed to enter it. It’s important to ensure that the fighters are not recognized as having been sent by Iran, which means the Quds Force warriors can’t take part in the attack itself. If we go with Hezbollah members, they must be assigned innocuous Lebanese identities. We’ll have to leave a force at the entrance to the tunnel to ensure the fighters can be evacuated after they’ve carried out their mission.”
Ja’afari’s eyes met those of his friend Razek. Both of them knew the chances of the executors of the attack returning to the tunnel and to Malaysia were not high.
“As for electronic warfare, you can count on the Chinese experts. They’re the best in their field,” Fakari insisted.
“And what happens if, at the last moment, the Chinese can’t manage it, either? What happens to the fighters?” Ja’afari hadn’t concealed his apprehension when he and Fakari had been alone in his office. He didn’t want to even hint at the connection between the success or, perish the thought, failure of the operation and his chances of resuming his leadership role in Tehran.
“We have the tunnel option. It would be a good surprise, and therefore I think that, in either case, we can get the job done, sir.”
“Okay, let’s do it,” Ja’afari concluded wearily, signaling to Fakari to leave him alone.
***
“What’s new this morning, Dan?” Gideon asked the young man, who was facing screens flashing a myriad of data.
“There’s some communication between Ja’afari, the Iranian ambassador, and General Razek, head of Malaysian intelligence. They seem to be talking about a tunnel, apparently under the Straits of Johor. I need some more time to decipher an unclear part of the communication.”
“If that’s true, we have to let Tan know immediately,” Deutsch said.
Tan cleared all his prior commitments when Gideon and Deutsch contacted him. He listened alertly to Gideon’s report, responding that the last thing he currently needed was another threat, such as a mysterious tunnel.
“We’re waiting for further processing of the information Dan intercepted,” Gideon said, “at which point we’ll have a better idea what we’re facing. But let’s assume that the tunnel does exist and exposes us to the threat of terrorists entering without us having any idea where they’ll pop up. We have to make preparations for detecting the tunnel and eliminating anyone who tries to use it.”
“We don’t have any advanced systems for uncovering tunnels,” Tan said. “I think you Americans, Dr. Deutsch, have acquired plenty of experience with the South Korean Army dealing with the tunnels in North Korea. The Vietcong tunnels filled a crucial role in the Vietnam War as well.”
“That’s true, Tan. Our people have dealt with this in the past, and I was involved in Vietnam as well. I’m not up-to-date on the current means at our disposal. I have to look into it with the Pentagon.”
“Right. I strongly request that you look into it as soon as possible. Tan addressed Gideon. “But I believe that Israel, too, has the required knowledge to detect tunnels. Can you check?”
“Yes, Tan, I’ll talk to Rogel and we’ll convey a message immediately. But Deutsch should look into what type of equipment can be brought here from the States right now. In the meantime, Dan could give us the latest details about the tunnel, mainly when we should expect them to use it.”
Tan let out a sigh of relief when he said goodbye to Gideon and Deutsch. He was grateful for the idea of establishing the task force and for the priceless support he was receiving from two such exceptional people.
Chapter 28
Tan was impatient, prodding Deutsch and Gideon to hasten their inquiries about the tunnel-detection equipment. After a long day of waiting, Deutsch informed him that he had received some positive responses. Tan asked Gideon and Deutsch to come see him for an update, deciding to include Dr. Chang Mei as well.
“What news do you have for us, Dr. Deutsch?” Tan began cheerfully. “You told me that you handled Vietcong tunnels when you fought in the Vietnam War.”
“You’re right, General Tan. I was indeed involved in the effort to uncover the network of tunnels the Vietcong constructed. I made use of the experience I had acquired in battle, but also of the technological knowledge that was a part of my university studies before joining the army. I had a superb team of engineers and techni
cians, two of whom are currently serving in senior roles at the Pentagon.”
“So is there a chance you’ll provide us with equipment to discover the location of the tunnels?”
“There is, Tan, rest assured. I’ve managed to remove some bureaucratic obstructions, and I was promised that within twenty-four hours, a C-135 military aircraft will land here, carrying a whole kit for locating tunnels, a team from the US Army’s Engineering Corps, and scientists from the Army’s Engineer Research and Development Center.”
“When you’ve got connections, you don’t need nepotism, and you don’t need to worry. Everything works out, as if at the wave of a magic wand… Way to go, Deutsch,” Gideon said.
***
Ja’afari and Dr. Fakari arrived at General Razek’s office following his urgent summons. During the brief phone call, Razek had told Ja’afari it “had to do with the project.” When they were on their way to Razek’s office, the knowledgeable Fakari had said it had to be real-time information about the first team’s passage through the tunnel. Ja’afari grumbled, saying it better be something worthwhile.
“You’re just in time,” General Razek called out, surrounded by his people. All of them were raptly attuned to the screens and speakers on the surveillance wall. “The team just entered the tunnel. We can’t communicate with them while they’re inside, and we’re waiting to hear from them once they get out.”
“We’ll send them our best thoughts,” Ja’afari said. “But are the next stages of their mission locked down and secure? Do they know where to go?”
“It’s all coordinated and locked down, General Ja’afari,” the head of the Royal Intelligence Corps’ Operations Department replied. “They’ve been instructed to go to some woods not far from the tunnel exit. The woods aren’t very large, but they’re dense enough to provide an effective hiding place. The team will wait till darkness, and then our contact people will meet them and lead them to the safe house.”
Delicate china cups and kettles full of fresh, fragrant green tea were placed before the attendees by the young women chosen to serve the general based primarily on their attractiveness. For a long interval, the room was quiet and thick with expectation.
“We’re out! Heading into the woods,” the team commander reported.
Sighs of relief echoed around the table, and the rising whispers gave voice to the dissipating tension.
“Good luck to us all. We’ve earned it,” Ja’afari said, turning to his friend Razek. “I’ve asked Dr. Fakari to stay with your communication staff, if it’s okay with you, and help with continued monitoring and ensuring ongoing contact with the team.”
“That’s just fine, General Ja’afari. Tomorrow, the second team of fighters is scheduled to go through the tunnel. We were waiting for a successful initial passage and, happily, that’s exactly what happened,” Razek replied. “And if you have the time, I suggest you come to my office for a few minutes.”
“I’d be happy to, Razek,” Ja’afari replied. “I’ve got time, and what’s currently more important than ensuring the success of the mission?” He had a feeling that his friend the greedy general wanted to exploit the current success story, even though the mission had not ended yet, and ask for the “financial aid” that always arrived following a successful operation.
***
The US Army’s C-135 aircraft landed in the military zone of Changi Airport. Deutsch, accompanied by Quan Lin and his staff as well as a representative of the National Security Institute, was there to greet the Americans. The equipment was promptly unloaded into two Singapore Army trucks, and the convoy left toward the area that Singaporean intelligence had singled out as likely to house the tunnel. Deutsch conveyed the urgency of the discovery mission to the commander of the engineering force. The teams deployed the equipment in the chosen area and began conducting the initial seismographic testing.
Deutsch stayed close to the American team, expressing his positive impression of the technological progress achieved since the Vietnam War. The equipment, he noted, was compact and lightweight, and the system processing the seismic signals was at the cutting edge of computer technology.
Within several moments, sensors were arrayed in various areas, which were checked sequentially. Deutsch realized there was no need to remind the crew that time was of the essence. Tan had instructed his commando unit to provide ongoing security for the American team. Deutsch asked General Tan to make sure the security detail would maintain operational and technological confidentiality regarding the American tunnel-detection equipment. Tan also instructed the unit commander to be ready for action when the outline of the tunnel was discovered.
“There’s been an initial detection of the tunnel,” Deutsch reported to Tan after a continuous night of work by the American teams. Gideon and Chang Mei, who were in Tan’s office, heard him and congratulated him on the achievement.
“The point detected is a few hundred yards south of the shoreline of the Straits of Johor,” Deutsch added. “Now we need to identify the direction in which the tunnel goes, get to the place where it ends, and find the opening.”
“That’s all good and well,” Tan said, “but what do we know about the use they’re making of the tunnel? Have terrorists already come through it without us knowing a thing about it?”
Gideon and Dan hurried to Dan’s “war room.”
“A team consisting of three people went through the tunnel! I received hints regarding preparations, but I intercepted their message only when they exited the tunnel and took shelter in some dense woods not far from the opening.”
“Where are they now?” Deutsch asked. “And what’s happening with further crossings? I assume we’ll soon know where the opening of the tunnel is.”
“I don’t know exactly where they’re hiding, but I infer that another team is supposed to go through the tunnel. We noted some major rejoicing in Kuala Lumpur and have noticed some sloppiness, probably temporary, in maintaining secure communication. The next team of terrorists is scheduled to come through in a few hours, and if we don’t locate the opening, we might miss that incursion as well.”
“I’m going to go update Tan,” Gideon said. “And I suggest, Deutsch, that you check in on the progress your engineering crews are making, and whether there’s already some information on where the opening is located.”
Deutsch rose from his seat and reached the door in two long-legged strides. Gideon prepared to leave as well but changed his mind and sat back down in his chair. He looked at the three young men.
“We have a responsibility to uncover the information without which we can’t thwart these attacks. First and foremost, I have to find out where the three terrorists who went through the tunnel are located. After that, we need to find out more details about the current plan for terror attacks. In addition, I’d continue monitoring the container handling system at the port and providing it with ironclad protection.”
Rogel nodded, and Dan quickly provided another solution,
“I intend to incorporate the IOT system demo into the defense array for the first time. This will establish the security of the system controlling container conveyance. I’m hoping this will also enhance protection against cyber attacks. I don’t think we’re getting any sleep tonight.”
***
Ja’afari remained in his office at the embassy until a late hour in the evening. He sat along with Fakari, the Quds Force officer, and the commander of the training crew of Hezbollah and Hamas fighters, listening to the officers’ report on the preparations made. It was important to him to go over the plans for the major attack for which they had been diligently preparing in the last few days. He was perturbed by the fact that he didn’t know who the collaborators in Singapore were. Razek was keeping this particular information very close to his chest. Ja’afari was also wary of a failure of the cyber measures Fakari had designed with the Chinese technicians. Throughout th
e many years he had commanded the Revolutionary Guard, he had grown used to knowing everything and being able to shape every detail in each of the operations. Here, in his role as an ambassador, he grumbled, he was limited, crippled in regard to his ability to command and control events.
“You’re entirely satisfied with the preparations you’ve made with the team embarking on the mission tomorrow?” Ja’afari examined the two officers with a piercing gaze.
“They’re the best in their entire class and have successfully passed all stages of training. In addition, General Ja’afari, these are fighters who have taken part in past missions abroad and have also filled a variety of combat roles during the war in Syria. You can count on them. They’ll deal with any challenge they come across.”
“And what about the team that’s supposed to arrive by shipping container, Fakari? What do we know about their circumstances?”
Ja’afari didn’t particularly trust his friend General Razek. He had long characterized him as energetic and enthusiastic, but also as reckless and not sufficiently thorough.
“They’re in a container in one of our shipping container vessels currently anchored in the Port of Singapore. The ship is headed for Iran, but it’s unloading a few containers over there. These include one container carrying ‘agricultural fertilizers,’ which will be unloaded in the container terminal tomorrow.”
“I get it.” Ja’afari calmed down somewhat. “And after the mission, the fighters will return to the same container?”
“Exactly, sir,” Fakari replied. “And our control of the system overseeing the conveyance of the containers will ensure they can return unharmed to the container and to our ship.”
***
“I popped over to see Dan this morning and decided to walk over from the hotel,” Gideon told Tan when he sat down at the conference table in the morning.
“Really? It’s good to give your body a workout from time to time.”
