by Uzi Eilam
“The attack has been executed successfully,” Fakari told them, “but in a nearby street rather than inside the shopping mall. Ambulances have been spotted rushing to the area.”
“Mission accomplished, my friend Ja’afari,” Razek claimed confidently. “Their people have sustained injuries, the population is concerned, tourism will be impacted, and the government in Singapore will finally get down on its knees,” he promised.
“This might be good as an initial reminder, but we shouldn’t stop now,” Ja’afari insisted. “We have to think of something large and impressive. We should choose the American and Israeli embassies as targets and wipe them off the face of the earth with powerful explosives,” he argued, staying true to the methods with which he was familiar. “That’ll convey a clear message about what happens to Singapore’s loyal supporters.” Ja’afari noted to himself that once these goals were achieved, they would enhance his personal prestige and help him ascend back to the top ranks of Tehran leadership.
“I want to mention,” Fakari ventured, “that we don’t have enough information about the targets themselves and about our ability to simultaneously execute several attacks…”
“What do we need in order to do that?” Ja’afari demanded. “I was under the impression that nothing was holding us back.”
“I believe, Ja’afari my friend, that we’ll have to sit here deep into the night and discuss this,” Razek said. “We’ve had a long, tiring day. I want to invite you and Dr. Fakari to the parlor, where we can enjoy a massage as well as savor the delicacies of Malaysian cuisine. You’ve earned it.”
Fakari, overwhelmed by the simultaneously arousing and soothing ministrations he had received at the bordello, thought with envy of his commander, who knew how to enjoy life. When the three men returned to General Razek’s office, alert and focused, they turned toward the armchairs in the sitting nook. The general’s office manager joined them, ready to transcribe every word uttered in the room.
“You were talking about the shortage of intelligence, Fakari,” Razek reminded him, sensitive to any criticism related to his domain. “What exactly do you mean? As you can see, we managed to transport the team supporting our suicide bomber through the Johor tunnel with no mishaps.”
“You’re right, sir, but we shouldn’t forget that the second team that went through the tunnel was captured, and the tunnel is of no use to us anymore. The explosion was carried out by a fighter from the first group that passed through the tunnel. They have managed to hide out in Singapore thus far. To be honest, sir, we have to admit that the explosion was not carried out within the shopping mall as planned. We know that Singaporean security personnel arrived in the area quickly, blocking off all of the mall’s entrances. We don’t know how they recognized our man so quickly.”
“Okay. That’s clear. What else?”
“If we’re considering a mega-attack using a car bomb, we have to familiarize ourselves with changes in the procedures for car rental recently instituted in Singapore. We can’t delude ourselves and assume the Singaporeans haven’t learned their lesson and instituted changes that might thwart the major attack,” Fakari warned.
“I’m not ashamed of the network of surveillance and intelligence collection we’ve deployed in Singapore. I believe we have reason to be proud!” Razek chimed in. “We know a lot about the National Security Institute’s activity in general, and we have plenty of details about the international task force that has been established under its auspices.”
“And what do we know, Fakari, about the recent steps they’ve taken at the container terminal?” Ja’afari asked. “Are there new procedures there, as well, of which we’re not yet aware?”
Ja’afari chose not to elaborate to Razek on Tehran’s strategic agenda in authorizing the attacks on the port as a pilot program. Tehran, he knew, wished to view the attacks on Singapore’s shipping container terminal as an experimental and educational venture leading to future major operations against the United States and Israel.
“Regarding the activity at the container terminal,” Fakari said, “as you remember, we made an initial attempt to hack the central computer controlling cargo conveyance. The venture was a success, and we realized that such a step was possible. However, their reactions indicated that the hacking attempt was identified, and currently we’re experiencing difficulties infiltrating the cargo control system.”
“That sounds like a nasty obstacle,” Ja’afari noted. “What are you doing to overcome it?”
“I’m working on it with the two people the Chinese embassy just sent us. They know what they’re doing and will help us get over this roadblock,” he promised.
“Is there anything else about the shortage of intelligence that you haven’t mentioned?” Razek insisted. “Don’t hold back!”
“Ohhh…” Fakari hesitated briefly. “It’s a bit vague, sir, and is an issue of intervals during which our surveillance arrays are disconnected, which I can’t explain. I believe Singapore has designed a sophisticated, effective defense system for its encrypted communications. I’d be happy to get some help on that topic, General Razek, and I promise to do everything possible in order to overcome these obstacles,” Fakari stated. “If I may, I want to emphasize the need for rigorous organization in regard to the attacks on the embassies and the container terminal. I believe each attack should be conducted independently, autonomously of the others. An experienced commander should be appointed to head each effort. I’ll commit to providing the best intelligence for each of these endeavors.”
“We’ll take care of organizing the forces involved in the attack, choosing our best people. I’m already instructing that a detailed plan of action be composed, as well as conducting training focused on the models of attack and the targets. I’ll make sure to activate our people in Singapore in facilitating vehicle rental, as well as other issues related to preparing for the mission.” Razek did not reveal any details regarding the agents embedded in Singapore over the years, merely hinting at the option of employing their services.
“We can end this long, important day with that,” Ja’afari said, rising from his armchair. “Come on, Fakari, we have some issues at the embassy that require our attention and that we haven’t gotten to all day.”
Once the two were a sufficient distance away, Ja’afari quickly inquired what was going on. “What didn’t you want to tell Razek? Speak up, don’t hesitate.” Ja’afari knew how to recognize his people’s emotions and thoughts, even when they did not express them out loud. Reading people and their body language had played an important part in his success as a commander and a manager. He directed a stern, probing gaze at his assistant.
“You’re right, sir, as always,” Fakari replied. “It has to do with cyber attacks, and I thought it would be better not to share this with our Malaysian friends at this stage. I haven’t updated you on this yet, but we carried out exercises to prove our cyber capabilities in two areas of the national infrastructures in Singapore.”
“Really?” Ja’afari tensed. “And you didn’t tell me about it?”
Ja’afari felt uncertainty every time Fakari brought up the topic of cyber activity. Fakari chose to update the ambassador on news that he perceived as dramatic, hoping to set his mind at ease.
“The Chinese have identified the layout of the subway system’s defense array against cyber attacks. This in itself is interesting information, which will allow us to plan an attack that can bypass the defenses Singapore is constructing. But the Chinese also discovered that the information was conveyed by Razek’s source in Singapore.”
“Really? That’s what that Malaysian bastard is hiding from us?”
“Yes, sir. I’m sure you’ll know how to use that information in your dealings with Razek. Anyway, it’s important to plan an attack on the train system. It would have a good chance of succeeding.”
Ja’afari was ambivalent about this new inf
ormation. He understood Razek’s desire to maintain secrecy regarding his intelligence sources in Singapore. However, he also viewed this as undermining their trust and partnership, not to mention the sums of money flowing into the pockets of his Malaysian friend. The cyber capabilities Fakari had just revealed to him could serve as another important element in the momentum that a large, successful attack would contribute to his status in Tehran.
“And there’s another important element to this array,” Fakari continued. “The Chinese have proven that they can hack Changi Airport’s air-traffic control computer system in Singapore. They relayed orders, supposedly from the control tower, to two planes that were circling and waiting to land, situating them on a collision course.”
Ja’afari saw Fakari’s eyes shining brightly and soon adopted his enthusiasm at the thought of a new weapon in the arsenal at their disposal for conducting terror attacks. Curiosity and anticipation of adopting new methods of attacks flooded his body with an excessive amount of adrenalin.
“Did the planes collide? We didn’t hear anything about it in the media.”
“No, sir. The control tower identified the divergence using alternate radar controls and prevented the collision.”
“And the airport authorities know what happened?”
“We have to assume they suspect external interference, sir, but we’re not certain,” Fakari ventured. “If we want to, we could go back and carry out an actual attack on Changi Airport’s takeoff and landing system. You can count on the Chinese.”
“They also managed to infiltrate the data center of Singapore’s central bank. I only saw the results,” Fakari cautioned, “and couldn’t follow the commands they were typing on their powerful computer. But I witnessed several major client accounts being emptied out with just a few keystrokes.”
Fakari knew his manager well and was familiar with his weakness when it came to financial matters. Ja’afari wasn’t the only one maintaining secret accounts in various secure locations. Additional senior officials in the Iranian regime had no compunction about reaching out and plucking a tithe for themselves from the funds funneled through the Revolutionary Guard. Fakari knew about Ja’afari’s secret accounts, including his account at Singapore’s central bank. This information, Dr. Fakari thought to himself, might prove useful to him at some point.
“Do you know if the bank noticed this activity?” Ja’afari asked.
“Probably not in real time,” Fakari replied. “But we have to assume the bank will discover it, if it hasn’t already.”
“And you can go back and carry out something like this?” Ja’afari queried, thinking of his own account at the Singaporean bank and beginning to dream about the possibility of supplementing his private account with funds from other accounts at the bank.
“These Chinese are tough,” Fakari replied. “It’ll be hard to obtain the details of the method they’re using from them. It would be included in the Chinese defense agencies’ list of high-priority secrets.”
“Maybe we could bring up our need for more specific information with some more high-ranking diplomatic officials, and convince the Chinese that way?” Ja’afari didn’t want to relinquish the possibility of controlling the flow of bank funds. “Your mission, Fakari, is to obtain information allowing us to carry out cyber attacks, by any means necessary. Maybe we need to contact Tehran, and I ask that you look into that route as well. Work your charms on the Chinese experts and get as much information as you can out of them.”
“Whatever you say, sir,” Fakari promised.
Ja’afari wouldn’t let Fakari off the hook. “We haven’t discussed another topic related to Singapore’s central bank.”
“Something about the attacks?”
“Maybe so, but only indirectly.”
Ja’afari paused in order to organize his thoughts. He didn’t want to let anyone into the secret of his private account, which had grown overnight thanks to Fakari’s maneuver of emptying some of the bank’s other accounts. This had to remain strictly confidential. However, Ja’afari remembered that the Chinese were concerned with a disruption, originating in Singapore, in the funneling of funds for terrorist attacks in Southeast Asia.
“I don’t understand. It’s not our maneuver with the funds?”
“No. Beijing is troubled by activity at Singapore’s central bank intended to prevent fund transfers in the region. The Chinese emphasize that the funds intended to enable our terrorist attacks are in danger. The ambassador mentioned an Israeli agent hired by the bank, supposedly to establish a private banking system. Using this cover story, she’s been advancing the monitoring of fund channeling. The Chinese know the name of this beautiful, talented young woman, Ronit Hart, and mentioned that many doors at the bank are open to her.”
“So do we have another mission? Do they expect us to handle this agent?”
“That wasn’t said directly, but it’s clear to me that they’re expecting us to take action. I request that you take this on as well, Fakari. And one more thing. Razek hinted at Malaysian intelligence sources based in Singapore. Talk to General Razek’s office manager and find out how we can make use of these sources.”
Dr. Fakari left feeling the burden of the many tasks allocated to him, while Ja’afari was immensely relieved. He remained in his chair, mentally surveying the day’s events. Ja’afari was thinking about the darker aspects of the situation, primarily the partial success of the suicide bombing. However, he was satisfied with the possibilities presented by cyber attacks and happy to have a talented assistant like Dr. Fakari. Ja’afari also couldn’t stop thinking about the ability he had discovered to appropriate other people’s bank accounts.
Chapter 38
Gideon was uneasy as, for two whole days now, Dan had received no information on what was going on in Kuala Lumpur. He arrived at the “war room,” as was his custom. The computer server operating the entire IOT system was buzzing. Rogel and Tyler were tracking the flickering screens.
“The three of us have been working all night, Gideon, and I think we’ve overcome their attempts at blocking us. It was a sophisticated move, and I’m afraid it was the result of the involvement of a superpower; it’s definitely not something the Malaysians are capable of doing. Now the system’s starting to ‘play’ properly.”
“And how’s your defense array coming along? Any news about the rate of sensor supply? And what’s happening with the ‘wasps’?”
“Ahhh… the ‘wasps’ are arriving slowly, which will remain the case until they enter the industrial production phase.”
“And the sensors?”
“We’re actually picking up the pace there. You remember the idea of making them chameleon-like? It worked better than I expected…”
“How so?”
“The new sensors are capable of identifying the hue of the surface they’re attached to within a fraction of a second and camouflaging themselves so that they can’t be discerned even from a foot away.”
“That’s good news, Dan, but we still have to accelerate the rate of manufacture. What’s going on in Taiwan? Has the WIN Corporation entirely gotten over the major malfunction that paralyzed its entire development effort?”
Dan had not yet had time to answer when the system came alive with a vocal alert as data began to flicker across the screens. Rogel and Tyler joined Dan and tensely monitored the information displayed on the screen. The picture became clearer, and as Gideon was summoning Deutsch, a complex, wide-ranging barrage of terrorist attacks began to emerge.
“We noted an intention to set off a car bomb at your embassy, Deutsch, as well as at the Israeli embassy. A third target is the container terminal, and there’s also some confusing information about a cyber attack intended to target the MRT subway system and Changi Airport.”
“I’m going to update Tan,” Gideon said. “All forces have to be called in…”
“Dan, I remember you had a way of monitoring activity in all the car rental agencies,” Deutsch noted.
“Right. I’ll activate it immediately,” Dan replied with alacrity.
***
“We have to declare a state of emergency immediately and summon all defense forces.” Gideon tried to keep his voice calm as he burst into Tan’s room. Damia, sitting next to the general, was the only other person present.
“W-what happened?” Tan stammered.
“Dan’s system has intercepted immediate preparations for a widespread terrorist attack. We’re talking car bombs at the American and Israeli embassies and some major sabotage at the container terminal. We have to activate the emergency procedure we decided on. The Counter Terrorism Unit’s commando force has to be deployed to three locations.”
“Damia, please leave and convey an instruction to all agencies to instate the highest state of emergency. Then tell my office manager to summon the entire task force within half an hour at most.”
“I’d also alert the subway control system and the air-traffic control center at Changi Airport,” Gideon added once they were on their own, “without creating any unnecessary fuss about it.”
“Really? Why?!” The color had yet to return to Tan’s face.
“Dan noted, and I want to emphasize that these are just intimations at this stage, an intention to carry out a cyber attack targeting the subway system and the airport. We should be prepared, but do so quietly, and share these alerts solely with the heads of security at these institutions.”
“I’ll instruct my people to take care of it immediately.” Tan was back to his old self.
“Okay, Tan, I’m going back to Dan’s situation room to get the latest updates before returning for the task force meeting.”
Gideon entered Dan’s “war room” and found the people there busy and concerned.
