US-Iran War: The ongoing US-Israel war with Iran turned out to be devastating as the warring sides started targeting oil and gas facilities, which pushed the global fuel trade to the extent that every country is feeling the pinch, with crude oil prices skyrocketing. The Israeli attacks on the South Pars gas field sent fuel prices soaring even higher and risked drawing Iran's Arab neighbours directly into the conflict. In retaliation, Iran also targeted fuel facilities in the US's allied countries. With US President Donald Trump's intervention, Israel said it would not target Iranian gas installations. Even after assurance from the US-Israel, there is a fear that 'false flag' attacks may be carried out, as warned by Iran a few days ago.
A few days ago, Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, quoting a military source, claimed that Israel had carried out attacks on Saudi Arabia's Ras Tanura, which houses its largest domestic refinery and a key crude export terminal with Iranian flags. The Iranian reaction came after an attempted drone attack on March 4 that targeted the Ras Tanura. Later, the attack was confirmed by a Saudi Defence Ministry spokesperson on X. However, the attack resulted in no damage. Iran claimed that an Israeli false flag operation aims to create discord and animosity among the Gulf countries.
What Is 'False Flag' Strategy?
The false flag manoeuvre is part of the 'Shadows of Deception Strategy', in which the attacking country tries to hide its identity during an armed conflict. The attacking warship or fighter jets carried flags or national symbols of other countries to defame enemies and create pressure from the international community. Also, such a plot is created to drag other countries into the war. It is a modern military deception strategy in warfare that involves presenting false targets or illusions (shadows) to the enemy, forcing them to make incorrect decisions.
Why A Country Adopts 'Shadows of a Deception' Strategy?
A warring country adopts this strategy to waste the enemy's weapons and identify the real target. The armed forces create a phantom target to conceal the real forces. False flags, fake electronic signals, dummy tanks, fake radio traffic, or cyber illusions are used to mislead the enemy in the war. It provokes the enemy to expose its high-value targets such as long-range sensors or command centres, by attacking 'shadows'.
Iran Hits A Painted Iranian Helicopter
In the first week of the Middle East war, a video emerged on social media that showed Tehran tricked the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) by creating a phantom target. The IDF struck a painted decoy, instead of an Iranian Mi-17 helicopter.