22 gen 1970 anni - Operation Rhodes

Descrizione:

Operation Rhodes (Hebrew: מבצע רודוס) was an Israeli heliborne raid on the Egyptian island of Shadwan, executed on January 22-23, 1970, during the War of Attrition. The operation aimed to capture Egyptian prisoners and sabotage radar equipment.

Background
During the War of Attrition, Israel sought to demonstrate its ability to strike anywhere in Egypt to compel Cairo to seek a ceasefire. The raid targeted the lightly defended Shadwan Island, which housed a radar post and a small Egyptian garrison.

The Raid
Execution: The operation began with Israeli Air Force A-4 Skyhawks bombing Egyptian positions. Paratroopers and Shayetet 13 naval commandos then landed on Shadwan, capturing the island's defensive outposts and lighthouse.
Landing: Israeli forces landed at 09:15 on January 22, overcoming initial resistance and entering a minefield. Despite casualties, they secured the lighthouse and other key positions by late afternoon.
Evacuation: By 11:50 on January 23, Israeli forces had evacuated the island, leaving behind demolished structures but taking 62 Egyptian POWs and a radar system.
Air Support
Israeli aircraft provided close air support and patrols. They also sank two Egyptian torpedo boats approaching the island and fended off an Egyptian Il-28 bomber, which failed to inflict damage.

Aftermath
Casualties: Israel reported 3 soldiers killed and 7 wounded; Egypt claimed 80 casualties but initially downplayed the raid's impact.
Impact: The raid highlighted Egypt's vulnerability to Israeli operations and led Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser to seek Soviet military support. This marked the beginning of increased Soviet involvement in the conflict.
The operation's aftermath saw a tragic accident when captured ammunition exploded, killing 21 people. Despite the raid's tactical success, it did not achieve the desired diplomatic outcome and contributed to further escalation in the War of Attrition.

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