OPERATION OPERA Meaning and
Definition
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Operation Opera was a critical military operation carried out by the Israeli Air Force in June 1981, which involved the targeted bombing of the Osirak nuclear reactor located near Baghdad, Iraq. The primary objective of Operation Opera was to prevent Iraq, under the leadership of Saddam Hussein, from developing nuclear weapons, and thereby ensure regional security for Israel. The operation consisted of a meticulously planned and executed assault, whereby eight F-16 fighter jets, escorted by six F-15 fighter jets, carried out precision airstrikes on the Osirak nuclear facility.
The significance of Operation Opera lies in its successful preemption of Iraq's nuclear ambitions. The operation effectively neutralized Iraq's nuclear program by completely destroying the Osirak reactor and setting back their progress in developing nuclear weapons for several years. As a result, this operation had far-reaching implications for regional security and deterrence, particularly in the Middle East.
Operation Opera is notable for its daring and audacity, as it involved Israeli fighter jets flying over long distances and through hostile airspace, while successfully evading radar detection and surface-to-air missile systems. The operation demonstrated the Israeli Air Force's exceptional capabilities in carrying out highly complex and hazardous missions.
Overall, Operation Opera represents a pivotal military endeavor that received international attention for its success in preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons in the Middle East.
Etymology of OPERATION OPERA
The term "Operation Opera" refers to the code name given to a military operation carried out by the Israeli Air Force on June 7, 1981. Its objective was to destroy the Osirak nuclear reactor in Iraq. The operation was named "Opera" as a way to symbolize the composition of a musical production due to the precision, timing, and coordination required for a successful mission.
The specific etymology of the word "Opera" in this context is not entirely clear. However, it is generally believed that the reference to "Opera" was chosen by Israeli pilots to reflect the complexity of the mission. The operation required meticulous planning, advanced intelligence, and the execution of precise aerial maneuvers, similar to the intricacies of an opera performance. Therefore, the codename "Operation Opera" conveyed the idea of a harmonized and coordinated effort to achieve a specific objective.
