Russian top spy assassinated?

The Telegraph is reporting that Maj. Gen. Yuri Ivanov, deputy head of Russian intelligence service known as GRU, died in Syria recently. Speculation is rampant that he was assassinated. He had been staying in the northwestern Syrian resort of Tartous when he disappeared, with his body later hauled in by Turkish fishermen.

Here is some background on Ivanov:

Major-General Yuri Ivanov, 52, was the deputy head of Russia's foreign military intelligence arm known as GRU which is thought to operate the biggest network of foreign spies out of all of Russia's clandestine intelligence services.
…Reports have suggested he was on official business and the location where he is reported to have disappeared was only about fifty miles from a strategically vital Russian naval facility in the Syrian port of Tartus which is being expanded and upgraded to service and refuel ships from Russia's Black Sea Fleet. The facility is Russia's only foothold in the Mediterranean Sea, andMossad, Israel's national intelligence agency, is known to be concerned that Moscow will use the upgraded facility as a base for spy ships and electronic espionage directed at the Middle East.

One wonders whether this is another variant of the U.S.S. Liberty episode in which Israel is warning the Russians not to stray too far into Israel's business and its "sphere of influence." I have written here about the possibility of an Israeli attack on Syria. Given this, the Mossad cannot have liked one of Russia's top spies setting up a new base in Syria. Israel undoubtedly feels it has its hands full anticipating attacks by Hezbollah or Syria on its northern front. To add Russian mischief to the mix would be even more dangerous for Israeli interests.
The Guardian further adds that Ivanov was the architect of several spectacular assassinations of Chechen separatist leaders on foreign soil, one in Qatar. It seems perfect justice for Ivanov himself to have died in similar circumstances.
Of course, this is speculation. But given the dearth of facts, it seems credible speculation that awaits further confirmation or repudiation.
This incident recalls a not dissimilar one in 2008, in which a Syrian general and confidant of Pres. Assad was assassinated by a sniper while sunbathing at his southern Syrian coastal villa. In that case too, if I recall correctly, the Syrians originally reported that Gen. Suleiman died in a "swimming accident." The general was Syria's main liaison with Hezbollah and responsible for supplying it with sophisticated weaponry, and as such would've been a desirable Mossad target.
Furthermore, Israel, if it killed Ivanov, is sending Assad a message that it has penetrated his circle and those of his closest allies. No one is safe. It seems a sad recompense for Assad's repeated offers to negotiate a peace agreement with Israel. But there you go…if it's inconveneint for Israeli political machinations to make peace with you, it would just as soon make war on you or kill you or your closest advisors and allies.
Both assassinations (if the Ivanov death was such) also happened in very close proximity to Tartous (Ivanov's in Latakia and Suleiman's in Tartous itself), which is not only a playground for the Syrian elite, but also, as the Telegraph story notes, a Russian naval facility.
http://www.richardsilverstein.com/2010/09/01/who-assassinated-one-of-russias-top-spies/

Quote:Major-General Yuri Ivanov, 52, was the deputy head of Russia's foreign military intelligence arm known as GRU which is thought to operate the biggest network of foreign spies out of all of Russia's clandestine intelligence services.

Quote:

Russia boosts military cooperation with Israel

By Agence France-Presse on Tuesday, September 7th, 2010


"We have signed a long-term agreement on military cooperation," said Russian Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov after the meeting with his Israeli counterpart Ehud Barak, quoted by Russian news agencies.Moscow: The defence ministers of Russia and Israel on Monday signed an agreement on military cooperation, hailing the unity between Moscow and the Jewish state.
"We have discussed issues concerning military-technical cooperation, and military cooperation," he said, without offering details.
The deal came after disputes over Russian arms contracts in the Middle East. Barak said the meeting with Russia's defence authorities was "the first in a long time" and invited Serdyukov to Israel.
"We are ready to continue sharing experience with the Russian military on fighting terrorism and ensuring security, including by using air drones," Barak said.
In its first military purchase from Israel, Russia signed a contract this spring for 12 drones. Some 50 servicemen are already learning to use them, Serdyukov said.
Russia is "studying seriously and attentively" experience and practices of Israel's military as it modernizes its army, he said.
"Our views on many challenges of today are close or identical, he said. "Primarily this concerns issues of terrorism and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction."
The show of unity came after strains between Russia and Israel over Russian arms sales to the Jewish state's major regional foes, Syria and Iran.
Russian officials said earlier this year that Moscow was selling Syria MiG-29 fighter jets, Pantsir short-range air defence systems and armoured vehicles, provoking anxiety in Israel.
The Israeli press has also reported that Barak's two-day visit is part of an ongoing dialogue to prevent Russia from selling P-800 Yakhont cruise missiles to Syria, which Israel fears will be transferred to Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
Israel is also concerned about Russia's deal with Iran to supply S-300 surface-to-air missile defense systems, a contract signed several years ago which would significantly improve Iranian air defences.
However, Russia has yet to deliver the weapons amid heavy pressure not only from Israel but also the United States.
Barak noted "improving relations" between Russia and Israel, and thanked Russia for its fight against fascism during World War II.
"We know the truth: the state of Israel would not exist if the Red Army had not defeated fascist Germany," he said.


Read more: http://www.defencetalk.com/russia-boosts-military-cooperation-with-israel-28591/#ixzz2XZTAOZrE

Jan Klimkowski Wrote:

Quote:Major-General Yuri Ivanov, 52, was the deputy head of Russia's foreign military intelligence arm known as GRU which is thought to operate the biggest network of foreign spies out of all of Russia's clandestine intelligence services.

Ivanov was no disposable mechanic. He was a spymaster.

Assuming his death was sinister, and the geography makes absolutely zero sense unless it was sinister, surely Russia would be expected to make some noise and/or retaliate to this hostile act.

Russia didn't.

So, perhaps Ivanov was buying and selling things that polite society doesn't talk about - such as CBW precursors or CBW scientists to Syria.

How would Mossad react? I would imagine Mossad would seek to terminate those involved with extreme prejudice.

So, radio silence ensues.

However neither Putin nor the GRU would forgive or forget such as act.