There is always some level of excitement and mystery involved in spying isn’t it?
Who does not love a spy thriller?
Be it the movie zero dark thirty or Hitchcock’s notorious.
Here we have mixture of spying and conspiracy theory.
When I hear the word ‘spy’ first thing that comes to my mind is James bond of course, he is often depicted as peerless spy.
But did you know that countries use animals as spies.
There are several examples where countries have trained animals for espionage.
CIA’s highly trained spies were not humans, but ravens, pigeons even cats.
The US government deployed non human operatives such as ravens, pigeons and cats to spy on cold war adversaries.
So training animals to spy on adversaries is not a new phenomenon.
It’s been around since ages.
What is a conspiracy theory?
Conspiracy theory rejects the standard explanation for an event and instead credits a covert group or organization with carrying out a secret plot.
It is an attempt to explain harmful or tragic events as the result of the actions of a small powerful group.
Such explanations reject the accepted narrative surrounding those events.
In contemporary times conspiracy theories have increasingly become common, thanks to internet and social media.
Israel Spying Conspiracy
Countries like Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt have alleged that Israel uses animals to attack civilians or to conduct espionage.
Kestrel Bird Conspiracy
Kestrel bird is a frequent visitor to Israel and Turkey during the nesting season.
In 2013, a kestrel carrying an Israeli foot band was discovered by some villagers in Turkey.
Initially medical personnel at Firal University identified the bird as “Israeli Spy”.
But after thorough medical examination including X-ray scans, the bird was determined to be carrying no electronic equipment.
No legal action was taken and kestrel was freed to continue its flight.
A Dolphin Spy
In 2015, Hamas believed it captured Israel’s most sophisticated new surveillance technology- a dolphin spy.
Operatives from Qassam Brigdaes- Hamas military wing- confiscated spying devices mounted on the back of the animal, according to Palestinian daily Al-Quds.
Vulture Spy
In 2016, a vulture that flew into Lebanon from an Israeli nature reserve was captured on the suspicion of spying.
Yes, imagine James bond with feathers, claws and wingspan.
The huge griffin vulture was part of conservation project to restore the raptors in the Middle East.
The eagle had a metal ring, on its leg indicating it is from Tel Aviv University, tags on its wings, and GPS transmitter attached to its tail.
Shark Attacks
In 2010, Israel dismissed Egyptian claims that its Intelligence agency Mossad was behind series of shark attacks in the Red sea meant to damage Egypt’s tourism industry.
Griffin vulture and kestrel bird are suspects of espionage in the fog of mistrust, conflict and conspiracy that typifies Israel’s relationship with the rest of the Middle East.
