Kuwait´s Al-Jarida newspaper claims Israel was able to prevent assassination attempt on defense minister during his recent visit to Singapore

Kuwait´s Al-Jarida newspaper reported Thursday that Israel was able to prevent an assassination attempt on Defense Minister Ehud Barak, during his visit to Singapore this week.

According to the report, the Mossad – collaborating with local authorities – was able to stop the assassins, who planned on targeting Barak during his visit to the Singapore Air Show.

The newspaper based its report on information from "high ranking Israeli defense officials."

Al-Jarida went on to quote the sources as saying that prior to Barak´s visit, the Israeli intelligence agency contacts Singapore authorities and gave them "highly classified information suggesting a cell comprising of Iranian and Hezbollah operatives were planning to assassinate the Israeli defense minister."

A covert operation based on the information resulted in the arrest of three suspects. The paper added that the cell had "very accurate information" about Barak´s itinerary and planned to have him under surveillance during his stay in Singapore. The assassination was to take place in Barak´s hotel.

According to the report, the Mossad is taking an active part in the suspect´s interrogation. (Copyright 2012 © Yedioth Internet 02/16/12)