Before they left Erbil, it was again made very clear that the CIA was doing the Mossad a huge favor crossing the border into Iran. They would risk going as far east as Sanandaj, Kurdistan Province, but absolutely no farther. This whole event had “international scandal” written all over it.

“And how far are we from Sanandaj?”

“You’re 130 kilometers from there.”

This time Nir did curse. There was no chance they could make that trip on foot, especially if people were on their trail.

“At least ask. And let the ramsad know what’s going on. Maybe he can pull some strings.”

This time Liora’s voice answered. “Will do, Term Lead.”

They hiked for about 30 minutes before Nir held up his hand. He moved his finger to his lips as he listened. From the south came the soft sound of engines. His view of them was blocked by the hills, but the low rumble made it clear diesels were among them. Nir waved his hand, and they began moving again.

“Stop, guys.” It was Lahav. His face was lit by the glow of a large cell phone as he moved next to Nir. “They’re at the truck.”

Nir counted three jeeps and three large transport trucks on the screen. But by the angles of other light beams, it appeared more were out of camera range. Troops were piling out of the trucks and lining up.

“Term base, this is Term Lead. We’re monitoring IRGC activity back at the truck. Multiple jeeps and trucks. At least 40 dirties, likely more.”

Once the IRGC soldiers were in position, a command must have been given because all the rifles were raised to firing position. Then the soldiers opened fire. For a full eight seconds, automatic weapons riddled the truck. The side panels and rear door splintered, then shredded, then disintegrated. The vehicle dropped suddenly as the tires burst.

As the Mossad agents watched what was almost their death, a faint sound—like the sound of a distant sparkler fizzling—reached their ears. The men were silent.

Once the firing stopped and the smoke cleared, they watched as the IRGC soldiers began to realize that the truck was empty. Where they’d expected to see mangled bodies, they saw only the detritus of their barrage. Hands started pointing as orders were given. The troops loaded back in the trucks while a handful of men began examining the area. It wasn’t long before their tracks were discovered and more pointing took place.