Secret contingent in the Arab-Israeli war
Another conflict was provoked in May 1967 by the Egyptian ruler, G.A. Nasser, who claimed the withdrawal of the UN military contingent with the intention of entering the disputed territory of the Egyptian army. The Soviet leadership was aware of Nasser’s intentions, but did not rush to evacuate civilian personnel, as Moscow made it quite clear to the country's leadership that in the event of the outbreak of hostilities initiated by Egypt, the USSR did not intend to provide military and economic assistance.
Nevertheless, the territory of the Suez Canal, as well as the Sinai, became the site of significant Egyptian forces actively preparing for an attack on Israel. Syrian troops concentrated in the Golan Heights, and Jordanian forces on the west coast of Jordan. According to the official assessment, the opposing forces were equal, but real superiority was on the side of Egypt and its allies. However, the Egyptian command and allied countries for a long time could not agree on a date for the start of the offensive, and Israel took advantage of this circumstance. The offensive of the Israelis began swiftly and within six days the Arab troops were defeated, and the casualties of the allied forces numbered in the thousands. The military power of Egypt was undermined, the state lost its ability to defend itself from numerous bombings due to outdated air defense systems.
The Soviet leadership decided to maintain allied relations to send a squadron of operational naval forces from the Navy on the Black Sea to help the Egyptian side. However, in contrast to the Soviet courts, US destroyers and other naval forces were exhibited fleetwhich, if necessary, guaranteed could be supported by Great Britain.
In the meantime, Israel transferred all military operations to the territory of Egypt, more and more often not only military, but also civilian objects were destroyed, civilians suffered. The situation became critical and G.A. Nasser turned for help to Moscow. To support Egypt in the war against Israel and, moreover, to help the Arab countries in upholding the disputed territories meant to enter into open confrontation with the American bloc, that the USSR was completely unprofitable. At the same time, the situation in the East turned out to be an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the military capabilities of the Union and strengthen its position on the world stage, including in the conflict region. Understanding the possibility of intervention in military operations, the Soviet authorities in September 1969 broke off diplomatic relations with Israel, explaining this behavior by disagreement with the alleged aggression of the state towards its Arab neighbors. However, by the end of 1969, the situation had indeed become such: a defeated and virtually defenseless Egypt was simply bombed by Israeli planes flying so low that it was possible to consider them.
Egyptian military support was vigorously discussed at a meeting of the Central Committee, chaired by L.I. Brezhnev. As a result of numerous discussions, it was decided to send Soviet soldiers and officers to the conflict zone in order to organize effective air defense. At the same time, the command was strictly forbidden to go into offensive operations. The task of introducing a military contingent into Egypt was solely his defense.
From the beginning of 1970, Soviet army units began to arrive in Egypt. The total number of military forces for the transfer to the hot spot should have been 32 thousands of people. The Soviet leadership did not dare to assume responsibility for providing military support to its ally officially, and the arrival of groups was carried out behind the scenes. An explanation was prepared for the international community that all forces deployed to the territory of Egypt are volunteer detachments. However, the subsequent actions of the Union have completely refuted the original version of what is happening.
Since March 1970, Egypt has begun work on the organization of military air defense at a more advanced level. In the country, under the command of Major General Smirnov, anti-aircraft missile units began to operate, fighter Aviation headed by Major General Dolnikov. In a short time, Soviet pilots mastered the airspace of Egypt and became worthy opponents of Israeli pilots. From this moment, in addition to the deployed air defense system, the Soviet MiGs were opposed to the Israeli Phantoms.
In 1970, the USSR organized a transport system along which Strela-2, Kvadrat and other weapons were sent to Egypt. The missile defense system was being restored at a more perfect level in the country. Egyptian pilots were trained to fly on new Soviet aircraft, and also received skills to work with the latest military technology. Egypt and Syria were provided with colossal military support. In fact, the USSR, at its own expense, restored the lost military-defense complex of the state, for which huge funds were invested. However, the Soviet leadership was able to demonstrate its military capabilities of the Union, as well as to extend its influence to this politically significant region.
By March, 1971, the situation has stabilized and Egypt has recovered from a crushing defeat. In the same period, relations between the new leadership of the country and the USSR began to gradually deteriorate. The political elite did not want to abandon further aggression against Israel. The country's military complex has returned to normal, and Soviet officers and soldiers remained on numerous air defense systems. Egypt once again began to prepare for offensive operations.
In October 1973, the allied forces of Egypt and Syria launched their first attacks on Israeli positions in the Sinai. This time the war was bloody for both sides, and the United States supported Israel. As a result of short battles, Israeli Tanks openly threatened to occupy Cairo. The new ruler of Egypt, Sadat, again turned to the USSR. The military transport system was already operating by this time and was actively supplying military equipment, ammunition and weapons to the warring country. The situation was again becoming critical.
In 20 October, negotiations were held in Moscow with the US representative on the need to end hostilities. As a result of the agreement reached on the same month of 23, a UN resolution was adopted, and the parties were asked to begin negotiations on an armistice.
During the events on Egyptian territory, 46 Soviet soldiers died and another 6 people died from local diseases. The task of demonstrating military capabilities, as well as maintaining credibility, was of a very high price, which was paid by valiant Soviet soldiers. The costs of a financial nature are difficult to calculate, since not all materials of that time are yet freely available. However, at first glance it can be said that the decision of the Soviet government regarding the support of the Arabs was very ambiguous, and it was not exactly the goals that were initially declared.
Information