I find your idea that capture was impossible bizarre. It would certainly have been difficult, and it could also have been unlikely to succeed. But the fact that

I find your idea that capture was impossible bizarre. It would certainly have been difficult, and it could also have been unlikely to succeed. But the fact that capture was not even attempted turned the operation into a show of weakness. Many governments assassinate undesirable people around the world. It doesn't take that much effort. Capturing them alive and bringing them home is much more effective as a show of strength. And having them face a public trial can be an effective way of demonstrating that your actions were justified.