20 Covert Military Operations That Changed the Course of History
Military operations often shape global events from the shadows. While some battles make headlines, covert missions quietly alter the course of nations.
These classified operations demonstrate how small teams of operatives can influence geopolitics more significantly than entire armies. Here is a list of 20 classified operations that had profound impacts on world history.
Operation Ajax
The CIA’s 1953 covert action in Iran overthrew democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh. Agents orchestrated protests, bribed officials, and spread propaganda to install the pro-Western Shah.
The operation preserved Western oil interests but created lasting anti-American sentiment. The details remained classified until 2013.
The aftermath continues to influence modern Iranian-American relations.
Operation Gold
During the Cold War, British and American intelligence services tunneled under East Berlin to tap Soviet communication lines. The 1,500-foot tunnel operated for nearly a year beginning in 1955.
Engineers collected over 50,000 conversations before its discovery. The operation revolutionized signal intelligence gathering techniques.
Soviet intelligence knew about the tunnel from the start through their spy George Blake, but allowed it to continue to protect their source.
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Operation Fortitude
This World War II deception campaign convinced Germany that D-Day’s invasion would occur at Calais rather than Normandy. The Allies created a phantom army led by General Patton, complete with inflatable tanks and false radio traffic.
German forces remained stationed at Calais even after D-Day began. The operation tied up 19 German divisions away from Normandy.
This deception proved crucial to the invasion’s success.
Operation Phoenix
The CIA’s controversial program in Vietnam aimed to dismantle Viet Cong infrastructure through targeted raids. Between 1965 and 1972, the program neutralized over 81,000 suspected operatives.
Local intelligence networks identified targets for Special Forces teams. The operation’s methods sparked significant debate about military ethics.
Its tactics influenced modern counterinsurgency strategies.
Operation Neptune Spear
The 2011 raid that eliminated Osama bin Laden involved years of intelligence gathering and planning. Navy SEALs trained on a full-scale replica of the compound for months.
The operation lasted 40 minutes but required hundreds of personnel supporting it. Special stealth helicopters avoided Pakistani radar detection.
One helicopter crashed but didn’t compromise the mission.
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Operation Entebbe
Israeli commandos rescued 102 hostages from Uganda’s Entebbe Airport in 1976. The operation required flying 2,500 miles with multiple refueling stops.
Soldiers drove a Mercedes identical to Idi Amin’s to confuse guards. The 90-minute raid succeeded despite heavy opposition.
This operation set standards for modern hostage rescue missions.
Operation Mincemeat
British intelligence used a dead body carrying false invasion plans to mislead German forces in 1943. The carefully crafted identity of ‘Major William Martin’ fooled German intelligence completely.
Hitler diverted forces to Greece rather than the actual target of Sicily. The operation’s success saved thousands of Allied lives.
This became known as ‘the man who never was.’
Operation Eagle Claw
The failed 1980 attempt to rescue American hostages in Iran revealed critical flaws in U.S. special operations. Mechanical failures and coordination problems forced mission abort.
Eight servicemen died when aircraft collided during withdrawal. The failure led to major reforms in special operations.
This disaster sparked the creation of U.S. Special Operations Command.
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Operation Outside the Box
Israel’s 2007 airstrike destroyed Syria’s secret nuclear reactor under construction. Cyber attacks disabled Syrian air defenses before the strike.
The operation remained unacknowledged for a decade. Advanced stealth techniques allowed jets to enter undetected.
This demonstrated the evolution of modern air warfare.
Operation Gunnerside
Norwegian commandos sabotaged Nazi Germany’s heavy water production in 1943. The team skied through harsh winter conditions to reach the facility.
Their precise explosives placement disabled production without casualties. This operation helped prevent Nazi atomic weapon development.
The mission inspired numerous books and films.
Operation Paperclip
After World War II, U.S. intelligence secretly recruited Nazi scientists and engineers. Over 1,600 German specialists were brought to America despite their pasts.
Their knowledge contributed to space program and missile development. The operation remained classified until the 1970s.
Many scientists achieved prominent positions in U.S. institutions.
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Operation Item
In 1952, divers tapped Soviet underwater communication cables in the Sea of Okhotsk. The operation provided vital intelligence about Soviet naval operations.
Specialized submarines and diving equipment were developed for the mission. The program continued for decades under different code names.
This pioneered underwater surveillance techniques.
Operation Diamond
Israeli intelligence acquired a Soviet MiG-21 fighter in 1966 through an Iraqi defector. The operation gave Western analysts their first detailed look at advanced Soviet technology.
Test flights revealed crucial weaknesses in Soviet air defense systems. The intelligence gained influenced fighter design for decades.
The defector received a new identity in Israel.
Operation Ivy Bells
U.S. submarines placed recording devices on Soviet undersea cables during the Cold War. Divers had to work at dangerous depths to install the equipment.
The operation remained secret until a NSA employee sold information to the Soviets. Monthly missions retrieved valuable intelligence for years.
The technology developed still influences underwater surveillance.
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Operation Storm-333
Soviet Spetsnaz forces stormed Afghanistan’s presidential palace in 1979. The 43-minute assault involved precision timing and complete surprise.
This operation began the Soviet-Afghan War. Special forces eliminated the entire government leadership.
The tactics influenced modern urban warfare doctrine.
Operation Wrath of God
Mossad agents tracked down terrorists responsible for the 1972 Munich Olympics attack. The operation spanned multiple countries over several years.
Agents used various methods from shootings to letter bombs. The campaign demonstrated modern targeted elimination techniques.
Some operations remained classified for decades.
Operation Cyclone
The CIA’s program supplied billions in arms to Afghan Mujahideen fighting Soviets. This largest covert operation in CIA history lasted from 1979 to 1989.
The program fundamentally altered Central Asian power dynamics. Stinger missiles proved especially effective against Soviet aircraft.
The operation’s aftermath continues to influence regional politics.
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Operation Acoustic Kitty
The CIA attempted to use surgically modified cats for surveillance in the 1960s. Microphones and transmitters were implanted into the cats’ bodies.
The first mission failed when the cat was struck by a taxi. The project cost over $20 million before cancellation.
This illustrated the complex challenges of animal-based operations.
Operation Gladio
NATO maintained secret anti-communist resistance networks across Europe during the Cold War. These stay-behind units were prepared for Soviet invasion.
The operation remained hidden for four decades. Some units were allegedly involved in domestic politics.
The revelation sparked parliamentary investigations in several countries.
Operation Azorian
The CIA attempted to recover a sunken Soviet submarine using the special ship Hughes Glomar Explorer. The operation required developing new deep-sea technology.
The mission partially succeeded in 1974 despite technical challenges. The cover story involved mining manganese nodules.
The operation remained classified until the 1990s.
Shadows That Shaped Our World
These covert operations demonstrate how classified missions often drive major historical changes. While many details remain sealed in archives, their impacts continue influencing international relations and military strategy today.
Modern special operations build upon lessons learned from these pioneering missions, adapting their techniques for contemporary challenges.
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