In the shadows of conventional warfare, a different kind of battle was being waged – one that would reshape nations and alter the course of history forever. The era before 1960 witnessed some of the most intricate and controversial covert military operations ever conducted.
Credit: War History Online
The post-World War II period saw an unprecedented rise in covert operations, particularly as the Cold War intensified. The CIA, established in 1947, quickly became the primary architect of America’s secret warfare. These operations ranged from propaganda campaigns to full-scale regime changes, all conducted under the veil of plausible deniability.
Credit: West Point Modern War Institute
One of the most notorious operations was Operation Ajax in 1953, which orchestrated the overthrow of Iran’s democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh. The operation, jointly conducted by American and British intelligence services, would have long-lasting implications for U.S.-Iran relations and Middle Eastern politics.
Credit: LinkedIn
The technological advancements during this period revolutionized covert warfare. New surveillance techniques, cryptography methods, and specialized equipment gave operatives unprecedented capabilities. The CIA’s Special Operations Division developed innovative tools and tactics that would influence covert operations for decades to come.
The legacy of these operations continues to influence international relations and military strategy today. While many details remain classified, declassified documents have revealed the extent of these hidden wars and their profound impact on global politics.
References:
Covert Operations and Strategy – link
Covert operation – Wikipedia – link
Operation Northwoods: The plan that almost was – link
Categories: Cold War, Intelligence Operations, Military History, War History, World History
Tags: CIA, Cold War, covert operations, espionage, Intelligence Operations, Military History, Operation Ajax
Religion: Not applicable
Country of Origin: Iran, United Kingdom, United States
Topic: Military History
Ethnicity: Not Applicable
