covert operation


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covert operation

An operation that is so planned and executed as to conceal the identity of or permit plausible denial by the sponsor. A covert operation differs from a clandestine operation in that emphasis is placed on concealment of identity of sponsor rather than on concealment of the operation. See also clandestine operation; overt operation.
Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. US Department of Defense 2005.
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Noun1.covert operation - an intelligence operation so planned as to permit plausible denial by the sponsor
military operation, operation - activity by a military or naval force (as a maneuver or campaign); "it was a joint operation of the navy and air force"
black operation - a covert operation not attributable to the organization carrying it out
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
References in periodicals archive ?
ISLAMABAD, May 06, 2011 (Balochistan Times): Pakistan Thursday warned the US and India against any covert operation in Pakistani territory, saying this would lead to a terrible catastrophe.
The covert operation has been launched following two incidents in nine days earlier in the month.
While the order allowed the covert operation to contribute to bin Laden's death, that does not mean the CIA would actually kill him, but the spy agency could prompt others to carry out a lethal attack, sources said.
But rather than set a time limit for presidential notification, the committee cites President Bush's letter to it dated October 30, 1989, in which he promises he will try to notify the committees of a covert operation in advance or at least "within a few days" of its occurrence.
According to the report, USAID, along with Save the Children, was mentioned in its role of facilitating the CIA for the covert operation of hunting down and killing Osama bin Laden.
This issue of breach of Pakistans sovereignty has not surfaced for the first time in the US covert operation to kill Osama Bin Ladin, the drones were already striking against the countrys territorial integrity, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir said in media briefing.
He served in the Met until his covert operation began in 2003 when he was 33.
By KARACHI, October 30, 2010 (Balochistan Times): Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said that a covert operation has been launched for stopping target killings in Karachi adding that every incident should not be termed as target killing.
Peter Jenkinson, 33, sold cocaine to a detective taking part in a covert operation to combat drug dealing in St Helens.
In August West Midlands Chief Constable Sir Edward Crew launched Operation Ventara, a covert operation which targets black-on-black and 'Yardie' crime in areas such as Lozells, Handsworth and Aston.
ISLAMABAD, May 06, 2011 (Frontier Star): Pakistan Thursday warned the US and India against any covert operation in Pakistani territory, saying this would lead to a "terrible catastrophe".
POLICE secretly recorded 16 telephone conversations as part of a covert operation against alleged UDA intimidation, the High Court heard yesterday.