From Satellite Spies to Covert Operations: The Thrilling Spycraft Tactics in Mission of Vengeance

 

Spy thrillers have always captivated readers with their tales of espionage, danger, and covert operations. In the spy thriller "Mission of Vengeance," I delve into the world of spies and secret missions, showcasing the thrilling spycraft tactics employed by CIA operatives in real life.

     Let's explore four key CIA spycraft tactics showcased in the novel and draw parallels to real-life incidents where these tactics were used by CIA operatives. Get ready to unravel the secrets behind the intriguing world of espionage!

     One of the central spycraft tactics featured in MISSION OF VENGEANCE is Obscure Transgression (OT). In the novel, the Director of a special branch of the CIA called the Caribbean Basin Interdiction Force (CBIF) receives an OT request from the President of the United States to find and eliminate the killers of an American family. The OT team, disguised as spoiled rich kids sailing the Caribbean, operates covertly and undertakes dangerous missions.

     I was inspired to create this OT team by Operation Jawbreaker, carried out by CIA Special Activities Division (SAD) teams in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. It provides a notable example of Obscure Transgression-like tactics. The CIA teams infiltrated Afghanistan to gather intelligence, conduct reconnaissance, and establish relationships with local tribal leaders to aid in the fight against Al-Qaeda and the Taliban.

     Similar to the OT team in "Mission of Vengeance," the CIA operatives in Operation Jawbreaker disguised themselves as non-military personnel, such as aid workers, journalists, and businessmen. This allowed them to operate discreetly and gain access to vital information while avoiding suspicion.

     They were deployed to remote areas, living among the local population and using their cover to collect intelligence, establish safe houses, and coordinate covert operations. By blending in with the local environment, they operated beneath the radar and effectively disrupted enemy activities.

     Another crucial spycraft tactic mentioned in the novel is Satellite Image Intelligence (IMINT). The CIA utilizes IMINT to gather valuable information by monitoring and capturing high-resolution images from satellites. In "Mission of Vengeance," General Morrison repositions stealth satellites to gather intelligence on a former Russian KGB agent named Yury Bocharov, who is up to no good. The spy satellites mapped out his extensive estate in the Dominican Republic and monitored his visitors.

     The U-2 spy plane incident in 1960 highlights the real-life utilization of IMINT. The CIA employed U-2 reconnaissance aircraft equipped with cameras to capture detailed aerial imagery of Soviet military installations.

     However, when a U-2 spy plane was shot down over Soviet territory, it exposed the extent of the CIA's IMINT capabilities and strained international relations.

     The concept of deep cover and covert operations is a cornerstone of spy novels, and "Mission of Vengeance" is no exception. The novel features agents assuming deep covers, operating above the law, and evading law enforcement agencies. These operatives remain hidden from prying eyes while conducting their high-stakes missions.

    In creating them, I was inspired by Operation Mongoose, a covert CIA operation carried out in the early 1960s with the aim of destabilizing the Cuban government under Fidel Castro. It serves as an example of CIA operatives gathering intelligence on foreign adversaries.

     The CIA's objective in Operation Mongoose was to overthrow the Castro regime and curtail the spread of communism in the Western Hemisphere. As part of their efforts, CIA operatives employed various spycraft tactics to collect intelligence on Cuban military activities, government plans, and diplomatic initiatives.

     One notable aspect of the operation was the use of human intelligence (HUMINT) to gather information on Cuban military capabilities and intentions. CIA operatives infiltrated Cuban society, assuming false identities and establishing contacts with Cuban officials and citizens sympathetic to the anti-Castro cause. By operating undercover, these operatives provided valuable insights into the Cuban government's activities and intentions.

     Additionally, Operation Mongoose relied on creative methods of intelligence collection, such as covert surveillance, code-breaking, and electronic eavesdropping. CIA operatives deployed state-of-the-art listening devices, including bugs and wiretaps, to intercept Cuban communications and gain a deeper understanding of their plans and operations.

     The art of surveillance and counter-surveillance plays a significant role in spy novels, and it is no different in MISSION OF VENGEANCE. The novel highlights how agents observe and monitor their surroundings while also employing counter-surveillance techniques to identify and evade any tails or potential threats.

     Operation Ghost Stories was a long-term counterintelligence operation conducted by the CIA against a network of Russian intelligence officers operating undercover in the United States. The operation spanned from the late 1990s to its exposure in 2010. Its primary objective was to monitor and gather intelligence on Russian covert activities while protecting the identities of the recruited agents.

     Surveillance played a crucial role in Operation Ghost Stories. The CIA employed both technical and human surveillance techniques to track the activities of the Russian spies. This included wiretapping their telephones, monitoring their internet communications, and planting hidden cameras and microphones in their residences and vehicles. These surveillance measures allowed the CIA to gather valuable information on the Russians' contacts, operations, and potential targets.

     In addition to surveillance, countersurveillance was a critical aspect of the operation. The CIA took extensive measures to ensure that the Russian spies remained unaware of their presence by using spycraft techniques, such as changing meeting locations, using covert communication methods, and implementing surveillance detection routes to identify and evade Russian surveillance.

     Unlock the hidden world of spycraft and immerse yourself in the heart-pounding realm of espionage. From the covert operations of Operation Jawbreaker to the aerial intrigue of the U-2 spy plane incident, the real-life spycraft tactics showcased in MISSION OF VENGEANCE will entertain you.

    Picture yourself deep undercover, assuming false identities and dodging law enforcement agencies just like the agents in the novel. Feel the adrenaline rush as you deploy satellite imagery intelligence, capturing high-resolution images from stealth satellites, just as General Morrison did in his relentless pursuit.

     But it doesn't end there. Traverse the treacherous landscape of Operation Mongoose, where hidden operatives gather intelligence through human contacts, covert surveillance, and electronic eavesdropping. Experience the art of deep cover, where CIA spymaster Corey Pearson and his counterintelligence team slip through the shadows, disrupting Russian spy cells and altering history.

     So, dear reader, venture forth with newfound knowledge of the real-life spycraft tactics that mirror the exhilarating stories you crave. Peel back the layers of secrecy and immerse yourself in a world where truth lies hidden, and heroes emerge from the shadows. For the truth is often stranger—and more thrilling—than fiction.

 

Robert Morton is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and enjoys writing about the U.S. Intelligence Community. He authors the Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster series.