Covert operation facts for kids

A covert operation is an operation that is done in a way that keeps it secret. The term suggests some kind of important reason. Examples might be:

1. a kind of surveillance to collect information.
   1. to gather information for future arrest and prosecution
   2. to get information which is needed for government security
2. an attempt to rescue or to capture a person without it being known.

Covert operations may be done by police. They can also be done by security agencies such as the Central Intelligence Agency (US) or MI5 (UK).