False Flags: Template for Terror

Abstract

Falseflag(or blackflag) describes covert military or paramilitary operations designed to deceive in such a way that the operations appear as though they are being carried out by other entities, groups ornations than those who actually planne dandexecuted them. Operations carried during peace-time by civilian organiza-tions, aswell ascovert government agencies,may by extension be called falseflag operations if they seek to hide thereal organisation behind anoperation. The name"falseflag"has its originsinnaval warfare where the use of aflag other than the belligerent'struebattleflagas a rusedeguerre, before engaginganenemy, has long been acceptable. Such operations are also acceptable in certain circum-stances inland warfare,to deceive enemies in similar way spro-viding that the deception is not perfidiousandall such decep-tionsarediscarded before opening fire up on the enemy.