Gladio: NATO’s secret cold war operation in Italy

AFP / France 24
by Natalia MENDOZA
April 10, 2026
2 min read

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The Bottom Line

NATO established a secret Cold War operation called Gladio in Italy to block communism.

How This Affects You

This historical operation involved secret paramilitary groups in NATO countries, raising questions about government covert activities and their impact on democratic processes.

AI Summary

NATO established a clandestine army after World War II to counter the spread of communism in Europe. This secret network operated in approximately ten European countries during the Cold War. In Italy, the covert operation was codenamed Gladio and remains a significant scandal today. Natalia Mendoza, Tommaso Marro, and Laura Roudaut reported on this long-held state secret.

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