In the shadow of the Cold War, a secret army was born. Codenamed Gladio, this NATO-backed clandestine force was created to resist a Soviet invasion, but did its mission twist into something far more sinister? This definitive account delves into the heart of Italy's 'Years of Lead', a brutal era of terrorism, assassinations, and political turmoil that tore the nation apart. From the shocking confession that first exposed the network to the haunting mysteries of the Piazza Fontana bombing, the kidnapping and murder of Aldo Moro, and the horrific Bologna station massacre, this book meticulously pieces together the evidence. It reveals the intricate web connecting state security services, neo-fascist terrorists, and the shadowy Masonic lodge Propaganda Due (P2) in a 'strategy of tension' designed to manipulate public fear and steer Italy's political destiny. Drawing on declassified documents, court records, and parliamentary inquiries, 'Operation Gladio' moves beyond conspiracy theory to present a chilling, academic analysis of a secret war waged on allied soil. It is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the true nature of the deep state and the ghosts of the Cold War that still haunt modern Europe.