What if I told you that the US military once launched a campaign called “Operation Toenails”? They aimed to capture a group of islands from the Japanese during World War II, and they succeeded. Feel free to look it up.
You’ll also find it on this list of weird government projects implemented worldwide over the years. While Operation Toenails was a success, many others weren’t. Like when India punished COVID-19 protocol violators by making them write “I’m sorry” 500 times.
Regardless of how they turned out, we now consider them some of the oddest governmental pursuits in human history. Enjoy these bits of trivia.
#1 La Paz Traffic Zebras
The traffic zebras of La Paz, Bolivia, are a unique and heartwarming initiative aimed at improving pedestrian safety. In this program, young people, often dressed in zebra-striped costumes, act as traffic guides at busy intersections. They help pedestrians cross streets safely, assist drivers in managing traffic, and raise awareness about road safety. The traffic zebras have become a beloved part of the city’s culture, symbolizing both community involvement and the importance of safety in a fun and engaging way. This creative solution has been praised for its impact on both reducing accidents and fostering a sense of civic responsibility.
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35points
#2 Tourists In Rishikesh Punished With 'Sorry' 500 Times For Lockdown Breach
In a bizarre and controversial enforcement of India’s COVID-19 lockdown, foreigners caught violating restrictions in Rishikesh, a popular tourist destination, were ordered to write "I'm sorry" 500 times as punishment. This unusual penalty came after authorities found several tourists flouting the lockdown orders by strolling around the city, which had strict movement restrictions in place. The local police decided on this unusual form of discipline rather than imposing a fine or arrest, aiming to enforce the seriousness of adhering to public health regulations. The incident drew mixed reactions, with some seeing it as an over-the-top measure and others as a humorous, albeit unconventional, solution.
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32points
#3 Operation Northwoods
Operation Northwoods was a declassified Cold War-era proposal drafted in 1962 by the U.S. Department of Defense. The plan called for false flag attacks on American soil, including staged terrorist acts and fabricated civilian casualties, to justify military intervention against Cuba. Suggested tactics included sinking boats of Cuban refugees, orchestrating bombings in U.S. cities, and hijacking planes—all designed to blame Fidel Castro’s government and gain public support for war. The proposal was ultimately rejected by President John F. Kennedy, but it remains one of the most shocking examples of Cold War psychological warfare strategies.
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28points
Since we’re discussing oddly named government operations, we would be remiss if we didn’t include “Operation Chattanooga Choo-Choo.” In 1944, US and British fighter planes worked to limit Germany’s access to locomotives and reinforcements during the Second World War.
The operation was also a success, as hundreds of trains were destroyed, giving the Allied Forces a considerable advantage.
#4 Project Sunshine
Project SUNSHINE was a secret Cold War-era study conducted by the U.S. government in the 1950s to assess the effects of nuclear fallout on human tissue. The project involved collecting bones and tissue samples, often from deceased infants and young children, to measure radioactive contamination caused by nuclear tests. In many cases, these samples were taken without parental consent, sparking ethical outrage when the program was later exposed. The findings helped scientists understand the dangers of strontium-90, a radioactive isotope, but the project remains infamous for its disturbing methods and lack of transparency.
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23points
#5 Infecting Children With Hepatitis At The Willowbrook State School For Children
In the 1950s and 1960s, the Willowbrook State School in Staten Island, New York, became infamous for conducting controversial and unethical medical experiments on children with intellectual disabilities. One of the most notorious studies involved deliberately infecting children with the hepatitis virus to study the progression of the disease. Researchers believed this would help develop a vaccine, but the children were not informed or given consent. The experiments were led by Saul Krugman, a pediatrician who justified the research on the grounds of its potential benefits. The scandal was revealed in the 1970s, sparking public outrage and leading to major reforms in medical ethics.
22points
#6 Operation Midnight Climax
Operation Midnight Climax was a secret CIA experiment during the 1950s, part of the larger MKUltra program, focused on mind control. The operation involved setting up "safe houses" in San Francisco, where agents secretly lured unsuspecting civilians into rooms, where they were dosed with LSD without their knowledge. The goal was to study the effects of the drug on behavior and extract information. The experiment was controversial and ethically dubious, as it violated individuals' rights. When the operation was exposed, it sparked public outrage, contributing to growing distrust in government covert activities during the Cold War era.
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21points
“Operation Menu” (a.k.a “Operation Breakfast”) happened on March 18th, 1969, when then United States President Richard Nixon ordered a secret carpet bombing in Cambodia. Their targets were bases controlled by Vietcong forces, as the US-Vietnam War was in full swing.
The US dropped more than 2,000 tons of bombs, a resounding success that prompted the American government to launch more missions, aptly named Operations Lunch, Snack, Dinner, and Dessert.
#7 People In Home Quarantine In Karnataka Directed To Send Selfies Every Hour
In an attempt to enforce COVID-19 quarantine measures, the government of Karnataka introduced a policy requiring individuals in home quarantine to send selfies every hour. The move was designed to ensure compliance with isolation orders and prevent the spread of the virus. Those in quarantine were expected to send proof of their location and adherence to the rules through regular selfies, which were monitored by health authorities. While the initiative aimed to enhance public safety, it sparked concerns about privacy and surveillance. Nonetheless, it highlighted the challenges governments faced in managing quarantine during the pandemic.
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19points
#8 Malaysian Government Lockdown Tips
In 2020, the Malaysian Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development sparked controversy with a set of lockdown tips that included advice for women to wear makeup, dress neatly, and avoid nagging their husbands. The guidance, intended to help families cope with the stress of home confinement, was widely mocked for being outdated and reinforcing gender stereotypes. Critics, particularly women’s rights groups, condemned the tips as patronizing and out of touch with the realities of quarantine life. In response to the backlash, the ministry issued a public apology, acknowledging the tone was inappropriate for the situation.
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18points
#9 Danish Police Asked For Proof Of Relationship From Visitors
In a compassionate move, Denmark allowed couples separated by borders to reunite during the COVID-19 pandemic, but with a catch: they had to prove they had been in a relationship for at least six months. This policy, aimed at reuniting "sweethearts" who had been kept apart by travel restrictions, required couples to provide evidence of their relationship through photos, messages, and other documentation. While the rule was celebrated by many, it also sparked debates about privacy and fairness. Nevertheless, the decision reflected Denmark's efforts to prioritize emotional connections while balancing public health concerns.
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17points
In 1967, then-FBI director J. Edgar Hoover came up with a surveillance program aimed to curb the destruction brought about by race riots. He named this project the “Ghetto Informant Program,” where he involved African-Americans whom he deemed reliable in reporting unrest in poor neighborhoods.
The operation ultimately failed as the FBI’s inspection expressed their concerns about the possible dangers of using African-Americans as informants. The bureau ultimately pulled the plug in 1972.
#10 Operation Chaos
Operation CHAOS was a covert CIA program launched in the 1960s and continuing into the 1970s, aimed at monitoring and infiltrating anti-Vietnam War groups and domestic activist organizations within the United States. The operation sought to gather intelligence on individuals and groups that the government suspected of being sympathetic to or involved with communist movements. It involved extensive surveillance, wiretapping, and the infiltration of peace groups, student organizations, and civil rights movements. The operation was controversial for its violation of civil liberties and was eventually exposed by the Church Committee in 1975, leading to public outcry and government reforms on intelligence gathering.
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17points
#11 The Poop Plane
The XF-84H, also known as the "Poop Plane," was a prototype aircraft developed by the U.S. Air Force in the 1950s. It was a modified version of the F-84 Thunderjet, designed to test a turbo prop engine. However, the plane earned its nickname due to the incredibly loud and disturbing noise produced by its engine, which was so intense it caused a physical vibration that made it nearly impossible for pilots to fly without ear protection. The deafening sound was often compared to the smell of feces, which led to its unfortunate nickname. Due to its unmanageable noise, the project was eventually canceled.
16points
#12 Operation Christmas
Operation Christmas, launched by the Colombian military in December 2010, was a unique and heartwarming campaign aimed at encouraging FARC guerrillas to demobilize. The military strategically placed nine 75-foot Christmas trees along paths frequently used by insurgents. Each tree was adorned with festive lights and displayed a message inviting the guerrillas to come home and rejoin society. This symbolic gesture, set against the backdrop of the holiday season, aimed to appeal to the insurgents’ humanity, offering a peaceful alternative to continuing the armed conflict. The campaign reflected Colombia's creative approach to promoting peace and reconciliation during a challenging time.
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16points
The late great Muhammad Ali had been vocal about his stance against America’s efforts during the Vietnam War in the 1960s. Apart from losing his world title and three prime years of his fighting career, the National Security Agency (NSA) also tapped into his overseas phone calls.
These spying efforts were part of Operation Minaret, which targeted critics of the Vietnam War. Along with Ali, the NSA also monitored the phone calls of Martin Luther King Jr. and other government officials.
#13 Operation Gold
Operation Gold was a covert Cold War-era intelligence operation led by the CIA and British intelligence in the early 1950s. The mission aimed to tap into East German and Soviet military communications by digging a tunnel under Berlin to intercept Soviet signals. The tunnel was equipped with advanced listening devices, and the plan was to secretly access the Soviet-controlled zone and gather vital intelligence on military activities. Unfortunately for the operation, the Soviets discovered the tunnel in 1956, but not before the CIA and MI6 had gathered a significant amount of intelligence. The operation's exposure led to major diplomatic tensions, but it also provided valuable insights into Soviet operations.
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16points
#14 $28m' Camouflaged Uniforms
In a costly misstep, the Pentagon spent $28 million on camouflage uniforms for the Afghan military that were poorly suited for the country's terrain. The uniforms featured a "forest" pattern, despite Afghanistan being largely desert and mountainous. The decision was based on a preference expressed by an Afghan official rather than strategic necessity. Since the pattern was privately owned, the U.S. also had to pay licensing fees. A government watchdog later criticized the spending as wasteful, highlighting it as an example of mismanagement in U.S. efforts to equip Afghan forces during the war.
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15points
#15 Operation Plumbbob
Operation Plumbbob was a series of nuclear tests conducted by the U.S. government between 1957 and 1958 at the Nevada Test Site. The operation consisted of 29 tests, including both atmospheric and underground explosions. One of the most infamous aspects of Plumbbob was the “Smoky” test, which was a high-altitude detonation that led to radioactive fallout affecting nearby areas. The operation also included human radiation experiments, where soldiers and civilians were exposed to nuclear tests to study their effects. Though it helped advance nuclear weapons development, Operation Plumbbob faced criticism for its impact on human health and the environment, and it remains a dark chapter in Cold War history.
15points
We’d also like to hear your thoughts, dear readers. Which of these weird government operations did you find most intriguing? Share your thoughts in the comments, and feel free to add to this list!
#16 Super Bowl Ad
In an expensive effort to boost participation, the U.S. Census Bureau spent $2.5 million on a Super Bowl ad in 2010. The commercial aimed to raise awareness about the importance of the census and encourage Americans to respond. However, the ad received widespread criticism for being vague and unmemorable, with many questioning whether it justified its massive price tag. Lawmakers and watchdog groups accused the Census Bureau of wasting taxpayer money on ineffective outreach. Despite the backlash, officials defended the expenditure, arguing that an accurate count was crucial for federal funding and representation.
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14points
#17 Project 112
Project 112 was a series of secret U.S. military experiments conducted in the 1960s and 1970s to test the effects of chemical and biological agents on military personnel and equipment. The project involved a wide range of testing, including exposure to nerve agents, biological toxins, and environmental contamination from chemical weapons. One of the most notorious sub-projects under Project 112 was Project SHAD (Shipboard Hazard and Defense), which tested the vulnerability of Navy ships and their crews to chemical and biological agents in simulated battlefield conditions. Many of the tests were conducted without proper warnings or consent from the individuals involved. The project remained classified for decades, and only in the 1990s were the details revealed, leading to public outcry and concerns over the health effects on the participants.
14points
#18 Madrid Open-Air Cinema
In response to the COVID-19 lockdowns, Madrid staged a unique open-air cinema experience for locals who were confined to their homes. The initiative aimed to bring a sense of normalcy and entertainment to residents during the strict stay-at-home orders. Outdoor screenings were set up across the city, allowing people to enjoy movies from the safety of their balconies, windows, or nearby public spaces while adhering to social distancing measures. The project was seen as a creative solution to combat isolation and provide a collective cultural experience during a time of uncertainty, offering a bit of joy in an otherwise challenging period.
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13points
#19 Party In Vegas
In a scandalous move, the General Services Administration (GSA) was revealed to have thrown an extravagant $800,000 party in 2010, funded by taxpayer money. The event, held in Las Vegas, included lavish accommodations, entertainment, and other costly indulgences, sparking outrage when the details were exposed. Critics slammed the GSA for its wasteful spending at a time when the country was grappling with economic challenges. The incident led to widespread public backlash and congressional hearings, ultimately forcing several GSA officials to resign. The party became a symbol of government excess and mismanagement, leaving taxpayers with the hefty bill.
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12points
#20 Operation Big Itch
Operation Big Itch was a U.S. military biological warfare experiment conducted in 1954. The operation aimed to test the effectiveness of aerosolized fleas as a potential biological weapon. The military released infected fleas over a desert area in Utah, with the goal of studying how easily they could spread diseases like plague. The experiment involved dropping fleas from planes, allowing them to land in the target area. Though the operation was not intended to target civilians, it raised ethical concerns and questions about the use of biological agents. The operation's details remained classified for many years, contributing to the controversy surrounding its e*******n.
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11points