sleeper cells
Hidden terrorist groups
Sleeper cells are covert operatives who remain inactive within a target population until called upon to act.
The term comes from espionage and terrorism, describing agents who live ordinary lives—sometimes for years—while awaiting instructions: The investigation uncovered sleeper cells in three cities.
The concept implies hidden threats embedded in plain sight, which extends metaphorically to any dormant capability waiting to be activated.
- fifth columnInternal subversives aiding outsiders
- molesBurrowing insectivore mammals
- infiltrationCovert entry into organization
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
- awakenedBrought to consciousness
embedded · stay behind · covert · espionage · terror cell · deep cover · counterintelligence · dormant · subversive · deep state · intel · sabotage · false flag · cyberterrorism · radicalization · shadow network · networks · operative
- espionagespy, spies, double agent, double agents, spying
- thrillerssuspense, thriller, nail-biter, page-turner, cliffhanger
- classified inteltop secret, classified, classified documents, state secrets, military secrets
- covert activitiesspying, sneaking, eavesdropping, snooping, hiding
- secret networkssecret societies, cabals, cells, hidden networks, criminal networks
- secret organizationscabal, secret society, secret societies, conspiracy, spy network
sleep, asleep, sleeping, sleeper, sleepers, oversleep, sleeper agent, sleeper cell, sleeper hit