This is the CIA that predicted the collapse of Iran, the invasion of Afghanistan and the 9/11 bombings.
Although the Chinese shot the plane down and captured the agents - alive - the CIA thought they could keep a lid on the fact that they were conducting "clandestine" operations? I wonder if they signal each other with their Captain Marvel decoder rings too?
Covert operations, not clandestine operations. There's a difference, and the article used the correct word. Your use of quote marks makes it look like you're quoting the article.
"I wonder if they signal each other with their Captain Marvel decoder rings too?"
It would do you wonders to do some research on the intelligence services of the U.S., incl. the DIA, NSA, CIA, etc. You are obviously uninformed and have a low opinion of these groups.