What was the name of the operation that was a show of force by President Johnson and attacked communist forces in Laos?

Operation Barrel Roll was a covert U.S. military campaign conducted during the Vietnam War, specifically aimed at disrupting North Vietnamese supply lines and communist forces operating in Laos. Initiated in the 1960s, this operation involved air strikes and targeted bombing missions, demonstrating President Johnson's commitment to combatting the spread of communism in Southeast Asia. The significance of Operation Barrel Roll lies in its strategic objectives, which included providing support to the Royal Laotian Government and weakening the Pathet Lao forces, thus reflecting the broader U.S. policy of containment during the Cold War era.

In contrast, the other operations mentioned have distinct focuses; Operation Farmgate was primarily aimed at training and supporting South Vietnamese forces, Operation Niagara involved massive aerial bombardments in support of ground operations, and Operation Rolling Thunder was an extensive bombing campaign against North Vietnam, which did not specifically target Laos. The context of each operation highlights the unique strategic goals the U.S. sought to achieve during the conflict, with Operation Barrel Roll being specifically tied to actions in Laos.