Some of the weirdest and most disturbing advertisements ever created are done so for military campaigns. They come in the form of propaganda leaflets, which are dropped by air or otherwise disseminated into a country or territory that is being invaded. Virtually every war since the beginning of the 20th century has produced these leaflets, which are also known as psyop or psywar propaganda. The intention is to use psychology and symbolism to influence members of the general population, inciting fear and compliance.

The following leaflets come to you thanks to the incredible archives of PsyWar.org; they are the most sinister psyop leaflets ever dropped:

British leaflet produced by General Headquarters in France for German troops on the Western front 1915-1918

British balloon distributed propaganda leaflets for German troops on the Western front 1918

World War 2 Germany to Allies – “While you were away”

“Waiting in vain”

Christmas message from Soviet Union to Germany 1941-1945

Japan to Allied Troops 1941-1945 – “CAPITALISTS DEMAND RED ENDLESSLY!”

First Iraq War – 1991 – “Adhere to the following procedures to cease resistance”

“CEASE RESISTANCE BE SAFE”

“Escape to Your Home!”

IFOR/SFOR BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA 1996-2004

Operation Enduring Freedom – 2001-2002

Operation Iraqi Freedom – Coalition Psyop 2003-2004

Israel to Lebanon 2006 – “Your defenders are your destroyers”