Washington (CNN) The US military's Cyber Command has begun targeting Russian operatives believed to be attempting to influence the 2018 midterm elections as part of a broad effort in coordination with several government agencies, an administration official confirmed to CNN.

The operations are aimed at making meddling more difficult.

Tactics being deployed include sending phishing messages to suspected cyber operatives, according to the official.

The effort also includes messaging from public officials to make the clear US will not tolerate any interference.

The secretive Cyber Command operation is part of a broader effort that includes the departments of State, Justice, Homeland Security, the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency, according to the official who is familiar with the program. These agencies are helping provide the intelligence needed for the military to offer its support.

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