In a bold operation termed Operation Anthropoid, Czechoslovak resistance fighters targeted Reinhard Heydrich, one of the most powerful Nazi leaders and the architect of the Holocaust. On May 27, 1942, near Prague, a group of resistance operatives, including Jozef Gabčík and Jan Kubiš, ambushed Heydrich's car in a carefully planned attack. They used both a bomb and gunfire in their attempt to assassinate him. Heydrich was severely injured in the attack, suffering from significant wounds that would eventually lead to his demise eight days later, on June 4, 1942.

The assassination had myriad repercussions, and Hitler was enraged by the attack, leading to brutal reprisals against Czech resistance and the civilian population. The Nazis implemented reprisals that included the destruction of villages, mass arrests, and executions, most notably in Lidice, which was completely razed as a punishment. The aftermath of the assassination fostered an atmosphere of fear but also galvanized resistance efforts within occupied territories. The event marked a significant moment in World War II, showcasing the courage of the Czech resistance and their resolve against oppressive occupation.

While Heydrich's assassination did not alter the course of the war significantly, it disrupted Nazi security and operations in Czechoslovakia for a brief period. Additionally, it highlighted the precariousness of Nazi authority in occupied regions and became a symbol of resistance against totalitarianism. The audacity of the attack inspired other resistance movements throughout Europe, demonstrating that even the most powerful officials could be targets of retribution.