1. White faces a threat
2. A tactic produces a winning ending
An operation is a tactical sequence that permits a transformation of advantages.
In position 1 white is targeting a weakness on a6, but black is threatening dangerous counterplay with ...e3. White begins an operation with 30. Bf4.
After 30... e3 31. fe Nxe3 white plays 32. Qxf7! (position 2), exchanging queens and forcing black to trade down into a bishop ending a pawn down. Black recaptures on f7 twice, and white then recaptures on e3, ending the operation and completing the transformation to an objectively winning position for white.