Was researching asymmetric war when I ran across this section on Wikipedia. This seems to be the role of Q research boards.

The role of civilians in asymmetric war

Civilians could play an important role in determining the outcome of an asymmetric war. In such conflicts, when it is easy for insurgents to quickly assimilate into the population after an attack, tips on timing or location of insurgent activity can greatly undermine the resistance. An information-centric framework in which civilians are seen primarily as sources of strategic information than resources, provides a paradigm to better understand the dynamics of such conflicts where civilian information-sharing is important. The framework assumes that:

1. The consequential action of noncombatants (civilians) is information sharing, rather than supplying resources, recruits, or shelter to combatants.

2. Information can be shared anonymously, without endangering the civilian who relays it.

Given the additional assumption that the larger or dominant force is the government, the framework suggests the following implications:

1. Civilians receive services from both government and rebel force as an incentive to share valuable information.

2. Rebel violence can be reduced if government provides services.

3. Provision of security and services are complementary in reducing violence.

4. Civilian casualties reduce civilian support to the perpetrating group.

5. Provision of information is strongly correlated with the level of anonymity that can be ensured.

A survey of empirical literature on conflict does not provide conclusive evidence on the aforementioned claims. But the framework provides a starting point to further explore the role of civilian information sharing in asymmetric warfares.