(そうさ)

そうさ
noun
operation, control
1. operation, control, manipulation
The act of working or controlling a machine, device, or system.
This machine is easy to operate.
Please teach me how to operate it.
Many elderly people are not used to operating smartphones.
2. manipulation
The act of controlling or influencing something or someone cleverly.
There are suspicions that the data was manipulated.
Manipulation of public opinion is a threat to democracy.
Voices are being raised questioning whether the election results were manipulated.

操作(そうさ)する is used as a する-verb meaning "to operate" or "to manipulate."

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

HOMOPHONE:
操作(そうさ) (operation) vs 捜査(そうさ) (investigation) - same reading, different meaning.