Operation Uric was a military operation by the Rhodesian Security Forces during the Rhodesian Bush War. During the operation, which took place from September 1 to September 7, 1979, up to 400 Zimbabwe Rhodesian soldiers and a small number of SADF personnel attacked bridges and a major combined Frelimo and Zanla command center in Gaza Province, Mozambique. Along with Operation Miracle this was one of the largest external operations of the war.
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During the Rhodesian Bush War (or Second Chimurenga) the Rhodesian Security Forces (RSF) had to deal with an increasing flow of externally trained insurgents coming into Rhodesia, latterly Zimbabwe Rhodesia, from its neighboring countries, especially from Zambia and Mozambique, the latter in particular after its independence in 1975. The objectives of Operation Uric were to attack the ZANLA forces in their command and training center before they could enter Zimbabwe Rhodesia and to cut off supply routes into the Gaza Province of Mozambique. It was also hoped that the destruction of communication and railway lines, roads and bridges as far as 200 miles into Mozambique would have an impact on the economic situation and the morale of those who supported Zanla and Robert Mugabe. Targets were the bridges at Aldeia Da Barragem along with a vital irrigation canal feeding a major agricultural area in Mozambique. Air strikes were planned on Frelimo installations in Mapai and Maxaila in order to demoralise the occupants. Afterwards the base at Mapai should be taken and destroyed by Zimbabwe Rhodesian ground forces.[1]
Prior to the attack 200 Zimbabwe Rhodesian troops had been deployed into an area 100 miles inside of Mozambique east-southeast of Chigubu. Helicopters were at Chipinda Pools airstrip within Zimbabwe Rhodesia. Due to bad weather conditions the attack began on September 5. Rhodesian SAS troops where airlifted to Aldeia De Barragem and four other targets to destroy bridges and infrastructure. Hawker Hunter jets and Cessna Lynx aircraft bombed the area and provided air support. During evacuation of a wounded soldier one AB-205A helicopter was shot down by a RPG-7 with the technician killed on impact. The Pilot Flt Lt Dick Paxton was rescued by the SAS. On September 6 the Army Base at Mapai was bombarded by Hawker Hunters destroying the command centre and the main radar station. Afterwards the Zimbabwe Rhodesian troops were transported by helicopter to attack positions near the base. During transport operations one South African Puma helicopter was hit by an RPG-7 killing all 14 Zimbabwe Rhodesian commandos and the South African pilots on board. The highest loss of life for the Rhodesian Security Forces in a single incident during the war. The crash site was later bombed in an attempt to cover the South African markings on the Puma helicopter.[2] The Mapai base was fortified by interconnecting zig-zag trenches which provided good cover for the defenders. Heavy fighting took place between the Rhodesian Army and FPLM soldiers. Mapai was repeadly bombarded by Hunter jets and Canberra bombers. Shortly before sundown decision was taken to withdraw by the Supreme Commander of the Rhodesian Army General Walls.[3]
The battle resulted in over 300 dead Zanla and Frelimo soldiers and a number of damaged bridges, buildings and infrastructure. Zimbabwe Rhodesian casulties were 15. Despite the achieved kill-ratio of over 20:1 the operation was not regarded as a success by the Zimbabwe Rhodesian military. It became obvious that the Rhodesian Security Forces would soon become technologically inferior to their enemies, which by the time was well equiped and trained by their Russian advisors. Zimbabwe Rhodesian soldiers were exceptionally well trained and motivated, but international sanctions and isolation lead to increased problems in replacing aircraft, arms and ammunition. Politically the operation lead to Samora Machel putting pressure on Robert Mugabe to take part in the Lancaster House peace talks. He wanted to prevent Mozambique from being dragged further into the war with Zimbabwe Rhodesia, which already had negative effects on its economy.[4]