Operação Zeta

Operation Zeta was designed by the Portuguese to eliminate a number of key supply depots to the N of the Maconde Plateau and to disrupt and prevent the movement of FRELIMO insurgents and supplies from what is now Tanzania, across the Rio Rovuma, to dispersed bases on the Maconde Plateau in the NE of Mozambique.

FAP Noratlas and Dakotas dropped Paratroop companies BCP 31 and BCP 32 into the area S of the border near Tutuma and Malambuage, in a classic vertical envelopment. This, coupled with thrusts into the plateau by regular army units, backed up with rapid movement of troops by Alouette III of Esq 503 as the battle developed, took the insurgents by surprise and led to a successful mission. FAP Harvards and Harpoons provided close air support.