The PAIGC insurgents had been building up anti-aircraft defences in the S of Guinea-Bissau through infiltration from Guinea-Conakry and a particular stronghold had been established over a number of months at Cassebeche on the Quitafine Peninsula.
Portuguese Air Force staff had planned an airmobile assault to destroy the facility but after review in Lisbon where the resistance was under-estimated, the force had been reduced. Paratroops from BCP 121 were airlifted into Catió the day before, together with supplies for the Alouette III from Bissalanca to stage through, refuel and lift in the troops, forming the first wave. The Alouettes returned from Cassebeche to re-fuel and pick up further paratroops for the second wave.
Air support was provided by Fiat G.91s from Bissalanca and although some artillery pieces were destroyed, a number of Fiats were damaged by ground fire. The insurgents turned out to be heavily armed and in the dense vegetation, some of the rapid manouevre needed by the Portuguese troops was restricted and they were eventually withdrawn.
Enough damage and casualties were inflicted to hurt the PAIGC but since the installation was not completely overrun, both sides considered the outcome unsuccessful.
Portuguese Air Force staff had planned an airmobile assault to destroy the facility but after review in Lisbon where the resistance was under-estimated, the force had been reduced. Paratroops from BCP 121 were airlifted into Catió the day before, together with supplies for the Alouette III from Bissalanca to stage through, refuel and lift in the troops, forming the first wave. The Alouettes returned from Cassebeche to re-fuel and pick up further paratroops for the second wave.
Air support was provided by Fiat G.91s from Bissalanca and although some artillery pieces were destroyed, a number of Fiats were damaged by ground fire. The insurgents turned out to be heavily armed and in the dense vegetation, some of the rapid manouevre needed by the Portuguese troops was restricted and they were eventually withdrawn.
Enough damage and casualties were inflicted to hurt the PAIGC but since the installation was not completely overrun, both sides considered the outcome unsuccessful.
Units |
| Dates | Unit | Models |
|---|---|---|
| 07mar69 |  Esq 122 Força Aérea Portuguesa | |
Some of the units could be operating fixed wing aircraft at the time, check every unit for details
Ships |
| Classes | Ships | |
|---|---|---|
