Operation Uric

One of the final actions of the Rhodesian War before the creation of Zimbabwe. Large numbers of Russian trained, Zimbabwean fighters were being infiltrated into Southern Rhodesia through the Mozambique province of Gaza. The objective of the operation was to disrupt the Frelimo / Zanla lines of communication by destroying a number of key bridges and bases.

Bad weather delayed moving out by helicopter from the start lines by a few days and a small number of Rhodesian elite troops, supported by fixed wing and helicopters of the Rhodesian Air Force (and covertly supported by transport helicopters of the SAAF) caused significant damage but ultimately were withdrawn (prompted by the loss of the SAAF Puma with its entire crew and assault team) before the mission could be fully accomplished.

However, it achieved enough to convince the Mozambique government that its support for Zimbabwean nationalists needed to end and this laid the way for the Lancaster House conference which eventually resulted in elections and the creation of Zimbabwe.