The Portuguese Operation Gordian Knot was a departure from previous small scale, intelligence led strikes against point targets. Nó Górdio was a full scale search and destroy mission, spread over a wide area to the E and SE of Mueda, from a new senior commander, eager to make his mark.
Three main FRELIMO bases and insurgents scattered amongst the areas surrounding them were to be overrun by airmobile troops dropped by Alouette III into DZs just recently cleared (and sometimes, created) by FAP Fiat G-91 attacks; the plan held that as the insurgents fled they would be driven into prepared ambush areas.
In its early stages it was largely a tactical victory but was strategically unsustainable, given the planning effort, the concentration of forces and the financial cost - afterwards, low key operations would again become the norm.
Three main FRELIMO bases and insurgents scattered amongst the areas surrounding them were to be overrun by airmobile troops dropped by Alouette III into DZs just recently cleared (and sometimes, created) by FAP Fiat G-91 attacks; the plan held that as the insurgents fled they would be driven into prepared ambush areas.
In its early stages it was largely a tactical victory but was strategically unsustainable, given the planning effort, the concentration of forces and the financial cost - afterwards, low key operations would again become the norm.
Units |
| Dates | Unit | Models |
|---|---|---|
| 25jun70 to jul70 |  Esq 503 Força Aérea Portuguesa | |
Some of the units could be operating fixed wing aircraft at the time, check every unit for details
Ships |
| Classes | Ships | |
|---|---|---|
