Reddit reviews Counter-Insurgency in Rhodesia (RLE: Terrorism and Insurgency) (Routledge Library Editions: Terrorism and Insurgency)

39 years ago today in 1979, Operation Uric is carried out in Mozambique by a combined military force including Rhodesian and South African personnel.

During the Rhodesian Bush War, the Rhodesian government forces dealt with an increase of communist insurgents trained primarily in Zambia and Mozambique, the latter particularly keen on gaining independence from Portugal in 1975. The primary objectives of Operation Uric were to attack ZANLA forces in their command and training centers before they could penetrate Rhodesia’s borders. The secondary objectives were to cut supply lines into the Gaza province of Mozambique. It was thought that the destruction of communication and railway lines up to 200 miles into Mozambique would seriously hamper the economic support ZANLA received as well as weaken the morale of the ZANLA forces.

Before the battle commenced on the 5th of September, 200 Rhodesian troops were airlifted and deployed 100 miles deep into Mozambique to five sites targeted for demolition. Rhodesian aircraft bombed the target area and provided air support for the SAS troops. On the 6th of September, Hawker Hunter jets targeted and destroyed the command center and the radio command of a FRELIMO base. Rhodesian troops were then transported by helicopter to attack the base from the ground. During this transport a South African Puma helicopter was struck by an RPG-7, killing the 14 Rhodesian specialists as well as the 3 South African Air Force crew members aboard. The shooting down of the Puma helicopter resulted in the greatest loss of men the Rhodesian forces suffered during the entire Bush war. Heavy fighting took place on the ground as the Mozambique forces had reinforced their positions with criss-crossing trenches.

The battle resulted in the deaths of over 360 ZANLA and FRELIMO forces, as well as the destruction of multiple buildings and infrastructure. Despite a kill ratio of over 20:1 the Rhodesian forces viewed this engagement as a pyrrhic victory. It was becoming apparent that ZANLA forces would soon be better equipped by their Soviet and Chinese partners. Although Rhodesian forces were far better trained than their ZANLA counterparts, sanctions imposed by the UN as well as increased isolation led to complications in replacing the necessary arms and munitions required. Operation Uric is another example of Rhodesian Security Forces being one of the best counter-insurgency forces in modern history.

Authored by Louis William Botha

[Online References]
(http://rhodesianforces.org/OperationUric.htm )

(https://samilhistory.com/2016/09/06/joint-south-africanrhodesian-ops-the-loss-of-saaf-puma-164/comment-page-1/ )

(http://www.graves-at-eggsa.org/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1175039 )

[Book References]
Counter-insurgency in Rhodesia

By: Jackie Cillars
(https://www.amazon.com/Counter-Insurgency-Rhodesia-RLE-Terrorism-Insurgency-ebook/dp/B00W9YBYYQ )

Winds of Destruction: The Autobiography of a Rhodesian Combat Pilot
By: Petter-Bowyer
(https://www.amazon.com/Winds-Destruction-Autobiography-Rhodesian-Combat/dp/0954849035 )