In this arena, the Italian Regia Marina ("Royal Navy") had developed a commando force of MAS fast motor torpedo boats which attracted men with a buccaneering spirit.

In the resulting Battle of Caporetto, the Italian Royal Army was defeated, and in a period of three weeks the front was pushed back 50 miles (80 km), to within striking distance of Venice.

The Austro-Hungarians believed Bakar was beyond Italy's ability to attack, as it lay 80 kilometres (50 mi; 43 nmi) up a sheltered waterway, so the Italians intended the raid as a psychological, as well as a physical, assault.

The operation was led by Capitano di fregata Frigate Captain Costanzo Ciano, and comprised three MAS boats, with a total crew of 30 men.

One of the boats, MAS 96, was commanded by Tenente (Lieutenant) Luigi Rizzo, who later led the attack on the Austro-Hungarian battleship SMS Szent István off Premuda in June 1918.