[8] Chimoio was a series of ZANLA-run refugee camps and, illegally, training facility, and a launchpad for insurgents infiltrating into Rhodesia.

It was handed over by the Mozambican government to ZANLA, which made it their refugee centre (illegally) and subsequently a forward, military operating headquarters.

As part of a deception plan, a Douglas DC-8 airliner was flown over the Chimoio camps 10 minutes before the airstrike; the inhabitants assumed a second false alarm, and did not disperse or try to take cover when the bombers subsequently approached.

The paratroopers and heliborne troops were deployed on three sides of the objective into various stop groups and sweep lines,[14] and were also effective in killing large numbers of fleeing ZANLA cadres.

Nevertheless, the small size of the ground force and the lack of a complete envelopment allowed a number of fleeing ZANLA cadres to escape.

[1] The pilot chose to attempt a forced landing rather than execute the dangerous act of bailing out of the Vampire which was not fitted with an ejection seat.