After successful Rhodesian air attacks on ZANLA bases, such as Operation Snoopy, the guerillas chose to set up a new camp under the shelter of the forest near Mavonde, a few kilometers from Chimoio.

As the Lancaster House discussions were taking place, RSF attempted to annihilate this base,[1] hoping to weaken the Zimbabwean position.

[9][5] The first wave of the Selous Scouts began clearing the trenches, but the rest of the column only arrived late in the afternoon.

[5] Meanwhile, the airdropped Rhodesian Light Infantry joined the battle, and Mpunzarima, a key ZANLA military leader, was killed.

Nhongo personally went to the front to boost the morale of his troops, using a big stick to hit those reluctant to fight.

[10] Guided by a Reims Cessna "Lynx" aircraft, Hawker Hunter attack jets neutralized ZANLA fortifications in Hill 774.

[11] At the end of that day, Nhongo ordered his fighters to retreat, with mortar teams providing cover fire.

[13] To avoid retaliation attacks from Mozambique, the Rhodesian Air Force bombed FRELIMO facilities, but one Canberra and one Hunter were shut down.