On the 29 February 1988, the SADF and UNITA launched a fourth attack on the 25 Brigade in Tumpo triangle and the vital Cuito River Bridge.

[1]: 232 The plan called for: The Cubans and FAPLA strengthened the minefields in front of the 25 Brigade and positioned artillery on both sides of the river banks to cover the potential attack routes the SADF might use for their eventual return.

[1]: 232  Members of 4 Recce infiltrated the west bank of Cuito with the aim of identifying targets for the SADF artillery batteries.

[2]: 353  As they moved forward during the night, the columns became temporarily lost and then had to continue their advance with only one tank de-miner when the other overturned.

[1]: 232  By 06h00 the SADF attack column was within 10 km of the FAPLA positions but had soon stopped as they were delayed by bad terrain and one of the tanks had broken down.

[2]: 354  The column halted and sappers were brought forward to clear a way through the minefield with their Plofadders, an automated rocket-fired explosive de-miner.

Clearing of the minefields also attracted the attention of the Cuban artillery, which fired on the SADF column but was ineffective in hitting targets but slowed any progress they wished to make.

[2]: 354  During this time, UNITA fought a battle with elements of 38 Brigade on the high ground they captured earlier during the month, but they and the SADF forward observers were chased off it.

[2]: 357  UNITA soldiers started to take casualties as they were being transported on the backs of the tanks and were exposed to this artillery fire.

[1]: 233  The South African commander moved his forces back out of the minefield as they attempted to retrieve the damaged tanks.

[2]: 345–350 Direct action between the South Africans and Cubans would soon move to south-western Angola where a confrontation between the parties would result in Operation Excite/Hilti.

The Cubans did however succeed in establishing air superiority over the area with their new Russian aircraft, and the defenders did manage to hold onto a bridgehead east of the town, with the aid of extensive minefields.