[1] The inability of Portuguese forces to control the entry of FRELIMO guerrillas into the surrounding territory of the Cahora Bassa dam, who came via Zambia or Rhodesia, led to increasing pressure on the Portuguese from the Rhodesian Security Forces, who criticised the apathy and lack of information about the enemy's movement.

The 31st Parachute Hunters Battalion was launched along the borders of those two countries to counter the incursions by guerrillas.

Elements of the Rhodesian Security Forces penetrated Mozambique, pursuing guerrillas, while full units were involved in military operations with Portuguese forces, notably by helicopter detachments stationed at Chicoa and Pisteiros.

The Portuguese forces, under the command of General Kaulza de Arriaga, did not adequately respond to the guerrillas and as such were accused by the Rhodesians of being highly inefficient.

The Rhodesian military and government led by Prime Minister, Ian Smith considered that the Portuguese military had a poor intelligence service, which did not allow them to know the movements and the locations of the guerrillas; their troop’s mobility was reduced because of the low number of helicopters that they had available.