Contrary to crushing the Eritrean will to resist, the unsuccessful operation actually strengthened it, prompting the people to rally behind the EPLF with increased fervor.

In January 1982, Mengistu Haile Mariam moved the national capital temporarily to Asmara to be able to personally oversee a campaign in the area.

He described the EPLF as "anti-freedom, anti-unity, anti-people and anti-peace bandit gangs" and "the pitiful dregs of history" and confidently predicted their imminent demise.

Antonov and MiG aircraft elentlessly pounded EPLF fortifications, while mobile troops and armored columns congregated at the bases of the plateau, ascending narrow valleys to overrun the defenders.

Despite the initial progress, the guerrillas maintained their positions, causing the drive to lose momentum by the fourth day and throwing the assailants off balance.

Responsibility for this set back fell on Colonel Wubishet Mamo, the commanding officer of the 21st Division, who was executed in front of his troops.

However, on the same day the 15th Division in the northern front was able to capture Jebel Dambobiet and, with support from the 23rd, cut the rebel supply lines to Sudan.

This division launched a surprise attack on the EPLF from the left flank, employing mortars, artillery, and Soviet Katyusha (BM-21 Grad) rocket launchers, also known as 'Stalin's Organs.'

The 17th division registered its first major victory by seizing the key point of Rora Tselim where it was able to prevent the guerrillas in the northern zone from linking up with those in the south.

According to Gebru Tareke, this blunder "deprived the army of a supreme opportunity for finishing off the campaign" and allowed the EPLF to bring in tactical troops from the Jebel Dambobiet.

Two days later, the EPLF counterattacked the Ethiopian forces in the hills, finding a gap in the frontlines they made an outflanking operation.