The objectives of Operation Uric were to attack the ZANLA forces in their command and training centre before they could enter Zimbabwe-Rhodesia and to cut off supply routes into the Gaza Province of Mozambique.

It was also hoped that the destruction of communication and railway lines, roads and bridges as far as 200 miles into Mozambique would affect the economic situation and the morale of those who supported ZANLA and Robert Mugabe.

Targets were the bridges at Aldeia Da Barragem along with a vital irrigation canal feeding a major agricultural area in Mozambique.

[1] Prior to the attack, 200 Zimbabwe Rhodesian troops had been deployed into an area 161 kilometres (100 mi) inside of Mozambique east-southeast of Chigubu.

Zimbabwe Rhodesian soldiers were well trained, motivated, and equipped, but international sanctions such as United Nations Security Council Resolution 232, and isolation had led to increased problems in replacing mostly aircraft, while arms and ammo were mostly plentiful in stocks.

Politically the operation led to Samora Machel putting pressure on Robert Mugabe to take part in the Lancaster House peace talks.