Armée Nationale Congolaise (ANC) Other major events Operation Violettes Imperiales (May–June 1965) was a military offensive conducted by the forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in northern Orientale Province against insurgents during the Simba rebellion.

The operation succeeded in its aims, retaking the towns of Buta and Bondo as well as cutting rebel supply routes to the Central African Republic.

[4] In 1964, insurgents called "Simbas" launched a major rebellion in the eastern regions, inflicting heavy losses on the Armée Nationale Congolaise (ANC), the national military.

[8][9] These troops were led by Mike Hoare and organized as units termed "Commandos",[8] relying on speed and firepower to outgun and outmaneuver the insurgents.

[13] Hoare subsequently organized a successful offensive termed "Operation White Giant", retaking the areas bordering Sudan and Uganda.

[14][13] Hoping to exploit this success,[15] Lieutenant Colonel Jacques Noel, chief of staff for ANC's 3 Group, worked out a plan for another offensive code-named "Operation Violettes Imperiales".

[2] This campaign was supposed to retake Buta and Bondo,[2] towns in northern Orientale Province used by the rebels as hubs for supplies coming from the Central African Republic, and, to a lesser degree, Sudan.

One force, headed directly by Hoare, consisted of 110 members of 5 Commando, an ANC bridging unit, mortars, and two Ferret armoured cars.

[2] Meanwhile, the second government force under Bob Denard, including 6 Commando and the Premier Choc unit, had moved from Paulis toward Poko and Buta.