Operation Klipkop began at first light on the 30 July 1980 when South African Airborne Forces attacked the SWAPO/PLAN Logistics Base and other facilities in Southern Angola. The main objective being the SWAPO/PLAN Logistics Base just outside the town of Chitado, 3km from the Cut-Line and approximately 35km West of Ruacana, with the aim of disrupting mortar attacks on the Ruacana hydro-electric scheme.
Supported by Alouette III Helicopter Gunships and Puma Helicopters, 80 men from 1 Parachute Battalion were systematically dropped by helicopters close to the town in two waves. The first wave attacked the facilities and the second wave carried out the mopping up.

Register to read more... |