Operation Klipklop Explained

Conflict:Operation Reindeer
Partof:South African Border War
Place:Angola
Date:30 July 1980
Result:South African victory
Combatant1: South Africa
Combatant2: SWAPO
Commander1: Marais Viljoen
Unknown
Commander2: Unknown
Units1: SADF
Units2:Unknown
Strength1:80
Strength2:Unknown
Casualties1:None
Casualties2:27 killed

Operation Klipklop occurred during the South African Border War between the Republic of South Africa and SWAPO. The operation began at first light on the 30 July 1980 when South African forces attacked SWAPO facilities in Angola.[1] The objective was a PLAN logistics base at the town of Chitado, 5 km from the Namibian border and 35 km east of Ruacana, with the aim of disrupting mortar attacks on the Ruacana hydro-electric scheme.[1]

Supported by Alouette III attack helicopters, 80 men were dropped by helicopters close to the town. Twenty seven defenders, possibly PLAN or MPLA soldiers, died in the attack that followed with the SADF destroying the MPLA base in the town on their withdrawal.[1] This operation followed Operation Sceptic and preceded Operation Protea.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Steenkamp, Willem. South Africa's border war, 1966-1989. 1989. Ashanti Pub.. Gibraltar. 0620139676.