During the Rhodesian Bush War (or Second Chimurenga) the Rhodesian Security Forces (RSF) had to deal with an increasing flow of externally trained insurgents coming into Rhodesia, latterly Zimbabwe Rhodesia, from its neighboring countries, especially from Zambia and Mozambique, the latter in particular after its independence in 1975. The objectives were to attack the ZANLA forces in their command and training center 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 have an impact on 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. Air strikes were planned on Frelimo installations in Mapai and Maxaila to demoralize the occupants. Afterwards the base at Mapai would be taken and destroyed by Zimbabwe Rhodesian ground forces.