Operation Birch

Operation Birch
Part of the Rhodesian Bush War (or Second Chimurenga)
Operation Birch is located in Zimbabwe
Mhangura
Mhangura
Mukumbura
Mukumbura
Operation Birch (Zimbabwe)
Date18 January-23 March 1970
Location
Result Rhodesian-Portuguese victory
Belligerents
 Rhodesia
 Portugal
ZIPRA
Commanders and leaders
Rhodesia Maj. Peter Rich
Portugal Unknown
James Chikerema
Phinias Majuru Surrendered
Units involved

Rhodesian Army

  • RLI
    • 1 Commando
    • 3 Commando
Portugal Portuguese Army
unknown
Strength
unknown 22–25
Casualties and losses
 Rhodesia:
1 killed
2 wounded
 Portugal:
unknown
7 killed
2 wounded
13 captured
1 defected
Total:
23

Operation Birch was an operation launched by the Rhodesian Security Forces in response to a group of 22–25 ZIPRA insurgents crossing the Zambezi River, which marked the border between Rhodesia and Zambia, in January 1970.