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Operation Cerebus.
Operation Cerebus
Operation Cerebus was a South African Defence Force (SADF) special forces operation conducted in Angola during
October 1985 during the South African Border War and Angolan Civil War.
24.1 Background
To discourage any further advances by FAPLA forces towards Mavinga after Operation Wallpaper, it was decided
to further hinder Angolan airforce operations between Menongue and Cuito Cuanavale. Two captured mobile SA-9
anti-aircraft missile systems were flown into the UNITA held airfield at Mavinga by South African Air Force (SAAF)
C-130 Hercules.[1]:Ch11 They were then driven north-west by SADF special forces and UNITA soldiers to an area
between Menongue, Longa and Cuito Cuanavale.[1]:Chp11 The operation was not successful and no aircraft shot down,
the Angolan’s airforce avoiding the area.[1]:Chp11
24.2 Further reading
• Lord, Dick (2012). From Fledging to Eagle. The South African Airforce during the Border War(e-book).
Solihull, England: Helion & Company. ISBN 9781908916624.
24.3 References
[1] Lord, Dick (2012). From Fledging to Eagle. The South African Airforce during the Border War. Solihull, England: Helion
& Company. ISBN 9781908916624.