Operation Wishbone
# Operation Wishbone

Operation Wishbone was a military operation in Angola during December 1980 by the South African Defence Force (SADF) and South African Air Force (SAAF) during the Angolan Civil War and South African Border War.

## Background

The mission called for mid-level bombing attacks by the South African Air Force (SAAF) against SWAPO's PLAN bases in Angola at Oshiheng near Ongiva and Palele close to $Xangongo.^{:Chp6}$ Four formations of aircraft were assembled at either airbases at Grootfontein or Ondangwa in Namibia/South West $Africa.^{:Chp6}$ The aircraft formations consisted of either four Buccaneers or Mirage F1's and one lead aircraft, a Canberra $bomber.^{:Chp6}$ The Canberra bomber would signal when the bombs would be dropped on the $target.^{:Chp6}$ The operation took place 19 December $1980.^{:Chp6}$

## Aftermath

Intelligence gathered after the attack proved that the bombing at the height chosen had been inaccurate and that the PLAN bases were unoccupied during the $attack..^{:Chp6}$

