14 Aug 1969 Maniamba Base

Portuguese military unit 1st GC (Grupo de Combate) executed an operation (Operação Sagres 3) to destroy the Maniamba Base in the Lago District near the confluence of the Messinge and Nossi rivers, Niassa Province of northwestern Mozambique. During the deployment, a mine detonated under the rear wheel of the unit’s second vehicle, a Berliet troop transport. The blast completely destroyed the vehicle and threw the occupants a considerable distance. The explosion resulted in three fatalities and 14 injuries, with four of the wounded listed in serious condition and immediately evacuated from the scene. Due to the heavy casualties, the operation was compromised and subsequently aborted.