Over a number of nights, the SAAF evacuated at least a 1000 UNITA soldiers from that region, flying them and their equipment into Mavinga. Having learnt from SADF reconnaissance units around the Cuito Cuanavale airfield that the Angolan brigades were being supplied by helicopter, SAAF Atlas Impalas were sent to intercept these Mil Mi-17 and Mil Mi-25 helicopters when alerted to their movements by those reconnaissance units. Eventually the Angolans lost 10 helicopters and started using smaller Aérospatiale Alouette IIIs to resupply their forces.
Over a number of nights, the SAAF evacuated at least a 1000 UNITA soldiers from that region by air, transporting them and their equipment to Mavinga. The SAAF deployed Atlas Impalas to intercept Mil Mi-17 and Mil Mi-25 helicopters supplying Angolan forces after learning of this supply route through reconnaissance units at Cuito Cuanavale airfield.  The Angolans lost ten helicopters and switched to smaller Aérospatiale Alouette IIIs for resupply.