Battle Group 53 attacked the PLAN positions east of Mulemba while Battle Groups 61 and 10 headed towards Chitumba attacking "Smokeshell" later than planned, around 14h30. Initially the defenders were caught by surprise, but regrouped and fought back. What was supposed to be above ground defences turned out to be camouflaged bunkers and trenches. Elements of Battle Group 61 came under 23 mm AA fire, used in a ground attack role, that caused damage to several Ratel's, resulting in South African casualties in those vehicles and to soldiers attempting to escape them. By nightfall the Battle Groups 61 and 10 had to withdraw. The attacks resumed in the morning of the 11 June, with the South Africans attacking and clearing the now empty bases. On withdrawing that evening, only 10 percent of the bases were cleared. The target was spread over thirteen bases, covering over forty five square kilometres.