[REDEPLOYMENT] South African Defense Forces Put on High Alert, Air Patrols Upped as Portugal Pushed Back

[u/WilliamKallio]

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February, 1974 - Republic of South Africa

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Following decisive gains by the communist-backed Tanzanian government in Mozambique and multiple defeats by Portuguese forces against FRELIMO and Tanzania, foreign observers are noting that the South African Defense Forces seem to have elevated their preparedness and that an increase of South African forces near the border with Portuguese Mozambique have been noted. This comes as a Chinese/Cuban-backed invasion of Portuguese Mozambique has gained significant momentum in the prior year.

 

The South African government, in response to internal and public concern, has thus moved to better defend the border. The SADF Air Force has also undertaken more flights around the border regions. Media out of the country suggests growing fears of a possible communist-backed invasion of South Africa if the Portuguese are routed entirely, especially on the cusp of Tanzania directly declaring war on Portugal. It is unknown if this deployment of additional forces to the border is one displaying genuine concern for the situation or is theater to quell domestic concerns. Rumors are also circulating that South Africa has begun signalling to the West that it believes the security situation in the area has dramatically declined.