1970 – “Mozambique Liberation Army Launches Offensive”

On June 12, 1970, the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) escalated its armed resistance against Portuguese colonial rule. This marked a significant moment in the protracted War of Independence. Backed ideologically by African socialism and supported materially by neighboring Tanzania and Soviet-aligned countries, FRELIMO’s military operations increasingly targeted colonial installations in northern Mozambique. This offensive signaled the intensification of the guerrilla war, which ultimately pressured Portugal to decolonize. The struggle also galvanized regional liberation movements and set the stage for Mozambique’s independence in 1975. FRELIMO’s success demonstrated the power of coordinated anti-colonial resistance, combining ideology, military training, and popular support in a context of Cold War geopolitics. The June 12 escalation was a turning point, transforming the conflict into a full-scale liberation war.