The Mbote Defence Force (MDF) has began a major reinforcement of units on the frontier with Zubuto. Operation Mchuzi Wa Kuku has been initiated with a convoy of tanks, armoured vehicles and trucks advancing toward the disputed border zone at Ntumbe bridge.

In addition, anti-aircraft artillery and shoulder launched AA missile equipped troops have been deployed on high ground in the vicinity of the border strip. Local militia units of the Peoples Volunteer Army (PVA) have also been mobilised.

The operational commander of Mbote Defence Force ground units at the border, Major Mojo, has strongly denied unconfirmed reports that special forces ’snatch squads‘ of the elite Kuku Force Commandos (KFC) have been infiltrated across the border into Zubuto.