The Egyptians established a fortified camp at Al Miskrah to control the southern approaches to the city of Taizz, still held by their republican allies. The somewhat isolated pot stood out as a potential target for a Royal Marine surprise assault, opening the road to Taizz for the royalists opposing the Egyptian occupation.

The best Egyptian troops had already been withdrawn before the Six-Day War erupted, and another 15,000 followed immediately afterwards to make good the losses inflicted by the Israelis. The royalists had not been able to knock off larger Egyptian outposts, but the Royal Marines were far more capable opponents.