South African intervention in Lesotho

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SADC intervention in Lesotho
Date 22 September 1998 – May 1999 (8 months) Location Lesotho
Belligerents
Government of Lesotho Lesotho Congress for Democracy SADC  South Africa  Botswana[1]	Lesotho opposition Basotho National Party
Commanders and leaders
Pakalitha Mosisili Nelson Mandela Mangosuthu Buthelezi Festus Mogae
Units involved
Pro-government faction of the Lesotho Defence Force South African National Defence Force Botswana Defence Force	Pro-opposition faction of the Lesotho Defence Force
Strength
1,820[1] 600 soldiers	2,000+ rebellious soldiers[2]
Casualties and losses
South Africa: 11 killed, 17+ wounded[1][3]	134[1]

The South African intervention in Lesotho, codenamed Operation Boleas, was a military invasion launched by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and led by South Africa through its South African National Defence Force into Lesotho to quell unrest after the 1998 elections.