 As nearby Nakhang fell and the Royalist Operation Raindance neared its end, the Communist Pathet Lao and PAVN 148th Regiment attacked Bouamlong.Two CIA case officers flew in to aid in Bouamlong's defense in early March, as the 148th began a push.On 12 March 1969, two U.S. Air Force AC-47 gunships were deployed to support the besieged outpost.