 The VC's 1st "Ba Gia" Regiment, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Nguyễn Văn Trí, was to lead the attack, including sweeping aside the small outpost of Ngok Tavak (Ngok Ta Vak).The VC remained hidden to avoid detection by the South Vietnamese and their American allies.Consequently, during that period the GK.31 Anti-Aircraft Battalion was prohibited from opening fire on U.S. reconnaissance aircraft that flew over their area.