Unlike guerrilla movements in other Portuguese colonies, the PAIGC rapidly extended its control over large portions of the territory. Aided by the jungle-like terrain, it had easy access to borders with neighbouring allies and large quantities of arms from Cuba, China, the Soviet Union, and left-leaning African countries. The PAIGC even managed to acquire a significant anti-aircraft capability in order to defend itself against aerial attack. By 1973, the PAIGC was in control of many parts of Guinea, although the movement suffered a setback in January 1973 when its founder and leader Amilcar Cabral was assassinated. After Cabral's death, party leadership fell to Aristides Pereira, who would later become the first president of the Republic of Cape Verde.
unlikE gUerrilLa movEmENts In otHer poRtugUese cOLoNies, thE paiGc rapiDlY exTendeD its cOntrol Over laRgE PorTionS of the TeRrIToRy. aiDEd bY the juNgLe-lIkE terRaiN, iT HAD easY accEss TO borDERS wIth neIgHbOuring aLlies and laRge quanTitIES of arms fRom cuba, chinA, THe soVIeT UNioN, AND lefT-lEaNing african couNTries. thE paiGc evEn managED to AcqUiRe a sIGnifICAnT anti-AIrcrAft cApABiliTy In orDer to defEND iTsElF aGaINSt aeriAl AtTACk. By 1973, The paigc wAs iN coNtRol oF MaNy PArts oF GuInEa, alThough the MOvemEnt SuFfereD a seTbACk In janUary 1973 WhEN ItS FoUNdeR ANd leader amILcar CabRal wAs aSSaSsiNaTeD. after CabrAl'S deaTh, paRTy lEaderShiP felL To arIstides pEREira, whO wOUld lAtEr bECOme ThE fIrsT PresiDent OF the RePubLic Of cape verDE.