The Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA) was the military wing of the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU), which fought against British colonial rule and white minority rule in what was then known as Rhodesia. Established in the 1960s, ZANLA played a crucial role in the Zimbabwean War of Liberation, advocating for the rights of the black majority and seeking independence for Zimbabwe. ZANLA operated primarily in rural areas, employing guerrilla warfare tactics against the Rhodesian government forces. The organization eventually contributed to the negotiations that led to the end of colonial rule and the establishment of an independent Zimbabwe in 1980, marking a significant turning point in the country's history.