MILITIA/PARAMILITARY TRAINING, ANGOLA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP81T00034R000100140001-1
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 7
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: October 27, 2010
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: December 1, 1980
• Content Type: REPORT

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Imagery analysis report
Militia/Paramilitary Training, Angola (S)
Secret
Z-20141/80
IAR-0198/80
DECEMBER 1980
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MILITIA/PARAMILITARY TRAINING, ANGOLA (S)
INTRODUCTION
I. (S/D) This report provides detailed analysis of the first extensive militia/paramilitary
training facilities observed within an industrial area in Angola. These facilities-in the town of
Viana approximately 9 nautical miles (nm) southeast of the capital city of Luanda (Figure
I)-were first observed in October 1978. Both physical and individual combat training areas as
well as firing ranges have been identified (Figure 2). While similar training facilities are commonly
seen at army barracks and other ground force installations throughout Angola, it is unusual to
find them in a nonmilitary area.
2. (S/D) A partially fence-secured garrison area on the northwestern edge of Viana probably
serves as both headquarters and housing area for a military training cadre in the city (Figures 2
and 3). This facility has administration buildings, quarters, and vehicle sheds. Training facilities
within the garrison area include a Soviet-type obstacle course, a gymnastics training area, an
amphitheater, an individual infantry/combat training area, and a volleyball court.
3. (S/D) Although defensive trenching and individual training activities are found through-
out the industrial portion of Viana, the primary training area is found at the southeastern end of
the city (Figures 2 and 4). This area contains an automatic weapons firing range and two physical
training areas, each of which has a Soviet-type obstacle course with a gymnastics training area.
Also present are two artillery miniature ranges (not usually associated with militia/paramilitary
training). In addition, two baseball diamonds and at least three small probable housing com-
pounds are within the area. The only other observation of military training collocated with an
industrial facility in Angola is on the western edge of-Huambo in the central portion of the
country (Figures 1 and 5). A Soviet-type obstacle course was seen at a fence-secured light fabrica-
tion plant and defensive trenching was observed around the perimeter.
4. (S/D) In February 1980, at least 13 prefabricated, multistory apartment buildings were ob-
served in an early stage of construction on the edge of the residential section of Viana, southeast of the
garrison area (Figures 2 and 6). These buildings are similar to prefabricated housing units commonly
seen throughout Cuba and currently being built in Luanda. Also, an outdoor amphitheater that is
probably used for political indoctrination and training is adjacent to the construction area. The new
housing units could serve as quarters for either Cuban advisors and their dependents or Angolans
working in the area. However, a complex of this size would be much larger than required for a
complement of Cubans serving only in an advisory capacity.
5. (S/D) Use of the training facilities, such as the artillery miniature ranges, the automatic
weapons firing range, and the various physical training areas, would permit Cuban advisors and
workers assigned to the factories at Viana to develop and maintain their military skills. Addition-
ally, many of the same training facilities could be used to provide militia training for Angolan
civilians working in the area.
WNINTEL
1-20141180 SECRET 1,4 R-0198/80
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Tshela Mbanza-
Ngungu,
;alvador
Congo
Nova
Lisbo;
Sibiti
CONGO
BRAZZAVUE
VIANA
,Cattete Salazar
Vila Serpa
Pinto
Cuito
Cuanavale
ANGOLA
.~.~.._ International boundary ------- Railroad
O National capital Road
0 100
r i
0 r0
ila Teixeira
de Sousa .
Ondangua
SOUTH-WESAfRICA
(International Te tory)
1A R-0198/80
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(S) Comments and queries regarding this report are welcome. They may he directed to
World Forces Division, Imagery Exploitation Group, NPIC
Third 25X1
25X1
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