RECENT ANGOLAN AND UNITA OPERATIONS IN MOXICO AND CUANDO CUBANGO PROVINCES, ANGOLA

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: NGA Records (Formerly NIMA)
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP84T00171R000201100001-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 9
• Document Creation Date: December 28, 2016
• Document Release Date: January 25, 2012
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: September 1, 1983
• Content Type: REPORT

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Secret
imagery analysis report
Recent Angolan and UNITA
Operations in Moxico and
Cuando Cubango Provinces, Angola (S)
Secret
Z-12095/83
IAR-0065/83
SEPTEMBER 1983
Copy 4 3
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RECENT ANGOLAN AND UNITA OPERATIONS IN MOXICO AND
CUANDO CUBANGO PROVINCES, ANGOLA (S)
INTRODUCTION
1. The National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) claims to have
launched an offensive against Angolan government-held garrisons and other targets of
opportunity since early Augusta This report describes imagery-derived evidence of current
hostilities between Angolan-Cu ban forces and UNITA at three locations-Cangamba, Tempue, and
Lupire-in eastern Angola (Figure 1). Concurrent with this offensive, there has been an increase in
activity by Angolan-Cuban forces at major air and ground installations at Luena and Menongue,
provincial capitals and major garrison towns in Moxico and Cuando Cubango provinces
respectively. This apparent response to UNITA's recent efforts and the location and status of the
few remaining government-held garrisons in Cuando Cubango province will also be summarized
in this report which uses all applicable imagery through (S/WN)
Evidence of Recent UNITA Operations
2. Analysis of imagery acquired since late July of Cangamba and Tempue in Moxico
province and of Lupire in Cuando Cubango province supports the UNITA claim of increased
operations in eastern Angola. Cangamba, which apparently fell to UNITA in mid-August, was
typical of government-controlled towns in eastern and southeastern Angola. Protection is
provided for these towns by a perimeter defense line of trenches with weapons-firing positions.
Within the perimeter defenses are one or more small military camps with separate defensive
trenches, a graded-earth airstrip, and a civilian-populated village area. Villages have usually been
enlarged by the relocation of civilians from the surrounding countryside in an effort to lessen
contacts with UNITA. Lupire and Tempue are much smaller outposts, each consisting of an airstrip
and a small military camp, but with no appreciable civilian population. (S/WN)
3. Imagery of corroborates Angolan government and UNITA reports of a 25X1
major battle during this period at Cangamba, but it does not resolve conflicting claims by each
side of whether South African or Angolan aircraft had bombed the town. Imagery of Cangamba
on showed numerous small craters probably resulting from mortar and rocket rounds. 25X1
These craters were along the length of the runway, in the adjoining fortified military camp, and
along the defensive trench network (Figure 2). Evidence that a battle was underway-smoke and
dust, probably a result of incoming rounds-was also visible (not shown on graphic). The runway
appeared to remain serviceable, and one CURL transport aircraft was on the parking apron.
Except for minor roof dams e, the major buildings in both the military and civilian portion of
Cangamba were intact on Subsequent imagery of showed that hostilities had 25X1
continued and that UNITA had overrun the town (Figure 3). Extensive damage resulting not only
from fighting between ground forces, but also from airstrikes, was clear) evident. In addition to a
larger number of mortar and rocket craters than were seen on at least 30 large aircraft 25X1
(Continued p. 5)
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Ir~l~l11111~11111~
GOVERNMENT-HELD TOWNS
TOWNS OVERRUN BY UNITA
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bomb craters were in the fortified military camp adjacent to the airstrip and on the north end of
the runway. The runway was rendered unserviceable by approximately 25 smaller craters resulting
from set explosive charges placed in a linear pattern along the length of the runway. This
technique has been associated with prior UNITA attacks on Angolan installations. In 1979, the
runway at Cuangar Airfield was damaged in a similar fashion. A CURL, probably 25X1
the same aircraft observed there on 3 August, was destroyed on the parking apron. (S/WN)
4. The natural-surface runways at both Lupire and Tempue have also been rendered
unserviceable by craters resulting from set charges. In December 1982, following the fall of
Lumbala Nguimba (formerly Gago Coutinho) to UNITA, the runway at Gago Coutinho Airfield (BE
was damaged by this same technique of set charges. The damaging of these runways, 25X1
along with the destruction of remaining buildings in adjoining military camps or villages,
complicates any attempt by Angolan-Cuban forces to reoccupy these locations once UNITA
withdraws. (S/WN)
5. Imagery of showed the natural surface airstrip adjacent to Lupire Military 25X1
Area a een damaged by at least 18 craters. None of this damage was present 25X1
on Evidence of hostilities was observed in the military area; however, additional 25X1
defensive trenches were dug between late June and late July indicating the government may have
reoccupied the area but then withdrew again. In the past, control of several towns in remote
portions of Angola has alternated between Angolan and UNITA forces. With the hostilities at
Lupire, it is not entirely clear what course of events preceded the damaging of the runway.
(S/WN)
6. The runway at Tempue, known as Alto Cuito New Airfield was also 25X1
observed on imagery of to be rendered unserviceable. Six small craters, resulting from 25X1
set charges, were in the center portion of the runway, and at least 13 ditches effectively destroyed
the remaining length of the runway. At Tempue Military Installation three 25X1
buildings had been destroyed and numerous small mortar and rocket craters were visible in the
area. On previous coverage of the Tempue area on there had been no discernible 25X1
damage to the runway, although some small craters had been seen at the military installation, and
the three buildings that were destroyed prior to were intact. It appears that Tempue fell 25X1
to UNITA forces during the same period as the fall of Cangamba. (S/WN)
7. With the loss of Cangamba and Tempue, there are no known major Angolan garrisons
between these two towns and the Benguela rail line, which virtually bisects the geographic center
of Angola. (S/WN)
Angolan Military Reaction to UNITA Offensive
8. While UNITA has been increasing its military operations, the Angolans have apparently
expanded facilities at air and ground force installations at Luena and Menongue. At Menongue
East Airfield increased air activity in early August and subsequent construction 25X1
suggests future deployments of additional tactical aircraft. Menongue East Airfield is the primary
tactical air base in southeastern Angola used in operations against UNITA. The nine FISHBEDs at
Menongue on were the largest number of combat aircraft ever seen there. Prior fighter 25X1
deployments to Menongue have usually consisted of three to four FISHBEDs or three to six
FRESCOs. On subsequent coverage of the airfield on no FISHBEDs were observed. 25X1
Between construction began on eight aircraft revetments in both the military 25X1
and civil support areas (Figure 4). Each of these revetments is large enough to accommodate two
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fighter aircraft or two helicopters. Menongue also houses the largest concentration of Angolan
and Cuban combat units in eastern and southeastern Angola. One Cuban brigade remains in
garrison in a well-protected camp just north of the airfield, and major elements of a probable
Angolan brigade are deployed in two camps on the outskirts of Menongue. (S/WN)
9. An unusually high level of air, ground, and logistics activity was observed at Luenda
Airfield alternate spelling of Luena) and Luena Military Installation Luso Airfield
from early July through Construction in the area has also been
extensive, especially since0and is resulting in the upgrading of the airfield into a tactical
fighter base and the probable augmenting of existing ground forces in the area. (S/WN)
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Cuando Cubango province as of late August include Cuito Cuanavale Airfield
and
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the adjoining militar camp, Longa Military Installations
and Baixa Longa
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Military Area At two other locations, Caiundo and Vila Nova da Armada, there
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10. Since ~ the air order-of-battle at the airfield has included as many as three
FISHBEDs, two FRESCOs, five HIP-Cs, and two Alouette Ills. None of these aircraft or helicopters
are regularly seen there. The numbers of transport aircraft and their associated logistics activity
have also been higher than normal since CUB, L-100/C-130, CURL, and COLT aircraft
have been seen on the large parking apron with stacks of unidentified material nearby. The
loadin /offloading of personnel and supplies onto trucks and other vehicles has been observed.
On= seven cargo trucks (four in convoy formation) and at least 30 personnel were in the
support area of the airfield (Figure 5). Ongoing construction and improvements at the airfield
through have included four new six-position antiaircraft batteries, twelve fighter
aircraft revetments with alert taxiways, and the installation of a SPOON REST air warning radar.
(S/WN)
11. At the nearby military installation, a probable company-sized reconnaissance unit
(equipped with three probable PT-76 light tanks and four BRDM-2 armored vehicles), along with
motor transport units (varying in size) and groups of personnel in formations, were seen in and
out of garrison indicating movement of men and equipment in and through the Luena area.
Ground forces-related construction in nearby areas has included new vehicle revetments (some
occupied with tanks and other vehicles), fortifications (including personnel trenches), and a new
deployment area with numerous vehicle revetments one nautical mile (nm) north of the airfield.
(S/WN)
12. While there was no evidence on imagery of any hostilities in the immediate vicinity of
Luena, open press reports of July and August1-3 reported that UNITA forces had clashed with
Angolan troops west and southwest of Luena along the Benguela rail line and that a train carrying
government forces had been destroyed east of Luena while enroute to Luao near the Angolan-
Zairian border. Imagery of Luao during July and August showed no increased levels of activity at
the small military post and airstrip within the town. (S/WN)
13. Garrisons which can be confirmed on imagery as remaining under An olan control in
may still be a government presence; however, the level of activity at these towns has decreased
during 1983. Angolan troops may have withdrawn from Caiundo and Vila Nova da Armada since
there are no indications of any apparent hostilities. As with Cangamba, there are civilians at these
locations in addition to the military garrison; however, there is no indication on imagery to
suggest a sizable Cuban presence. (S/WN)
the preparation of this report. (S/WN)
All applicable satellite imagery acquired from) was used in
DOCUMENTS
1. FBIS-MEA-83-153, Daily Report: Middle East and Africa, Vol V No 158, 8 Aug 83 (UNCLASSIFIED)
2. FBIS-MEA-83-160, Daily Report: Middle East and Africa, Vol V No 160, 15 Aug 83 (UNCLASSIFIED)
3. FBIS-MEA-83-162, Daily Report: Middle East and Africa, Vol V No 162, 17 Aug 83 (UNCLASSIFIED)
Comments and queries regarding this report are welcome. They ma be directed t
Third World Forces Division, Imagery Exploitation Group, NPIC,
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Secret
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