Angolan Government Troops, Rebels Fight in Central HighlandThe Angolan government troops and rebel forces led by Jonas Savimbi are currently fighting fiercely in the central highland province of Bie for control of Umpulo town, a new rebel bastion.The Armed Forces of Angola have imposed strong pressure on the rebels in order to recapture Umpulo, a town captured by the government forces in late September and then lost on October 20, the Portuguese news agency Lusa reported on Monday. The town, located on the right bank of Kwanza River in a densely forested region, some 80 kilometers southeast to the provincial capital Kuito, is considered one of the most important bastions for the rebels after they lost their political and military headquarters Bailundo and Andulo in turn in September and October last year. According to the report, in the current fighting, heavy rainfall and unfavorable terrain have hampered the intervention of government aircraft, usually a crucial factor in military operations in Angola. No mention has been made of the casualties in the battles. |
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