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Insurgent Hunting In Eastern Angola 1965-1974: Uncovering the Secret War in Africa

Harvey Hughes

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Published in The Flechas: Insurgent Hunting In Eastern Angola 1965 1974 (Africa War 11)

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During the turbulent era of the Cold War, Africa became a battleground for ideological and geopolitical conflicts. Amidst the numerous wars and civil uprisings that plagued the continent, one lesser-known conflict emerged in Eastern Angola: the Insurgent Hunting Campaign of 1965-1974.

This article aims to shed light on this forgotten chapter of African history, exploring the origins, strategies, and consequences of the campaign that pitted the Portuguese colonial regime against three Angolan nationalist movements.

The Flechas: Insurgent Hunting in Eastern Angola 1965 1974 (Africa War 11)

The Flechas: Insurgent Hunting in Eastern Angola, 1965–1974 (Africa@War Book 11)

by John P. Cann

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Origins of the Conflict

Angola, a former Portuguese colony, had been embroiled in a protracted war for independence since the early 1960s. The Portuguese government, determined to maintain its grip on the territory, faced a growing threat from three main rebel groups: the National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA),the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA),and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA).

In 1965, as the conflict intensified, the Portuguese military embarked on a brutal counter-insurgency campaign designed to neutralize the rebel forces and restore control over Eastern Angola. This campaign became known as "Insurgent Hunting.".

Strategies and Tactics

The Insurgent Hunting campaign was characterized by aggressive and unconventional tactics. Portuguese forces, operating in small, highly mobile units, sought to engage and destroy rebel units in remote and inaccessible areas.

The Portuguese employed a variety of methods, including air strikes, artillery fire, and ground patrols. They also established a network of fortified outposts and surveillance systems to monitor rebel movements and prevent them from establishing safe havens.

The rebel forces, on the other hand, were largely outgunned and outnumbered. They relied on guerilla tactics, ambushes, and hit-and-run attacks to counter the superior firepower of the Portuguese.

The Human Cost

The Insurgent Hunting campaign was a bloody and protracted affair. Both sides suffered heavy casualties, but the brunt of the violence fell upon the civilian population.

Portuguese forces often resorted to indiscriminate shelling and bombing of villages suspected of harboring rebels. They also engaged in arbitrary arrests, torture, and summary executions.

The rebels, in turn, targeted Portuguese civilians and military personnel in bomb attacks and assassinations.

The violence and conflict had a devastating impact on the local population, resulting in displacement, food shortages, and the spread of disease.

International Involvement

The Angolan conflict attracted international attention and support from both sides. The Soviet Union and its allies provided military aid to the MPLA and FNLA. Western powers, including the United States and South Africa, supported UNITA.

The international involvement further complicated the conflict and contributed to its protracted nature.

Consequences of the Campaign

The Insurgent Hunting campaign in Eastern Angola officially ended in 1974 with the signing of the Alvor Agreement, which granted Angola independence. However, the conflict and its aftermath had profound consequences for the country and the wider region.

The Portuguese colonial regime was unable to defeat the rebel groups and maintain control over Angola. The conflict contributed to the eventual collapse of the Portuguese empire and the rise of nationalist movements across Africa.

Angola's independence was followed by a civil war that lasted for decades, leaving the country ravaged and deeply divided. The legacy of the Insurgent Hunting campaign continues to haunt Angola, as the memories of violence and atrocities committed during that period still linger.

The Insurgent Hunting campaign in Eastern Angola was a brutal and forgotten chapter in African history. This article has shed light on the origins, strategies, and consequences of this conflict.

The campaign highlights the challenges and complexities of decolonization in Africa and the devastating impact of war on the civilian population.

Understanding the Insurgent Hunting campaign is crucial for comprehending the larger historical context of the Angolan conflict and its lasting effects on the country and its people.

The Flechas: Insurgent Hunting in Eastern Angola, 1965–1974 (Africa@War Book 11)

by John P. Cann

4.3 out of 5