Hello Soldier14. The above were a few examples of the aggressive way in which the anti-communist forces maintained an 800km defensive front, in anticipation of an OAU-inspired political solution. But with the inability of the OAU an accomplished fact, the RSA forces, except for a limited number of protective forces in South Angola, had to withdraw by 22 January 1976.
15. The allied FNLA/Unita forces supported by South African forces could have conquered the whole of Angola, but Dr. Savimbi insisted that he was only interested in controlling his traditional area because he was determined to reach a settlement with the MPLA to the advantage of Angola.
See press article from link in previous post.
Below is excerpt from book "South Africa's Border war 1966-1989.
"By this time (mid December 1975) the South African cabinet had allready decided to with draw from Angola,and in fact in mid-November a formation known as 101 Task force had been formed at Rundu and placed under the able Lt-Genl Andre' van Deventer tp prepare for an orderly pull out.There was nothing else to be done. Luanda could still be taken,but a force of 1500 South African Infantry would be needed and casualties could run high which was totally unacceptable. In addition van Deventer had expressed serious reservations about the ability of the SADF's logistical systems-withered after 37 years of peace-to sustain any further escalation in the war,and in any case American support was fading fast."
Not really correct. South Africas problem was with SWAPO-the terrorist organisation in South West Africa. Fighting between MPLA/Fapla and the Cubans was because Angola was giving bases and support to Swapo. Most of the Operations: Reindeer,Sceptic,Protea,Askari etc. started with fighting Swapo and then involved either Fapla and/or Cubans.The objectives were:defeat the MPLA,because it movemment was communist and a problem for Sud Africa.
I will ask my father about the Battles you mentioned and if you want some more answers I will pass them on.
It will have to wait for awhile though-he has left for holiday today in Mozambique (Vilancula/San Martino) 8) and will be gone for 3 weeks.