Battle of Lomba

Battle of Lomba was a decisive engagement fought during the South African Border War between the South African Defence Force (SADF) and the People's Armed Forces of Liberation of Angola (FAPLA), supported by the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces. The battle took place on October 3, 1987, near the Lomba River in Angola, involving forces from 61 Mechanised Battalion Group and Unita. It is considered one of the most significant battles of the South African Border War, with the SADF emerging victorious against the FAPLA forces, who were supported by Soviet Union advisors and Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces troops.

● Introduction

The Battle of Lomba was a pivotal event in the South African Border War, a conflict that involved South Africa, Angola, Cuba, and SWAPO (the South West Africa People's Organization). The battle was part of Operation Moduler, a larger campaign by the South African Defence Force to drive FAPLA forces out of southern Angola and to support the Unita movement, led by Jonas Savimbi. The South African Defence Force was supported by Unita guerrilla fighters, while the FAPLA forces received support from Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces troops and Soviet Union military advisors, including General Konstantin Shaganovich.

● Background

The South African Border War was a complex conflict that involved various parties, including the South African Defence Force, FAPLA, SWAPO, Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, and Unita. The conflict began in the 1960s and lasted until the late 1980s, with the Battle of Lomba taking place in 1987. The South African Defence Force was engaged in a series of battles and operations, including Operation Savannah, Operation Reindeer, and Operation Askari, against FAPLA and SWAPO forces. The Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces played a significant role in the conflict, with troops deployed in Angola to support FAPLA forces, while the Soviet Union provided military advisors and equipment to the FAPLA.

● The

Battle The Battle of Lomba was fought on October 3, 1987, near the Lomba River in Angola. The South African Defence Force forces, consisting of 61 Mechanised Battalion Group and supported by Unita guerrilla fighters, engaged FAPLA forces, who were supported by Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces troops and Soviet Union military advisors. The battle involved intense fighting, with the South African Defence Force using Olifant tanks, Ratel infantry fighting vehicles, and G5 howitzers to attack FAPLA positions. The FAPLA forces were well-entrenched, but the South African Defence Force was able to break through their lines, inflicting significant casualties and destroying FAPLA equipment, including T-55 tanks and BM-21 Grad rocket launchers.

● Aftermath

The Battle of Lomba was a decisive victory for the South African Defence Force, with FAPLA forces suffering heavy casualties and equipment losses. The battle marked a significant turning point in the South African Border War, as it prevented FAPLA forces from advancing into Namibia and allowed the South African Defence Force to maintain control over the region. The battle also highlighted the effectiveness of the South African Defence Force's 61 Mechanised Battalion Group and the importance of Unita support in the conflict. The Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces and Soviet Union military advisors played a significant role in the battle, but were ultimately unable to prevent the FAPLA defeat. The Battle of Lomba is remembered as one of the most significant battles of the South African Border War, with the South African Defence Force emerging victorious against the FAPLA forces, who were supported by Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces troops and Soviet Union military advisors, including General Arnaldo Ochoa.

● Order of

Battle The South African Defence Force forces involved in the Battle of Lomba included the 61 Mechanised Battalion Group, supported by Unita guerrilla fighters. The FAPLA forces involved in the battle included the 47th Brigade, supported by Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces troops and Soviet Union military advisors. The South African Defence Force order of battle included Olifant tanks, Ratel infantry fighting vehicles, and G5 howitzers, while the FAPLA forces were equipped with T-55 tanks, BM-21 Grad rocket launchers, and SA-8 Gecko surface-to-air missiles. The Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces and Soviet Union military advisors played a significant role in the battle, with General Leopoldo Cintra Frias and General Konstantin Shaganovich providing support to the FAPLA forces. Category:Military history of South Africa