Helion & Company War of Intervention in Angola - Volume 2: Angolan & Cuban Forces at War 1976-83 - Helion & Company via Casemate UK

[Julien]

War of Intervention in Angola

Volume 2: Angolan & Cuban Forces at War 1976-83

ISBN : 9781911628651

Helion & Company via Casemate UK

 

 

It would seem depressing that throughout the 1970s and beyond that there was some kind of war in Angola. In 1975 the decades long war seemed was still short of any conclusion This was not helped by the fact there were three rebel movements fighting for supremacy with South Africa, America, Zaire, Cuba, and the Soviet Union being involved as well.  The South African intervention in Angola, and the Cuban involvement are perhaps the most well known, however the CIA were actively trying to destabilise the country, in part to recoup some prestige following the events in Vietnam.  Volume 1 which we reviewed here concentrated on the lesser known period of the final stages of withdrawal by the Portuguese Colonial forces, the build up of the three insurgent forces; and the initial intervention by Cuban forces in the region. 

 

 

Now in volume 2 we look at how the civil war looked decided. The MPLA had established itself in power supported by a large number of Cuban forces, with its opposition split and in disarray; however the war continued to drag on. The MPLA did not defeat UNITA in Southern Angola and then they faced an internal Coup which resulted in a blood letting. Many members were tortured or killed, while others defected to the opposition. The Soviets took advantage of this to increase their presence, and led the South African Forces to resume supporting UNITA and launch further attacks. 

 

 

The book looks at the forces on both sides of the conflict, some history of the region and how the main battles were fought. This volume is A4 soft back in format and 80 pages. There are over 100 rare black and white photographs throughout with 6 main colour maps, and 18 colour profiles.

 

Conclusion

This book should provide readers with a more complete understanding of the of the later conflict in Angola. 

 

Recommended.

 

Review sample courtesy of

 

 

[MikeR]

A big +1 on this! I have both volumes and they're both excellent.

 

Mike.

[Pauly Boy]

 I agree. I have both volumes as well and can't wait for the 3rd.

 

 Paul