A Tribute to the Struggle for Freedom

A Tribute to the Struggle for Freedom On March 23, 1988, South African Defence Forces (SADF), supporting the UNITA rebels, launched their final major offensive against the Angolan town of Cuito Cuanavale during the protracted Battle of Cuito Cuanavale. This attack was repulsed by Angolan FAPLA forces, supported by Cuban troops and Soviet advisors, and marked the end of direct SADF offensives in this campaign. In the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale (1987

–1988), FAPLA and Cuban forces fought against SADF-backed UNITA in southeastern Angola amidst the Angolan Civil War and the South African Border War. The fighting intensified after the FAPLA retreated into the town, with SADF attacks on January 13, February 14 and 15, and the decisive offensive in March. The offensive of March 23 resulted in heavy casualties: FAPLA had suffered over 1,000 deaths, while SADF, although suffering minor losses, failed to capture the city. The battle lasted from August 14, 1987, to March 23, 1988. It took place near the village of Cuito Cuanavale and the military airfield of the same name in southeastern Angola. In August 1987, the Angolan Armed Forces (FAPLA) launched Operation Saludando Octubre (Operação Saludando Octubre) with the objective of capturing UNITA bases in Mavinga and Jamba. Eight FAPLA brigades participated in the offensive, supported by Cuban tank and mechanized units. Between September 9 and October 7, 1987, the South African Defence Force (SADF) and UNITA halted the FAPLA's advance, inflicting significant losses. Angolan troops retreated over 190 kilometers to Cuito Cuanavale, where they put up fierce resistance. In the second half of November 1987, Angolan units stopped the South African and UNITA advance at the approaches to Cuito Cuanavale and effectively besieged the city. In early January 1988, a unit of the Cuban 70th Armored Brigade was deployed to support the FAPLA forces. On March 23, 1988, the SADF launched a final major offensive on Cuito Cuanavale, but it was unsuccessful. South African and UNITA troops then began withdrawing from the region.