Angola says 200 dead in fighting with Unita
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.LISBON (Reuter) - More than 200 people are reported to have been killed in a battle between forces of the Angolan government and the former rebel movement, Unita, in the southern city of Lubango. The government forces now control Lubango, the capital of Huila province, and Unita's military commander in the region, Brigadier Padrinho Pilartes, was captured, Portugal's Lusa agency quoted Angola's Angop agency as saying.
Unita's spokesman, Jorge Valentim, earlier accused government forces in Lubango of attacking Unita positions in the city with armoured vehicles, artillery and planes. In its report from the Angolan capital, Luanda, Lusa quoted Angop as saying that nearly 100 Unita fighters were killed in one outbreak of fighting at the Hotel Imperio in Lubango. It described the hotel as a Unita stronghold in the city.
Angop said Unita forces tried unsuccessfully to capture the local television station and they continued to shell Lubango airport, a key air force base, after fighting in the city had ended. Many shops and vehicles in Lubango had been destroyed or looted, it added.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments