Episode 48 – Russian specialists set up anti-aircraft missiles and Special Forces ops accelerate across the cutline

The Russians were increasing their support for the MPLA in Luanda and one of those who arrived was Vladimir Vasilievich Kostrachenkov. He helped establish the Pechora Anti-Aircraft system between 1979 and 1981 in the south of Angola and published some of his thoughts in a book called Bush War, the Road to Cuito Cuanavale. While most of this book is about the major battles that took place later around Cuito, Kostrachenkov’s explanation of what happened in the south in the very 80s is important for us at this juncture.
It was his second tour of duty of Angola – his first was as a translator in 1976 and he witnessed the civil war break out between the FNLA, the MPLA and UNITA. He was based in Carmona, northern Angola, and was translating for a team of Russian advisors. He survived numerous FNLA attacks and explains how all attempts at sealing the border with the Congo failed.
The FNLA fighters used dugout canoes and small light boats to move in complete silence along the many tributaries of the Congo River and could infiltrate up to 300 kilometers into Angola. They were supported by what he calls “…their fellow tribesmen…” who were scattered all over the region – and he knew then that the struggle inside the country was going to be a long drawn out affair.