Narrow win for FAPLA at the Border. SADF mobilises in response.

The Rand Daily Mail 3rd February 1983

Reports from the South West African border of several clashes between SADF and SWAPO terrorists backed by Angolan government forces indicate the long running border war is escalating.

Sources in Pretoria yesterday confirmed that elements of 82 Mechanised Brigade were called on to support 54 Battalion as Angolan army units approached the border.

'The communists were deployed in combat formation and were operating in strength,' stated a SADF source on the condition of anonymity.

'They crossed the border at several points and our troops engaged them in a firefight and inflicted severe casualties, ' he said.

'82 Mechanised Brigade as deployed as a precaution in support of 54 Battalion. Several prisoners were taken by our forces, including some Cuban mercenaries.'

'Fighting is continuing and the SADF will mobilise more forces to eliminate the communist incursion'

Andersson put down the newspaper and took a pull on his beer. Outside it was pandemonium. He'd never seen so much military traffic. 

'Hey Jacob! Another beer, and is that telephone working? I have to call our office in Johannesburg'.

He scribbled a few notes and looked outside again. Now they were shifting the big guns...

'Something's up. I think the commie's might be coming south,' he mused.

FAPLA won a narrow victory and unexpected victory in the latest game in my campaign. Full AAR to follow.