BLOODY LOMBA RIVER*
*
UNITA (Green) Defend*
_________vs.*
MPLA (Russia) Assault*
*
Date: September 13, 1987*
Location: Angola*
*
As the Angolan Civil War entered its 12th year, the Soviet backed MPLA forces attempted to drive the UNITA forces (backed by the West) from the Lomba River. The Soviet advisors believed that the MPLA troops, equipped with Soviet tanks and APCs, would make short work of the UNITA rebels. Already having set up bridges over the Lomba, the MPLA 49th brigade attempted to cross in force. Waiting for them were UNITA rebels.
