Operation Askari
Encyclopedia
Operation Askari was a military operation
by the South African Defence Force
(SADF) during the South African Border War
and Angolan Civil War
.
Operation Askari, launched on December 6, 1983, was the SADF's sixth large-scale cross-border operation into Angola
and was intended to disrupt the logistical support and command & control capabilities of PLAN
(SWAPO's military wing) in order to suppress a large-scale incursion into South West Africa
that was planned for the beginning of 1984. The FAPLA army of the Angola
n governing party MPLA also became involved in some of the skirmishes.
The primary SADF forces consisted of four battalion-sized combat groups plus one smaller unit operating to the east, as follows:
-20 motorized infantry companies, one Ratel
-90 armored car squadron, two troops of Valkiri
mobile rocket launchers, one artillery battery, two anti-aircraft batteries (Ystervark and SA-7), one reconnaissance element and one troop of engineers, a Ratel IFV
-90 anti-tank section, and ENTAC
anti-tank missiles. Their objectives were Quileve (edited to Quiteve by 61 Mech gunner in Ratel-90 32) 16°17′1"S 14°18′21"E, Cahama
16°17′0"S 14°19′0"E, and Mulondo (unsuccessfully probed by a company from X-Ray, which then proceeded to assist DELTA with taking Cuvelai).
(The build-up of forces in the Xangongo-Cahama area in mid to late December was intended to draw MPLA forces away from their Cuvelai stronghold. X-Ray departed the area on 29 December and the battle group engaged FAPLA 11 Brigade on 3 January at Cuvelai. The ensuing 11 hours battle saw the first use of T-55 tanks in a mobile capacity in Angola. The SANDF called up Olifant tanks to counter this new threat after the battle of Cuvelai. X-Ray proceeded as far north as the mine in Tshemutete after Cuvelai..... Added by 61 Mech gunner in Ratel-90 34 Charlie)
equipped with Ratel
-20's, Ratel
-90's and ENTAC
launchers.
Commandant Faan Greyling headed this force.
Depending on who you read this unit either did quite well or was in deep trouble when it engaged the FAPLA 11 Mechanised Brigade supported by two Cuban battalions and a T-54 tank
company outside Cuvelai 15°12′0"S 16°26′0"E, their objective.
company-based combat team from Sector 20, Echo company of 1 Parachute Bn and one company of 32 Bn. Their objectives were to capture Caiundo 15°43′24"S 17°27′32"E and disrupt SWAPO infiltration into South West Africa
.
This stronghold on the eastern bank of the Cubango River was never a part of the original Askari Army plan. A platoon of Sector 20 was attacked on the night of 19/20 December. FAPLA recces had discovered that one platoon of this force were deployed outside the main defensive perimeter, and were much closer to Caiundo than they should have been. During the night FAPLA sent a Company to attack this platoon. This they did successfully, killing five and capturing one SWA Territory Force soldier, plus 13 light machine guns, 3 rifles, 3 radios, a 60 mm mortar and a Unimog. The two companies of Parachute and 32 Bn got pinned down in a minefield surrounding the military base resulting in heavy casualties. This set-back resulted in a switch of air activities from the Cahama and Mulondo fronts, to the unplanned for Caiundo area, which continued uninterrupted for the remainder of operation Askari. There was a substantial reduction in the air effort over the planned Askari key points, which reduced the pressure on the enemy and allowed FAPLA to remain in control of their troops and their emotions, in both Cahama and Mulondo.In spite of a large air effort over a period of 21 days, Caiundo was not taken. Despite a heavy air bombardment and a determined ground assault the FAPLA minefields and defensive bunkers remained intact. FAPLA's 53rd Brigade had reason to celebrate their successful defence of Caiundo against the SADF.
By 1983 the 32nd consisted of approximately seven motorized infantry companies plus a 82mm mortar platoon and a reconnaissance wing. By 1984, an anti-tank company with Ratel
-90's, ENTAC
and batteries of M-5 120mm mortars, Valkiri
and Ystervark had been added. It's unclear whether these latter attachments were in place for ASKARI, but I suspect that it was the results of ASKARI that suggested that the 32nd would need to be strengthened to contend with increased FAPLA opposition in the South African Border War
.
A section of Eland Mk7
s and 5.5 howitzers were attached to the 32nd for this operation.
Their objective was to disrupt SWAPO infiltration between Cuvelai and Cassinga
.
unit such as the 101st or 102nd based in Ovamboland
. The 101 took part in Operation Modular
and they were available in the theater in 1983. There objective was unknown.
Military operation
Military operation is the coordinated military actions of a state in response to a developing situation. These actions are designed as a military plan to resolve the situation in the state's favor. Operations may be of combat or non-combat types, and are referred to by a code name for the purpose...
by the South African Defence Force
South African Defence Force
The South African Defence Force was the South African armed forces from 1957 until 1994. The former Union Defence Force was renamed to the South African Defence Force in the Defence Act of 1957...
(SADF) during the South African Border War
South African Border War
The South African Border War, commonly referred to as the Angolan Bush War in South Africa, was a conflict that took place from 1966 to 1989 in South-West Africa and Angola between South Africa and its allied forces on the one side and the Angolan government, South-West Africa People's...
and Angolan Civil War
Angolan Civil War
The Angolan Civil War was a major civil conflict in the Southern African state of Angola, beginning in 1975 and continuing, with some interludes, until 2002. The war began immediately after Angola became independent from Portugal in November 1975. Prior to this, a decolonisation conflict had taken...
.
Operation Askari, launched on December 6, 1983, was the SADF's sixth large-scale cross-border operation into Angola
Angola
Angola, officially the Republic of Angola , is a country in south-central Africa bordered by Namibia on the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the north, and Zambia on the east; its west coast is on the Atlantic Ocean with Luanda as its capital city...
and was intended to disrupt the logistical support and command & control capabilities of PLAN
People's Liberation Army of Namibia
The People's Liberation Army of Namibia was the active military wing of the South West Africa People's Organization during the Namibian War of Independence. It sought independence for the territory from South African rule. PLAN launched its first attack on the South African military at...
(SWAPO's military wing) in order to suppress a large-scale incursion into South West Africa
South West Africa
South-West Africa was the name that was used for the modern day Republic of Namibia during the earlier eras when the territory was controlled by the German Empire and later by South Africa....
that was planned for the beginning of 1984. The FAPLA army of the Angola
Angola
Angola, officially the Republic of Angola , is a country in south-central Africa bordered by Namibia on the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the north, and Zambia on the east; its west coast is on the Atlantic Ocean with Luanda as its capital city...
n governing party MPLA also became involved in some of the skirmishes.
The primary SADF forces consisted of four battalion-sized combat groups plus one smaller unit operating to the east, as follows:
TASK FORCE X-RAY (c. 500 men)
Task Force X-Ray's composition, based on the 61st Mech. Btn, was composed of three RatelRatel IFV
The Ratel is the basic Infantry Fighting Vehicle of the South African National Defence Force's mechanized infantry battalions. Ratel is the Afrikaans name for the honey badger, which has a reputation as a ferocious fighter.-History:...
-20 motorized infantry companies, one Ratel
Ratel IFV
The Ratel is the basic Infantry Fighting Vehicle of the South African National Defence Force's mechanized infantry battalions. Ratel is the Afrikaans name for the honey badger, which has a reputation as a ferocious fighter.-History:...
-90 armored car squadron, two troops of Valkiri
Valkiri
The Valkiri is a South African self-propelled multiple rocket launcher developed in the 1980s by Somchem, a division of the Denel corporation....
mobile rocket launchers, one artillery battery, two anti-aircraft batteries (Ystervark and SA-7), one reconnaissance element and one troop of engineers, a Ratel IFV
Ratel IFV
The Ratel is the basic Infantry Fighting Vehicle of the South African National Defence Force's mechanized infantry battalions. Ratel is the Afrikaans name for the honey badger, which has a reputation as a ferocious fighter.-History:...
-90 anti-tank section, and ENTAC
ENTAC
Entac or MGM-32A was a French MCLOS wire-guided Anti-tank missile. Developed in the early 1950s, the missile entered service with the French army in 1957...
anti-tank missiles. Their objectives were Quileve (edited to Quiteve by 61 Mech gunner in Ratel-90 32) 16°17′1"S 14°18′21"E, Cahama
Cahama
Cahama is a city of Cunene Province, Angola. The population is about 52,000.There is an airport to the north of the city....
16°17′0"S 14°19′0"E, and Mulondo (unsuccessfully probed by a company from X-Ray, which then proceeded to assist DELTA with taking Cuvelai).
(The build-up of forces in the Xangongo-Cahama area in mid to late December was intended to draw MPLA forces away from their Cuvelai stronghold. X-Ray departed the area on 29 December and the battle group engaged FAPLA 11 Brigade on 3 January at Cuvelai. The ensuing 11 hours battle saw the first use of T-55 tanks in a mobile capacity in Angola. The SANDF called up Olifant tanks to counter this new threat after the battle of Cuvelai. X-Ray proceeded as far north as the mine in Tshemutete after Cuvelai..... Added by 61 Mech gunner in Ratel-90 34 Charlie)
TASK FORCE DELTA-FOX (c. 600 men)
Task Force Delta's composition was based an unidentified Citizen Force battalion(82nd Mech)equipped with Ratel
Ratel IFV
The Ratel is the basic Infantry Fighting Vehicle of the South African National Defence Force's mechanized infantry battalions. Ratel is the Afrikaans name for the honey badger, which has a reputation as a ferocious fighter.-History:...
-20's, Ratel
Ratel IFV
The Ratel is the basic Infantry Fighting Vehicle of the South African National Defence Force's mechanized infantry battalions. Ratel is the Afrikaans name for the honey badger, which has a reputation as a ferocious fighter.-History:...
-90's and ENTAC
ENTAC
Entac or MGM-32A was a French MCLOS wire-guided Anti-tank missile. Developed in the early 1950s, the missile entered service with the French army in 1957...
launchers.
Commandant Faan Greyling headed this force.
Depending on who you read this unit either did quite well or was in deep trouble when it engaged the FAPLA 11 Mechanised Brigade supported by two Cuban battalions and a T-54 tank
Tank
A tank is a tracked, armoured fighting vehicle designed for front-line combat which combines operational mobility, tactical offensive, and defensive capabilities...
company outside Cuvelai 15°12′0"S 16°26′0"E, their objective.
COMBAT TEAM TANGO (Two company-sized strength)
The composition of Combat Team Tango consisted of two SWATFSWATF
The South West African Territorial Force was the forerunner of the Namibian Defence Force and was basically an extension or auxiliary of the South African Defence Force to combat the Namibian War of Independence. It was formed on 1 August 1980 from Southwest Africans serving as personnel in SADF...
company-based combat team from Sector 20, Echo company of 1 Parachute Bn and one company of 32 Bn. Their objectives were to capture Caiundo 15°43′24"S 17°27′32"E and disrupt SWAPO infiltration into South West Africa
South West Africa
South-West Africa was the name that was used for the modern day Republic of Namibia during the earlier eras when the territory was controlled by the German Empire and later by South Africa....
.
This stronghold on the eastern bank of the Cubango River was never a part of the original Askari Army plan. A platoon of Sector 20 was attacked on the night of 19/20 December. FAPLA recces had discovered that one platoon of this force were deployed outside the main defensive perimeter, and were much closer to Caiundo than they should have been. During the night FAPLA sent a Company to attack this platoon. This they did successfully, killing five and capturing one SWA Territory Force soldier, plus 13 light machine guns, 3 rifles, 3 radios, a 60 mm mortar and a Unimog. The two companies of Parachute and 32 Bn got pinned down in a minefield surrounding the military base resulting in heavy casualties. This set-back resulted in a switch of air activities from the Cahama and Mulondo fronts, to the unplanned for Caiundo area, which continued uninterrupted for the remainder of operation Askari. There was a substantial reduction in the air effort over the planned Askari key points, which reduced the pressure on the enemy and allowed FAPLA to remain in control of their troops and their emotions, in both Cahama and Mulondo.In spite of a large air effort over a period of 21 days, Caiundo was not taken. Despite a heavy air bombardment and a determined ground assault the FAPLA minefields and defensive bunkers remained intact. FAPLA's 53rd Brigade had reason to celebrate their successful defence of Caiundo against the SADF.
TASK FORCE ECHO-VICTOR (c. 500 men)
The composition of this task force was based on the 32nd Battalion. It is unclear how many companies were involved, but given the 500-man strength, this force probably composed of two to three motorized companies plus supporting arms.By 1983 the 32nd consisted of approximately seven motorized infantry companies plus a 82mm mortar platoon and a reconnaissance wing. By 1984, an anti-tank company with Ratel
Ratel IFV
The Ratel is the basic Infantry Fighting Vehicle of the South African National Defence Force's mechanized infantry battalions. Ratel is the Afrikaans name for the honey badger, which has a reputation as a ferocious fighter.-History:...
-90's, ENTAC
ENTAC
Entac or MGM-32A was a French MCLOS wire-guided Anti-tank missile. Developed in the early 1950s, the missile entered service with the French army in 1957...
and batteries of M-5 120mm mortars, Valkiri
Valkiri
The Valkiri is a South African self-propelled multiple rocket launcher developed in the 1980s by Somchem, a division of the Denel corporation....
and Ystervark had been added. It's unclear whether these latter attachments were in place for ASKARI, but I suspect that it was the results of ASKARI that suggested that the 32nd would need to be strengthened to contend with increased FAPLA opposition in the South African Border War
South African Border War
The South African Border War, commonly referred to as the Angolan Bush War in South Africa, was a conflict that took place from 1966 to 1989 in South-West Africa and Angola between South Africa and its allied forces on the one side and the Angolan government, South-West Africa People's...
.
A section of Eland Mk7
Eland Mk7
The Eland is a South African light armoured car based on the Panhard AML. Its permanent 4x4 drive gives it its mobility, and it can carry either a 90 mm quick firing low pressure gun, or a 60 mm breech loading mortar as main weapons...
s and 5.5 howitzers were attached to the 32nd for this operation.
Their objective was to disrupt SWAPO infiltration between Cuvelai and Cassinga
Cassinga
Cassinga is a former town in the Huíla province of southern Angola.The transliteration Kassinga is also commonly used, with the "K" being a mutation of the original Portuguese name either by German miners, or by indigenous people in whose language the letter "K" is also common...
.
TASK FORCE VICTOR (500 men)
The composition of Task Force Victor was unknown, although possibly a SWATFSWATF
The South West African Territorial Force was the forerunner of the Namibian Defence Force and was basically an extension or auxiliary of the South African Defence Force to combat the Namibian War of Independence. It was formed on 1 August 1980 from Southwest Africans serving as personnel in SADF...
unit such as the 101st or 102nd based in Ovamboland
Ovamboland
Ovamboland was the name given by English-speaking visitors to the land occupied by the Ovambo people in what is now northern Namibia and southern Angola...
. The 101 took part in Operation Modular
Operation Modular
Operation Modular was a military operation by the South African Defence Force during the South African Border War. It formed part of what has come to be called the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale....
and they were available in the theater in 1983. There objective was unknown.