Namibian Forces To Pursue UNITA Rebels Into Angola

WINDHOEK, Namibia (PANA) - President Sam Nujoma has reiterated that serious steps would be taken by Namibian security forces to pursue UNITA rebels inside Angolan territory should they continue to destabilise the Kavango and western Caprivi regions.
"No stone would be left unturned in dealing with UNITA bandits currently destabilising peace and stability in the two regions," he told parliament Wednesday after delivering his state of the nation address.

He was responding to a question by the leader of the Congress of Democrats, Ben Ulenga, on the worsening security situation in the regions.

UNITA increased attacks on the civilian population in the two regions reportedly after Nujoma announced that his government had decided to offer logistical support to the Angolan government troops.

The troops have been using Namibia's military airport facilities and others to launch attacks against the rebels in the southern parts of Angola which have been under UNITA control for the last three decades.

The situation then deteriorated to the extent that civilians in eastern Kavango and western Caprivi are currently sleeping in the bush fearing UNITA attacks, which mostly occur at night.

Civilian transportation between Rundu and Katima Mulilo is currently being escorted by the security forces after a number of people, including foreign tourists, travelling on the TransCaprivi highway, were killed by UNITA rebels.

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