ZIMBABWE has deployed more than 2000 soldiers, including 20 military intelligence officers to war-torn Angola, the Zimbabwe Independent reports on Friday. The Zimbabwean combat troops presence has reportedly powered the Angolan army to overrun Unita’s Jonas Savimbi, whose 22 year-old son recently deserted him accusing his father of being a brutal murderer. The 2000 soldiers now said to be in Angola were reportedly initially based in the DRC. They were moved to Angola about four months ago. Zimbabwe has some 11000 troops in the DRC. The newspaper quoted an unnamed source saying Zimbabwean’s mission is to “capture Savimbi physically just to show him that he is not a military powerhouse.” However Zimbabwe Defence Forces spokesman Colonel Chancellor Diye denied that Zimbabwean troops are assisting the Angolan army, saying the recent offensive was solely conducted by the Angolan forces.
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