From our correspondent on the border between Zolingani and the Republic of Tampo.
The highway between Likasi and Butumbura connects several strategic locations near the border between the two nations; four of them are the objectives of both countries.
The first of these is the bridge that crosses the Kalele River.
The second is the barracks of the border guards in the town of Boende.
The third, the Free Dukata radio station.
And finally, the Dougane Mission, governed by the Jesuits.
Zolingani's troops border the Kalele swamps in the direction of the small town of Boende.
But Pit O'Brian's light units manage to reach the border guards' barracks earlier and take up positions for their defense.
Opening fire immediately on the enemy column.
But the advance of Zoligani's troops does not stop. Coming out of the woods the armored battalion "Tangani" take control over the radio station.
But the abrupt appearance of the M41’s of the Tampo Republic threatens to wrest control of the strategic radio station from them.
O'Brian's column of jeeps is reinforced by motorized troops aboard veteran’s Saracen
But new irregular troops from Zolingani are sighted across the road.
Despite their potential strength, the armored units that control the radio station are increasingly surrounded by the Tampo mercenaries. Major Laterguy's armor bursts onto the road, crashing down on its flank.
The Panhard 90 manned by Cape Nuno Vieira immediately opens fire on the old T-34/85.
Reaching one of them who blown in pieces.
The T34’s unit commander is forced to back off, losing possession of the radio station.
O'Brian decides to cross the Kalele to reinforce Laterguy's positions on the station but in doing so he abandons the compatriots he has left behind.
He has chosen the worst moment since General Celestine Etumba orders his troops to disembark.
His objective: the newly landed mercenaries who occupy the barracks.
And that they resist the shots of the Zolingani infantry.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the river, Laterguy rush to take the station.
Just in time as a column of Zolingani armored vehicles is approaching from the nearby grove. Its strategic position will be vital to the coming confrontation.
And that they make themselves noticed immediately, destroying Vieira's vehicle, which is seriously injured. How long can Laterguy resists?
The overwhelming sound of the rotors of a Zolingani Mil Mi24 announces its arrival on the battlefield.
That he immediately launched a rocket attack on Lieutenant Higinio "Pipo" Piñeira's M41’s, a exiled Cuban in the service of the CIA, although without achieving any damage.
O'Brian amends his earlier mistake and crosses the bridge again to attack Etumba's troops, causing huge casualties on the fledgling soldiers.
Those who are forced to withdraw immediately. Bridge control seems assured.
But it is the radio station that is once again threatened by a renewed attack by the T34s.
Forcing Laterguy to ask for the help of Piñeira's tanks.
The obsolescence of the Zolingani tanks is evidenced by the firepower and precision of the M41 operated by the Cubans.
But the offensive to win back the station does not stop. New attacks from the grove again cause casualties on Laterguy's men.
And across the bridge new Zolingani units come into play.
Piñeira decides to try to evict the units from the grove. But the coverage works in favor of stubborn Zolinganies, who hold on to their position.
It is Laterguy who is finally forced to flee under the attacks of the Mil Mi 24...
...which now targets O'Brian's column.
Causing great damage to the light vehicles that make it up.
General Etumba believes that it is time to launch a full attack on the bridge and the barracks.
Rhodesian captain Van der Valt, commanding the mercenaries protecting the barracks, sees the only solution as assault the enemy's position.
The fury of the attack is imposed on his opponents causing huge casualties on Etumba's men.
But now it is the O'Brian jeeps who are overwhelmed by a new attack by the combat helicopter, which despite everything remains in position.
Piñeira’s tanks also suffer under fire from the BRMD-2 in the grove. His friend and compatriot Osvaldo San Roman disappears with his crew wrapped in a fireball caused by the repeated impacts of 14.5mm heavy machine guns.
Too little, too late. General Etumba orders the withdrawal.
The road from Likasi to Butumbura is under the complete control of the mercenaries.
