S. Africa Attacks Namibian Rebel Base in Angola; 41 Reported Slain

South African troops attacked a Namibian rebel base in southern Angola and killed 39 guerrillas while losing two men, military officials here announced Friday.

A South African army unit Thursday assaulted a base of the black nationalist South-West Africa People’s Organization, Maj. Gen. George Meiring of the South-West Africa Territory Force said in a statement.

It was the first major incursion by Pretoria government troops into Angola since July, 1985, according to a spokesman for the territorial force.

Namibian guerrillas have fought since 1966 to end South African rule over Namibia (South-West Africa). However, South Africa continues to govern the territory in defiance of U.N. resolutions to grant it independence.

Confirmation of Charges

Meiring’s announcement was the first confirmation of Angolan reports that South African troops again conducted operations inside southern Angola. The Marxist Angolan government periodically alleges South African incursions, sometimes deep into its territory.

The assault on the base, in Cunene province, coincided with the start of the annual rainy-season offensive of the guerrillas from southern Angolan bases into northern Namibia, when rains provide good ground cover.

“The attack was launched after security forces gained information that (the) terrorists were at the base training and preparing for the infiltration into Ovambo and other areas in South-West Africa,” the statement said.

Toll for Year Given

Meiring added that the 39 guerrilla casualties brought the rebel group’s death toll to 606 for the year, seven more than South African forces said were killed in all of 1985.

He said the attackers did not come in contact with Angolan government troops.

South Africa backs a major Angolan rebel movement, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola, led by Jonas Savimbi, in its war against the leftist authorities. The United States this year began providing military aid to Savimbi.

About 30,000 Cuban troops help the Angolan government fight Savimbi. South Africa says it will grant independence to Namibia when the Cubans withdraw.