The World : Angola, S. Africa Battling

Angola said its forces are battling South African troops near the southeastern Angolan garrison town of Cuito Cuanavale and that both sides have suffered heavy losses. Angola’s news agency said 7,000 South African troops are in southern Angola, aided by planes and artillery. South Africa said four of its soldiers were killed over the weekend in fighting to help Angolan rebels under Jonas Savimbi, who have been fighting a civil war since Angola gained its independence from Portugal in 1975. At least three dozen South African soldiers have been killed since the Angolan conflict escalated last November.