UNITA rebels flee into northwestern Zambia

A group of suspected UNITA rebels crossed into Zambia this week after fleeing fresh fighting in Angola’s southern Moxico province, AFP reported on Friday. Quoting government officials, the report said the rebels had entered Zambia on Monday. “The rebels are coming heavily armed. But we have stepped up security,” a senior Zambian intelligence officer was quoted saying. Reports on Friday said the Zambian army and air force were patrolling the border to protect Zambian villages. “It seems there is heavy fighting on the Angolan side and the rebels are running away because most of them have run out of bullets,” another Zambian intelligence officer said. Meanwhile, there were also reports of Angolan government soldiers reportedly crossing the border to harass Zambian villagers. In a separate development, reports on Friday said Zambian hostages being held captive by Angolan soldiers would be swapped for Angolan soldiers serving a nine-month jail term for illegally entering the country.