Operations ‘Leopard’ and ‘Red Bean’ - Kolwezi 1978: French and Belgian Intervention in Zaire

This book provides a history of the roots of FNLC (Front for the National Liberation of the Congo: ex-Katanga Gendarmerie) in Angola and Zaire, political situation under Mobutu regime, FNLC incursions into Zaire border since 1977 ( Shaba Wars I and II ) and subsequent hostage taking in mining town of Kolwezi. The author describes the subsequent French Foreign Legion and Belgian Para Commando airborne operation and freeing of the hostages, together with practical destruction of the FNLC as fighting force. AUTHOR: For many years concentrating his research on the postcolonial wars around the globe, Daniel Kowalczuk has published in Poland for Kagero (‘Miliaria’ and ‘Aero’ magazines), Magnum X (‘Seas, Vessels and Warships’ and ‘Airforce’ magazines) and Warships magazine. 50-70 b/w and colour illustrations