The BBC has uncovered evidence of 321 people killed in a border raid by the Lords Resistance Army last December. The BBC story outlines the tragic massacre and the inability of the UN forces to protect the population. However, what caught my eye was this map detailing the raid:
From the map we can extrapolate (guess) some LRC techniques and strategies.
1. It is a raid in the purest form. The route is clearly designed to hit as many minor population centers in as short amount of time as possible. The main thrust occurs towards and then onto Poko Road, increasing the speed at which the attackers can travel. The raiders were planning on using speed and surprise to overcome any resistance from the government forces or peacekeepers.
2. The raiders likely split up. Notice on the first two days the raid made four attacks a piece. That is incredibly fast given the distance involved. According to the map key, the distance between the farthest two attacks on the first day is approximately 60-70km. That is too far for a single raid group to cover, especially considering that they are “country miles”.
3. The main operation (eight attacks) occurred in the first two days. The remaining three days involved only two additional attacks, either from fear of counterattack or being weighed down with loot and prisoners. Geographically, it is a shallow raid, the attackers are never far from the safety of the river, especially if they left a force in Mavanzongda to cover their backs.
I make no claim to expertise in military strategy or operations, and I hope readers with more knowledge in this area will be able to shed some light on the anatomy of the raid.
Here is a satellite view of the river crossing:
Christopher R. Albon is a political science Ph.D. specializing in armed conflict, public health, human security, and health diplomacy.
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