@BennyNgalim - I'll respond in a way that puts the last few months into context in terms of escalation of capabilities of Amba non-state armed groups (NSAGs). This builds on work of @billyb2009 and his article last month. We're all in service to #EndAnglophoneCrisis in #Cameroon.
Let's put the #Cameroon civil war into phases:
Phase 1: Sept 2017 (first organized attack against security forces since repression began in Oct 2016) to early-2018. NSAGs had limited capability (dane guns/shotguns) so welding a bit of steel plate to a HiLux was enough protection.
Phase 1: Sept 2017 (first organized attack against security forces since repression began in Oct 2016) to early-2018. NSAGs had limited capability (dane guns/shotguns) so welding a bit of steel plate to a HiLux was enough protection.
Phase 2: Goment establishes new military HQ at Bamenda/Bafut Airport (RMIA5) in Feb 2018 as violence continues to escalate. Some heavy armoured vehicles are re-deployed from Far North, but too heavy for most local (bad) roads and bridges. E.g. Chinese 07P IFV
Phase 2 (con't, 2018-2020): More light Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) are ordered and delivered to various security force branches. NSAGs are beginning to use modern (captured/smuggled) small arms, so better protection AND mobility required. Generally NATO B6 or B7 protection
Over 2018-2020, various vehicles arrive from UAE manufacturers (both Tarans, Pantheras below) and in late 2020 a handful arrive from a Canadian manufacturer (Hudsons). Other light APCs already in inventory used in NW/SW include Israeli Thunders & French Bastions.
Phase 3: By late 2020, #Cameroon goment claims victory with DDR program underway & reduced levels of violence. But by March 2021, it is apparent NSAGs have increased both IED & conventional weapons capabilities. Armoured Hiluxes are attacked, with devastating effects.
Phase 3: By mid-2021, NSAGs have moved from targeting the weaker, ad-hoc armoured vehicles in a convoy to attacking the light APCs directly. NATO level B6/B7 protection is not sufficient for IEDs, grenade launchers, RPGs, & 7.62mmx51 bullets. (Panthera on left, Hudson on right)
This is all to say this senseless war isn't over, most Cameroonians don't have a sense how hopeless many in security forces feel when they are deployed to NW/SW, and to #EndAnglophoneCrisis in #Cameroon it will take LOCAL and INTERNATIONAL attention now.
And Cameroon goment/security forces again learn the wrong lessons from the last few weeks:
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