Calquembe is located roughly halfway along the main road that links the provincial capitals of Lubango and Huambo.

Insecurity in the area means it is nearly impossible for locals to use the road to transport trade goods between the two cities.

As a result, the people of Calquembe and surrounding villages are reported to be suffering from a lack of food and other basic supplies, such as medicine.

Ambush

About 200 km north-west, on the outskirts of the city of Benguela, Unita troops also ambushed five vehicles on Thursday.

About 500,000 may have died in the long-running conflict

The local authorities have still not confirmed the number of dead and injured.

However, witnesses to the attack say two people were killed, 11 injured and the five trucks were completely burnt.

The ambush is the third time in five months that Unita have managed to enter the outskirts of Benguela, despite the presence of government troops and national police.

Military situation

Last Friday, President Eduardo dos Santos described the military situation as encouraging.

The war is much less intense and cannot hinder reconstruction and development, he said.

However, reports from across the country show that Unita continue to provide an enormous threat to security.

A week ago, the northern city of Uige was hit by rebel mortars.

Last weekend, 19 people were killed and 27 injured just 30 km from the central highland city of Quito.

In its latest press communique, Unita declared it will not enter into what it calls the games of disarmament.