B-26K Counter Invader (early)
US strike aircraft Before appearing in Vietnam, the B-26K Counter Invader attack aircraft managed to fight in another part of the world - in the Congo. In the 1960s, this Central African country found itself in a state of civil war. The United States of America supported the Congolese government against the rebels known as Simba. With the support of the CIA, a special aviation unit was formed, but political considerations prevented the use of American pilots. And then it was decided to use crews recruited from pilots of other countries for these tasks. Many of them were Cubans.
This air unit, also known as the 211th Squadron of the 2nd Group of the Congolese Air Force, provided air support to the government forces in the battles against the rebels. Since the use of bombs was prohibited, the B-26K Counter Invader inflicted fire damage with heavy machine guns and unguided rockets. Great firepower, long range and the lack of enemy air defense made these aircraft effective in the fight against insurgents.
In early 1965, some B-26Ks received their original markings, which were used as squadron insignia. It was a large black bull on a white background, copied from the label of a popular local beer brand, and the name Makasi. The name was translated as "very strong" or "strong as a bull".
