The Astyrian Network

by **Dungeyland** » Mon Jul 18, 2016 11:24 am

New 'Clarent' nuclear deterrent for £16bn

Xiao Mei at King's.

NEW LONDON, DUNGEYLAND - Her Majesty's Government has announced its intentions to heed the advice of the ninth parliamentary defence review and commission a new Clarent series of ballistic missiles at the cost of £16bn, in addition to a much broader portfolio of defence spending worth £49bn in total.

The parliamentary defence review, led by Lord Overton, released its findings yesterday. Noting the increased tensions in the region, as well as the determination of Her Majesty's Government to protect Imperial interests by military means, the review recommended the replacement of the Empire's aging Ivanov-series ballistic missiles with a new permanent nuclear deterrent, which Her Majesty's Government christened 'Clarent' in its statement to the House of Commons yesterday.

However, the Overton review also noted the important conventional responsibilities held by the Empire in the region. In addition to instability on the Empire's southern border with Kamalbia, Imperial commitments in Insula Fera, in particular the military administration in Pangus, show every sign of escalating in the coming months. Though the War Secretary, the Rt. Hon. Olga Mitchell MP, claimed that 'there will be no arms race with the United Kingdom' in the government statement to the House, the Overton review comes in the light of Aquitaynian plans to add 150,000 troops to its standing army.

In that light, the findings of the Overton review, accepted by Her Majesty's Government, recommended an additional £33bn of conventional weaponry spending to supplement the Clarent programme. Most of this spending is expected to be allocated to the Air Ministry and the Army, given traditional Imperial weakness in these areas. However, two new battleships have also been commissioned, to be built in the ailing docklands of Rectaura. Sources within the Armed Forces are reported to be happy with the monetary allocations offered by the War Office.

Opposition to the Overton review has, however, been offered by the Conservatives and the Dangish Unionists in the Imperial Parliament. A Conservative spokesperson claimed that 'once again, the Liberals have failed to adequately minimise costs and ensure value for money, and are at risk of letting our brave servicemen and women down' with the party reported to launch a major new initiative in favour of diverting some of the Overton funds the Imperial intelligence agencies. The Dangish Unionists offered their support to the core findings of the Overton review, but argued for less funding on Clarent in favour of more spending on the Imperial fleet.

by **Blackhelm Confederacy** » Mon Jul 25, 2016 11:28 am

Outright Lies! Rombergian Kaiser Lies to Astyria

The Kaiser of Romberg, Johann von Lenesov, is quickly becoming regarded as one of the least trustworthy leaders in all of Astyria, according to recent polls. The fallout stems from the recent announcement by the Rombergian government, which seeks to lay claim to a vast tract of land in the Lorecian tundra, something which von Lenesov categorically denied having any intentions of doing. When pressed on the subject, the Rombergian leader claimed "Anti-colonialism is always a central tenet to Rombergian foreign doctrine', and even went so far as to guarantee Valeria Ravenclaw that there was no intention to permenantly establish a Rombergian presence in the area.

An emergency meeting of EATA officials has been called in Paradise City, and it is expected that a round of sanctions will be leveled against the Rombergian state witin a short time. The EATA is expected to join a number of other organizations and states in their condemnation of what is nothing short of a landgrab.

Paradisa University and the Confederate Foreign Ministry have also stated that they have no intention of removing their researchers from the area, and do not recognize any Rombergian claim to the area. As such, both armed and unarmed Confederate personnell are expected to remain until their mission is over.

The level of treachery displayed by the Rombergian people is nothing short of shocking in this instance, but we might remain hopeful that the soon to be announced sanctions will do their job, and the people of the Lorecian tundra will be free once again.

National Archives · by **Ord Caprica** » Tue Jul 26, 2016 1:31 am

OOC: First News post in over a year. Constructive criticism is welcome.

Romberg Colonial Ambitions sanctioned?
Dozens of nations across Astyria contemplate sanctions after the Rombergian Kaiser,Johann von Lenesov announces intentions to colonize the Lorecian tundr
James McManus (@JayMcManus)

^{July 26, 2016 6:00 AM | Ulysses, C.D, United States of Caprica}

The Lorecian tundra that Kaiser Johann von Lenesov proclaimed would be colonized by Romberg UP photo

Ulysses, C.D., Caprica-Kaiser Johann von Lenesov finds himself in hot water after intentions to colonize the northern tundra lands of Lorecia have resulted in talks of sanctions by the governments of the Blackhelm Confederacy, Aquitayne and Riysa. Yesterday's evening edition of the BCNN was decidedly anti-Rombergian and officials from the Confederate and Aquitayne government's were none to blessed with Kaiser's plan.

World leaders are laying claims of imperialism, colonialism and chiefly duplicity at the feet of the Rombergian leader. Officials within the Confederate government speaking under a condition of anonymity have revealed that the Kaiser had indicated that Romberg had no interest in colonization, specifically in Lorecia back in January and this sudden change in policy has completely caught senior officials within the government completely off guard. One confederate official was quoted saying, ''[Kaiser Johann] blatantly lied to us about their intentions in Lorecia and now they're trying to backpedal as quickly as they can.''

Recently when the Rombergian head of state as questioned on the matter, said that ''[Romberg] has no intention of permanently establishing a presence in the area''. That statement completely contradicts a speech he made just a week prior in the Royal Palace of Romberg were he stated that he intended to '' reincorporate our long lost brothers and sisters back into the Realm.''. Jeffry Rude, a senior geopolitical analyst with CBC had this to say about the Kaiser's speech. ''The [speech] is full of fancy doublespeak but he lays it out plainly for us that he want's to annex the Lorecian tundra for it's strategic resources and is using the fact that the current inhabitants might be distantly related cousins who speak something that resembles a bastard form of their language. It's a classic 20th century land grab. One that has failed miserably.''

Eastern Astyrian Treaty Alliance officials have called for a emergency meeting in Paradise City to discuss the possibility of EATA-wide sanctions against the Rombergian government . King Uhtred of Braedenholm of Serretes released this statement when asked for his thoughts on the situation, '' The Rombergian government's movement into Lorecia is a blatant act of imperialism, and we will go about sanctioning Romberg in the near future''. With more than a dozen members, the EATA is one of the largest economic blocs in the world and if EATA-wide sanctions are leveled against Romberg, experts say the results could be catastrophic.

Even non-EATA nations are debating imposing sanctions on the arctic country. Officials within The Constitutional Monarchy of Aquitayne have revealed that the opposition is intent on introducing legislation authorizing heavy sanctions against Romberg in the upcoming legislative session. Opposition leader, Kirk Macklin told reporters during a press conference yesterday morning ''The Opposition believes that the move made by the Kaiser is a dangerous one. Not only is he going to find the land inhospitable, terrorist organizations run rampant throughout, and the almost arrogant tone he gave when telling the region the land was Rombergian was, frankly, offensive. The Opposition will be leading calls for sanctions against Romberg.'' Mr. Macklin also revealed his opinion that the Glisandian government was pressured into signing the treaty that the Kaiser mentioned in his speech as ''agreements with the parties concerned''.

The Rombergian government has repeatedly declined to give a statement to the increasingly vocal call for sanctions and that the Kaiser reverse his decision to authorize the colonization of the Lorecian tundra.

Notably absent from the string of world leaders declaring their intent to place sanctions on Romberg, is Caprican President Kenway who in a statement released by the Bright Hill Press Office said, '' [That] until there is conclusive proof that Romberg has acted in violation of international law or infringed on the people of Northern Loceria's right to self determination, there will be not punitive repercussions against the Rombergian government. '' Experts say that the President is attempting to preserve relations with the arctic nation as the annual Winter Tiger exercises between the U.S and Romberg approach. In addition; officials close to the President say that Kenway considers Romberg a key player in the fight to bring the GGA to justice for it's crimes. Foreign Office did disclosed plans for Marcus Smith, U.S Ambassador to the Eastern Astyrian Treaty Alliance to travel to Paradise City later on this week in time for the emergency session called by the Blackhelm Confederacy. Caprican politicians on all sides of the floor are urging all democratic nations to remain united as terrorist organizations across the globe are ramping up attacks against the west.

Is it realistic?

Despite the incredibly strong rhetoric, many analysts say the likelihood of extensive economic sanctions against Romberg are incredibly unlikely. Romberg was a vital player in the liberation of territories seized by the Yellow Star Republic during the conflict in Lorencia and their presense is still needed in operations to secure the region post conflict. With a population of more than one hundred million, Romberg is too big of a asset in the economy of Lorecia and too big of a player in regional security to risk them pulling troops out of the region and leaving Glisandia to fend for itself against the God's Glisandian Army or GGA, a particularly vicious and active terrorist organization that's become a major security problem since the restoration of the monarchy in Glisandia.

In addition; Romberg has deeply established trade relations with a number of the largest economics in the world, notably the United States of Caprica, Kobolis and the Aurora Confederacy, major sanctions against the Greater United Realms is likely to have serious repercussions across the global economy. So far regional markets have remained stable despite rampant speculation on the future of the Rombergian and Glisandian economies, but who is to say that such calm will last if lasting sanctions are indeed enacted against Romberg.

Scientific Research Continues

Despite talks of sanctions for major powers; it is telling that researchers conducting studies, some of which have proven DNA links and linguistic similarities between modern Rombergians and Northern Locerians are still authorized to continue their work and there has been no talks about pulling them out. In a separate statements earlier this week, both the Confederate Foreign Ministry and officials from Paradisa University have stated that ''they have no intention of removing their researchers from the area''. Leading researchers on the expedition to Lorecia haven't been able to be reached for comment but reports have indicated that there is not a plan in place to remove them in the near future.

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by **Aquitayne** » Tue Jul 26, 2016 11:50 pm

OFAC Releases Sanctions Program against Romberg

By JESSICA ALBRIGHTJuly 28, 2016

OFAC Director Reginald Dwyer discusses the sanctions at a briefing on July 28, 2016.

Office of Foreign Asset Control, Telora -

The Office of Foreign Asset Control, or OFAC for short, is the department of the Ministry of the Treasury that oversees sanctions programs undertaken by the government of Aquitayne. Following last night's hasty vote in the Magnust Magnatus that resulted in H.R.A 1992 getting passed by a small majority by the Opposition coalition, Prime Minister James Zaeir was tasked to create and implement a sanctions program under the advisement of the Ministry of the Treasury and the Foreign Office. The move comes after a shocking announcement by Kaiser Johann VI Lenesov that the United Realms of Romberg laid claim to the previously unclaimed land mass known around the region as the Western Tundra, situated just west of Glislandia, a small and war-torn country that was engulfed in the recent Plattesian Adler crisis.

Many of the Common Representatives in the People's Party were outraged after hearing about the move by the Kaiser, after weeks of assurances that Romberg - despite outward appearances - was not making any moves towards annexing the Western Tundras. The Kaiser previously began justifying the annexation during an interview with Valeria Ravenclaw of the BCNN on her Tour of the Region, where he stated that Rombergian troops had discovered manuscripts dating back to a failed colony in the region and that they had evidence the current inhabitants of the area were direct descendants of Rombergians, which most of the scientific community agrees with.

However, it was the Kaisers statements on national television earlier this week that sparked outrage in Aquitayne. The Kaiser painted the annexation as entering "a new era", going so far as to say that "we [Romberg], the nation, are the primary holders of the claim to the northern tundra lands of Lorecia." It was this statement that fully announced Romberg's intent to annex the lands, though the Kaiser never stated that outright. He also went on to detail how the government planned to revitalize the area through more advanced agricultural technology and infrastructure improvements. Our foreign affairs analyst, John Albright, said that "it looks like Romberg is gearing up for major industrial development in the region. What that means exactly isn't clear, but what it does mean is that they're not going to a push-over."

It is true that Rombergian troops have been in the area for months, guarding a Rombergian scientific outpost conducting research into the origins of the native people living there. Nevertheless, the statements made by the Kaiser were immediately heard in Aquitayne, with the Magnust Magnatus holding an emergency session late last night, with the Commons chamber erupting into chaos for about 20 minutes before the Speaker was finally able to quiet the chambers down and H.R.A 1922, the bill authorizing the Prime Minister to enact sanctions, was voted on and passed.

The sanctions being levied against Romberg are extensive. The OFAC director, Reginald Dwyer, said to Telora Tribune reporter that the scale of the sanctions were "very extensive", and went on to say that, given the current heading and anticipated investment Romberg is going to put into the Western Tundra, "the financial ramifications for them [Romberg] could easily enter the tens of billions."

Likewise, when asked about Aquitayne's oil security, given that Romberg is a major oil exporter to not only Aquitayne but the United Kingdom as a whole, Mr.Dwyer stated ambiguously that "the Foreign Office is currently in talks with a few different nations on securing the oil imports we've lost." Most economists agree that the most likely new importer of oil is going to be Nikolia, a rising trade partner for Aquitayne in the west and a scheduled trip for His Majesty in the coming weeks.

It remains unclear how Romberg will react to the stiff sanctions the Parliament has enacted, but what is clear is Aquitayne's distaste for the current heading of Romberg's international presence.
_________

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by **Trellin** » Wed Aug 03, 2016 6:18 pm

Foreign ministry advises Cadenzans to cut ties with Romberg
» Commerce Board to lodge complaint against 'severe' Aquitaynian sanctions

By Carenter ti'Meda, 04/08/'16

Following a diplomatic faux pas in north-central Lorecia and subsequent widespread sanctions against the Rombergian government, the foreign ministry has advised Cadenzan citizens and businesses to leave Romberg and cease trading with the recently ostracised north Astyrian island nation. The Commerce Board has also compiled and published a set of guidelines for Cadenza businesses to avoid being hit with the same sanctions already applied to numerous Rombergian individuals and others who have not cut their ties with the country.

After Romberg's contentious involvement in Glisandia and the Western Tundra was revealed to be a prelude to claims on a large region of stateless territory, Aquitayne and the East Astyrian Treaty Alliance slammed the island state with heavy sanctions. Aquitayne has further threatened to sanction any foreign entities involved in the Western Tundra. Even entities with only an indirect association with the region are under threat, reportedly, of being hit with what the Commerce Board has described as "unduly severe sanctions [...] even accepting the unprecedented occupation of the Western Tundra."

Azara Fa'leh-Tirest, Chairman of the Commerce Board, is expected to lodge a formal complaint with the Aquitaynian government, in protest against its collateral damage. The Cadenzan economy, among the most interconnected in Astyria, is expected to take a noticeable hit from the loss of Rombergian business. The Commerce Board, by "reluctant necessity", published an action plan for businesses in Cadenza to distance themselves from the developing political crisis while minimising potential damage to their own balance sheets.

In Romberg, the fallout is expected to be catastrophic for the national economy. Almost immediately upon the annunciation of sanctions, first by Aquitayne and then by almost the entire EATA, the Rombergian stock exchange dropped over three thousand points. Damages were substantial as well to the issuers of sanctions and to Romberg's major trading partners, spurring protests by nonpartisan sections. The Cadenzan government does not join other members of the Tel Al-Riyah Pact in sanctioning Romberg - Aquitayne being the initiator, and Riysa expected to follow suit in coming days - but has privately expressed its displeasure to the Rombergian government.

Romberg's Lorecian pretensions have already had severe consequences for the country, with further impacts anticipated on regional economies. Some analysts have predicted that the extent of the damage will exceed anything since the last major global downturn. There remains hope that the overall impact can be mitigated before there is a severe impact on Cadenzan stock exchanges, but with further sanctions still to come it remains to be seen whether Romberg will back down.

The extent to which the country's claims on the region are authentic or fabricated is still unknown, but there are many who doubt Romberg's claim on the Western Tundra. Nevertheless, it seems the claim has been long in the making, and commentators in the Imperial College of Ro'ekha doubt the country will back down in a hurry. "The hit to their reputation would be irreparable", said Professor Tariq Rizuya. "They must hold out for a little while, as much for their own pride as to save face in the long-term." Whether Romberg will hold out for a little while or refuse to back down altogether has yet to be seen. For the time being, neutral Astyria waits with bated breath.

by **Aquitayne** » Wed Aug 03, 2016 6:18 pm

Ministry of Defense Aerial Re-invigoration Program Complete

By JESSICA ALBRIGHTAugust 3, 2016

An MC.s 82 Illusion FD aircraft takes off from the deck of the HMS Orion.

Ministry of Defense, Telora -

The Ministry of Defense announced today that the highly publicized Aerial Re-invigoration Program, ARP, had been completed with the final delivery of an MC.s 82 Illusion aircraft to Air Station Laughlin in Ceria earlier this morning. This milestone marks a 7 year weapons upgrade for the Aquitaynian Air Force, Royal Marines, and Navy, which cost the Aquitaynian taxpayers over $190,000,000,000 (yes, that's billion) Aeros. The program was launched with fan-fare at the beginning of 2008, when the Joint Strike Fighter program completed its development phase and the Veranan F-29 "Warrior" stealth fighter rolled off of the production lines and into the hands of the Aquitaynian Air Force.

The concept behind the F-29 lead most of the flag staff to believe it would rapidly become the backbone of the Aquitaynian air defense system, but it would quickly take a back seat to the MC.s 82 Illusion, which was a somewhat cheaper alternative that offered much of the same advanced technological capabilities and more in a less expensive package. Even so, the Ministry of Defense had ordered a total of 350 F-29's of varying variety; the Royal Marines exclusively purchased the SVTOL version, a fighter capable of landing on their Amphibious Assault Ships.

The Aquitaynian Navy revamped its carrier air wings with the MC.s 82 Illusion models F and FD, a single seat and two-seat aircraft, respectively. The Navy ultimately spent almost $30 billion Aeros on the modernization of their carrier air wings, and the price tag for the Air Force dwarfs that at a whopping $142.45 billion Aeros. Originally, the re-invigoration program was only supposed to cost the taxpayers $90 billion Aeros total, but it was announced in 2013 that the original target budget would be exceeded. At the time, the Ministry of Defense neglected to estimate by how much the budget would overrun, but it seems they have now embraced the cost overrun of the original budget and are praising the program for keeping Aquitayne on the leading edge of regional defense practice.

A MoD spokesman, Lieutenant Jared Mayer, stated that "the Ministry of Defense is pleased with the advancement of our aerial assets thanks to the ARP program, and is content with the budget overrun sustained during the execution of the program." When pressed about why the costs of the program exceeded the original target by over $50 billion Aeros, the spokesman said that "the Ministry of Defense understood that funding for this program would only be around for a short time, and wanted to maximize the possibilities to increasing our national defense. We believe that, though the costs did exceed the original target goals greatly, this completely reshaped air spectrum for the Aquitaynian national defense trumps any budgetary oversight."

The MoD further pointed out that prior to the ARP program coming into effect, the Aquitaynian military had been using out-dated AF-77 Vikingr fighter aircraft, jets that were proven to be unreliable and inefficient not only in combat but as well as stand-by readiness, often having mechanical failures and other mishaps. A Parliamentary committee that was tasked to review the purchase of the Vikingr found in 2004 that the only reason the MoD had purchased so many was to ensure the financial future of a domestic aircraft manufacturer, which has since declared bankruptcy.

When broken down, the Ministry of Defense received 375 new aircraft every year for the past 7 years, on average (this number is not truly accurate, as the MoD points out that smaller quantities of aircraft were delivered for shorter periods of time, opening up their budgetary spending to be used towards some of the larger orders after completion). Overall, the Ministry of Defense spend an average of $27,386,857,142.85 NationStates Dollars every year for the ARP program, resting for a total price tag of $192,428,000,000.00 NationStates Dollars for the entire overhaul of over 98% of Aquitayne's military aircraft.

Proponents of the enormous price tag state that the large spending is justified, as the nation is entering an increasingly tense political climate and with the ongoing insurgency in Insula Fera, the ARP program couldn't have finished at a better time. Common Representative Michael Schwartz stated that "the ARP program has secured Aquitayne's aerial dominance for the next thirty years. Not only are we a more capable fighting force than before ARP, we are a more cost-effective and efficient fighting force than ever before."

Only time will tell how the ARP program impacts Aquitaynian military practice, but it is clear that the Ministry of Defense has placed one of the biggest bets on the Aquitaynian taxpayer in their history. A full chart provided by the MoD can be found below:

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by **Lexmark** » Fri Aug 05, 2016 4:40 pm

[ ENGLISH VERSION ]|BY MIREILLE LAURENT|MLAURENT@SRN.CO.SR

Citadelle Royán, Royán Prefecture+

The Seraphic Republic of Cassonne continues to endure the unendurable as rescue workers battle dangerous conditions in an effort to bring massive fires in the Lords Quarter of Citadelle Royán under control on the heels of a massive, coordinated terrorist attack wrought tremendous devastation on the historic Olde Towne settlements. Tens of thousands of relief workers have poured into the city in an effort to bring the chaotic situation under control, as the rescue and recovery operation enters its twenty-third hour.

“This deplorable attack on the free people of La Republique will not stand,” Commandant Jacques Caron of the Seraphic Republic’s Grande Armée stated during a 2 PM Cassonnaise Time press briefing. “The full and total resources of the Grande Armée are being devoted to hunting down those responsible and putting them to the sword, bringing them to heel, and wiping them from the remembrance of history.”

"The blood of the Cassonnaise people shed will be repaid seven-fold," he concluded.

Approximately 17,000 people remain unaccounted for following Thursday evening’s unprecedented attack, more than half of whom include senior government officials. The official casualty reports have not yet been released to the public, but conservative estimates place the number of dead at well over 1,000, with another 6,000 sustaining life-threatening injuries. The blasts ignited fire storms in the Lords Quarter, with the blazes aided by unusually dry weather in the capital basin along with the abundance of wooden structures in the old city square region. It is believed that senior government officials, including Chancellor Laurent may be trapped inside his bunker in the Chancellery, itself a victim of the attack. His present condition is unknown.

The vast array of historic buildings and preserved homesteads in the Quarter are making rescue efforts difficult, along with the preponderance of debris choking the area's narrow alleys and streets.

"Those responsible for this heinous atrocity knew exactly how to hit us," Clair Yun, the deputy director of the capital city's EMS agency commented during the afternoon press briefing. "Rescue efforts are being hindered by the sheer scale of the devastation on hand. The initial blasts are a pittance compared to the fire storm the blasts unleashed. But our people are working around the clock to bring the situation under control."

The attack took place shortly before 7:30 PM local time, on the eve of the opening of the Summer Session of the national parliament assembly. According to preliminary reports, at least two dozen high-yield explosives were simultaneously detonated throughout the Lords Quarter of Citadelle Royán, the nerve center of the Republican government and the heart of its historic and foreign mission district. While not confirmed as yet, it is believed that the initial blasts were bolstered by the targeting of gas mains in the area.

The terrorist group Oiseaux de Proie, or Birds of Prey have claimed responsibility for the attack on social media.

Rescue and recovery efforts in the capital will continue around the clock; in the interim, martial law remains in effect throughout the nation, with a 7:30 PM curfew enforced under penalty of summary arrest and corporal punishment. Grande Armée officials estimate remaining fires will be brought under control within five hours. Debris-clearing operations are already underway in areas where the blaze has been brought under control, but official clean-up operations will carry on indefinitely for the foreseeable future.

"As long as our nation's heart and soul suffers, we'll be here to provide comfort," Yun said.

RELATED TOPICS OF DISCUSSION IN GOVERNMENT NEWS

Citadelle Royán EMS struggle to cope with the carnage in Quartier Seigneurs.
Displaced residents in the capital struggle to find missing loved ones, friends.
Grande Armée Chairman: "We will hunt the perpetrators to the end of Earth."

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^{© S.R.N. Central Bureau — Foreign Edition 2016 (Credit to Virana)}

by **Riysa** » Fri Aug 05, 2016 5:52 pm

Zaayid Harith
Tel al-Riyah, Riysa

Protesters decry the tyranny of Kaiser Johann von Lenesov, and call for the downfall of the Rombergian government outside the Rombergian Embassy in Tel al-Riyah.

With their latest claims on the Western Tundra territories, the Rombergians have once again proved that imperialism is far from dead. Their vile actions have had a surprisingly unifying effect on all of Astyria, with members from every trade bloc united in voicing their displeasure towards the greedy ajnabis of the North. No where else can this be felt more than in Tel al-Riyah, where the stench of imperialism has triggered an innate sense of anger found in all Arabs, themselves common victims of the colonialists. Since the moment the tyrant Johann made his announcement, spontaneous demonstrations across Riysa and outside the embassy in Tel al-Riyah have been non-stop. The populace demanded a right to these wrongs, and by Allah, the Za'im plans to deliver.

Earlier today, the Za'im, his face seething with righteous anger, brought us to the forefront of the diplomatic effort against the Rombergian menace. While we aren't the first to declare sanctions, let it not be said that we haven't brought forth the heaviest, for the time spent was time that allowed the Mukhabarat and the Za'im to most effectively prepare to hurt them where it would hurt the most.

Starting off with an impassioned speech against the dangers of imperialism, and a congratulations to the united front of nations participating in the sanctions, he then moved on to declare that Riysa would not leave her allies behind at any crisis, and especially not now. He then proceeded to read off the sanctions planned:

1. Seizure of all Rombergian financial assets in Riysa, including operating businesses. These funds will immediately be put to use by Riysa for the good of all of us.

2. A total trade ban on ALL products to Romberg, in particular food products and luxury goods consumed by the tundra nation, as well as freezing all Riysian businesses from doing business on Rombergian soil. The Za'im declared that any deficits incurred by this ban - sure to be small - would be immediately recuperated by increased trade with friendly SACTO and Astyrian nations.

3. Travel bans on ALL persons carrying a Rombergian passport; those in Riysa or al-Raha, or traveling through Riysa or al-Raha, will processed and deported back to their home country. In particular, the Za'im singled out the tyrant of Romberg, the commanders of the Rombergian military, Freiin von Christianborg of the prominent von Christianborg family, Caspar von Hippel of the Foreign Ministry, and Dr. Tassilo Branda of the Western Tundra expedition, as persona non grata until further notice. While many outside Riysa may be surprised at putting a "civilian" on the list, the Za'im denounced Dr. Branda's efforts in the Western Tundra to link it to Rombergian ancestry, claiming it to be "no different than the SS expeditions of Nazi Germany.", pointing out that the team's work there helped precipitate the crisis.

4. Denial of Rombergian-flagged ships and Rombergian airline carriers from making stops in Riysian maritime and airports. The Za'im declared that since the Rombergians were no longer welcome in Riysian territory, no comfort or quarter should be given to any of them.

Furthermore, the Za'im declared that a sea route blockade would be put into effect along Rombergian routes to Tundra border countries, in particular the Aurora Confederacy route. While he gave no specifics on how it would be done, he assured us all that the Riysian Navy would be ensuring that the Rombergians would not be able to access their ill-gotten gains.

Adding on to that point, the Za'im revealed plans for naval and air force build up. The ballistic missile submarine force would be expanded with a new flight of Tishreen II-class submarines, with added measures learned from the development of the Muatadi and Huzayran class submarines, while he maintained that the reliable Mansour-class attack submarines would be built until the 2020s to bolster the nuclear submarine attack force. More TaH-29S attack planes would be recruited to replace the Tornadoes in service, while some would be upgraded alongside the rest of the Riysian CAS force. Plans for the Army have been understandably secretive, but there does not seem to be any change in funding compared to last year. This level of commitment to our brave young men, unmatched in Astyria, ties excellently with the recent announcement of military buildup by our allies - indeed, the TARP grows stronger every day!

In all cases, the message being sent is clear. While no one can predict the future, it is certain that, if the Rombergian tyrant-kings have any modicum of intelligence left, they will take heed and back down before all is ruined for them. Otherwise, the Za'im has promised them failure in the markets, and embarrassment on the battlefield; all at the hands of the Riysians! At such an important hour, one can only pray - for their sake - that they can swallow their pride. This has been Zayid Harith, Tel al-Riyah, Riysa.

National Archives · by **Ord Caprica** » Sat Aug 06, 2016 12:45 am

Aquitayne & Serretes level heavy sanctions against Romberg
The governments of Aquitayne and Serretes have authorized major economic sanctions against the Romberg in response to it's claim over the sparsely populated western tundra region.
James McManus (@JayMcManus)

^{August 5, 2016 6:00 AM | Ulysses, C.D, United States of Caprica}

The international markets respond to sanctions against Romberg UP photo

Ulysses, C.D., Caprica-Following a extraordinary session of the Magnust Magnatus in the United Kingdom, a coalition led by the His Majesty's loyal opposition, passed legislation authorizing incredibly heavy sanctions against Romberg, aimed at punishing the country for revealing intentions to colonize parts of the sparsely populated Western Tundra region, in mid-July of this year.

These sanctions comes on the heels of a widespread condemnation of the Rombergian government after it expressed it's intent to begin exerting sovereign control over the area, in a sparsely populated area of Central Lorecia.

The Aquitaynian sanctions have been described as severe, comprehensive and ''game-changer'' by senior economic analysts from around the globe. The Director of the Office of Foreign Asset Control, the government agency tasked with oversight over the sanctions programme has gone on record saying that the sanctions ''could [easily] enter the tens of billion of dollars''. The major targets of the legislation, passed in a emergency session on the 27th of last month, will be commerce and industry directly related to operations dealing with the disputed Western Tundra region and the Rombergian petroleum industry. Government officials, business leaders and paramilitary organizations operating under the Rombergian government or with it's blessing in the region will be limited in their ability to conduct commerce with and through the United Kingdom though non-affiliated individuals have been spared the bulk of limitations.

In addition to Aquitaynian sanctions, King Uhtred of Serretes has announced even more severe sanctions against the Rombergian government in a press conference in Saartholm several days ago. In a short press briefing given to a number of political correspondents, King Uhtred railed against the Kaiser and Romberg's decision to assert sovereignty over the Western Tundra region calling the move, '' [A] blatant act of imperialism'' and made statements comparing Romberg's actions to sexual assault and slavery. The youthful monarch indicated that he feared that if left unpunished, that the Kaiser might be emboldened to make similar claims in the future, particularly against Serretes.

Many foreign policy analysts have fired back against King Uhtred's comments as ''ignorant fear mongering and scapegoating'' as Romberg-Serretes relations have always been cordial in the past and sparring a major diplomatic disaster, it would be unlikely for the two nations to come into any major conflict. Daniel Knickerbocker, former Chief of Staff to President Underwood, responded to Serretes' sanctions saying, '' If King Uhtred focused more on the well being and safety of his people then maybe he wouldn't have to worry about other country's doing his job better than him.'' Mr. Knickerbocker, now a consultant for Bright Hill could not be reached for comment.

However, his statements do elucidate current and former public officials indifference the global trend of anti-colonialism. The Kenway administrations notable refusal to level it's own sanctions against Romberg and reportedly strong opposition to widespread EATA trade sanctions against the same has baffled foreign policy analysts and foreign leaders alike.

President Kenway, whose insurgent bid for the Liberal Democrat presidential nomination in 2013 and subsequent presidential campaign is uncharacteristically silent on the issue, with Bright Hill only recently commenting on the growing foreign policy crisis saying, ''[that] The Kenway Administration expressly unilaterally condemns all acts of passive or overt imperialism, no matter the form they take.'' Opponents have called President Kenway too lax on the issue and are urging the President to consider sanctions against Romberg. Senior officials within the administration have revealed confidentially that presidential advisers are fighting ''day and night'' to keep economic sanctions off the table, in the hopes of preserving Romberg's ability to fight sectarian violence perpetuated by the God's Glisandian Army or GGA in the region. There are unconfirmed reports that the United States ambassador to the EATA, Jonathon Michaels with be heading to Paradise City for the third time in just as many weeks to again urge the organization to reconsider it's harsh economic sanctions against Romberg.

Will the Kaiser back down?

In Holmgard, Kaiser Johann von Lenesov has been just as tight lipped as the Kenway Administration on the situation with the Kaiser's office refusing to offer any comment on the government's response to sanctions and it's increasingly negative public reputation. Sources close to the Kaiser have reported that the elderly statesmen has retreated to his quarters and refusing to speak to any other than his closest advisers about the situation.

Senior Rombergian government officials have expressed fears that might fold under the mounting pressure and relinquish claims on the Western Tundra and give in to international demands for the complete withdrawal of Rombergian troops from the region.

If the Kaiser does order the government to back out of the area, there are fears that while it would outwardly be a political victory for the anti-Romberg coalition, that it would set a dangerous precedent for global diplomatic relations were disagreements between nations are settled with biting economic sanctions and juvenile ''cold shoulder'' behavior. The lack of dialogue with Holmgard is equally worrying if the Kaiser decides to not back down and instead continue you with the planned annexation and eventual industrialization of the region. A fracturing now in the anti-GGA coalition in Central Lorencia could throw a major metaphorical wrench in plans to combat the terrorist organization and global terrorism in general. If the powers that be can't find a way to get along now with winding down of combat operations against the Yellow Star Republic, how can they be expected to fight increasingly violent and sophisticated global terrorism?

Market Repercussions

Markets across the world reported record losses in past few weeks as investors begin to liquefy their assets in the face of uncertainty over the stability of the Central Lorencia region and the growing sanctions against the Rombergian government. The Caprica City Stock Exchange(CCSE) reported losses of more than 40 billion Talents in the last 30 days.

Investors are beginning to pull out of industries associated with Central Lorencia and Romberg and are converting their money to more liquid assets like precious metals or just plain cash.

Securities Exchanges across the globe reported less severe losses during the same time period with countries with extensive commercial dealings with Romberg reporting the greatest losses. Sources have reported that the United States Federal Reserve Bank will issue new guidelines by the end of the quarter advising investment banks to avoid purchasing Rombergian government bonds in fear that the sanctions will hamper the government's ability to pay back it's external debt in the future. It is also speculated that senior policy advisers to the U.S central bank are advising their private sector peers to refrain from investing in countries with severe sanctions against Romberg as a temporary measure to protect the market from a potential run on foreign investments if tensions escalate further.

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by **Aurora Confederacy** » Sat Aug 06, 2016 7:41 am

THE FORUM
The Voice of the nation

As Rombergian Tanks rolled into the tundra the other day a new era in global relations with Romberg was brought about as the Keiser's government chose to annex a large portion of land on our doorstep. This action has lead to mass condemnation from across the globe with sanctions placed against the government of Romberg and now eyes are placed on us to see what our reaction is going to be.

In a statement issued to day by the civic forum of the mercantile federal republic, Zafferana had this to say "fellow citizens of the Aurora Confederacy, please be safe in the knowledge that the Aurora Confederacy is keeping a close eye on the developing situation and that possible sanctions are being discussed in the forum over the coming week. The Aurora Confederacy however is not happy with the actions of the Keiser, and in the coming days will be summoning the Rombergian ambassador to the high council to explain his governments actions, actions which have had a serious effect on regional stability. The border with the Barrenlands to our east have, under reccomendation of the Astyrian Affairs Committee have been formally closed and will remain closed for the forseable future until the situation comes about that enables us to safely reopen the border". Vessels using the canal that crosses the small portion of Auroran soil are now subject to search and will remain so due to sanctions placed down by other nations of the Astyrian region.

AND WHAT IF THE SITUATION BECOMES HOT?
Currently with the situation simmering away on our doorstep, the last thing that would be desirable would be for an increase in hostilities, with our population being one of the smallest in Astyria as 1/3 of our 10 million population made from overseas migrants with rights to reside, the Aurora Confederacy will be calling for a meeting of all regional leaders to be held in the city of Ris'Tia'Ana to be held in the coming weeks. The Aurora Confederacy will as yet not be taking up arms against Romberg but will be seeking a diplomatic resolution to the current diplomatic crisis.

by **Zitru** » Sat Aug 06, 2016 12:17 pm

English | Kaltrüzer
The Raedburg Times
RAEDBURG | ZITRU | ASTYRIA | INTERNATIONAL | POLITICS | BUSINESS | SPORTS | SCIENCE | TRAVEL

Western Tundra annexed by Romberg
By MARKO JANSEN (@MarkoJansenTRT)
Saturday, August 6, 2016

RAEBURG, ZITRU — Kaiser Johann of Romberg’s recent move to lay claim to a region of Astyria known as the Western Tundra has brought about uproar among political leaders across the region. The move has been labelled an act of imperialism by the international community, and has caused many to lose their trust in the Rombergian leader, who claimed that he had no intention of interfering in the area. In interviews with various media outlets across Astyria, the Kaiser claimed he had no interest in colonization and assured that there would be no Rombergian presence in the region.

Members of the East Astyrian Treaty Alliance were called to an emergency meeting in Blackhelm Confederacy’s capital, Paradise City, at which it was agreed that various sanctions would be placed on the Rombergian government. The EATA are one of many organizations and governments which have condemned the Rombergian government’s actions.

The Kaiser soon went back on his earlier promises and began to give reasons to justify the Rombergian annexation of the Western Tundra in an interview with BCNN’s Valeria Ravenclaw. He later claimed, live on Rombergian national television, that “[Romberg] are the primary holders of the claim to the northern tundra lands of Lorecia”. As well as this, he also explained the ways in which his government planned to improve the area it has claimed, including vast agricultural and infrastructural improvements.

Various reports have suggested that there has been a Rombergian presence in the area for months, with soldiers guarding a research outpost where the government claims to be researching the origins and ancestry of the native peoples. These reports were proven to be true after the Kaiser himself stated that he wished to “reincorporate our long lost brothers into the Realm”.

The President of the Federal Republic of Zitru, Kale Verein, released a statement regarding the annexation: “The Kaiser’s move to annex the Western Tundra was an obvious act of imperialism, and something which hasn’t been seen for a very long time. Such an act will not be tolerated by the EATA, and there will be sanctions.” The President’s comment came after huge uproar across Zitru.

The Rombergian government have yet to comment on the international condemnation of the decision and the sanctions, and it is unknown what effect these events will have on not only the Kaiser and Romberg, but Astyria as a whole.

by **Dungeyland** » Wed Aug 10, 2016 11:06 am

Sanctions issued after Romberg 'aggression'

New image of missing duchess, Lady Woodford.

NEW LONDON, DUNGEYLAND - An official complaint issued to the Government of Romberg after its land claims in the Western Tundra is to be followed up by the imposition of trade and diplomatic sanctions, Her Majesty's Government has announced. The measures are thought to go further than Aquitaynian measures announced yesterday, and will be in co-operation with wider EATA efforts to be announced later in the week.

The measures come after the United Realms of Romberg announced her claims upon the Western Tundras region to the west of the war-torn nation of Glislandia. The claims followed weeks of diplomatic assurances issued by the Romberg government to Her Majesty's Government and other powers in the region that recent troop movements in the region had no territorial implications. According to a Foreign & Colonial Office aide, the entire ministry was shocked when the Kaiser of Romberg announced on live television the beginnings of a 'new era' with the territorial claim.

Her Majesty's Government issued an official complaint to the Ambassador of Romberg today, with the Foreign Secretary personally summoning the Ambassador to request an explanation for the claims. The Foreign & Colonial Office further released a statement condemning the land-grab as 'aggression' and promised the issuance of trade sanctions against Romberg, with whom the Dangish Empire is a notable exporter of steel and financial services. It is widely expected at the very least that trade destined for Romberg will be seized or redirected within Imperial borders.

Additionally, the First Lord is reported to have asked the Treasury to do its utmost to restrict Rombergian access to the powerful Dangish financial sector. As Jeremy Heywood of InterCal, an investment bank, noted, the exclusion of Romberg from Dangish capital and investment markets could do serious damage to a tepid Rombergian economy. On the contrary, officials in the Imperial dominion of Epsom, separated from the Rombergian claims only be the Aurora Confederacy, are reported to be worried about the potential economic effects on the province; it is widely expected that that the Epsom government, currently led by the Socialists with Liberal confidence, will appeal to Her Majesty's Government for emergency assistance.

by **Costa de Ouro** » Wed Aug 10, 2016 2:04 pm

AVISSIAN NEUTRALITY MAKES IT UNIQUE IN ASTYRIA
FILED BY: Helder Araujo (8/6/2016)

The Avissian Union has tried to maintain its neutrality at all costs within the highly volatile world of Astyrian geopolitics - with several blocs vying for power, Costa de Ouro and Morroseta have both decided not to join any of them, maintaining neutrality and independence.

Costa de Ouro's closest foreign relations are with Nikolia - consummated by a series of mutual treaties that allow for Nikolian protection over the small island nation in the Mar de Aviz and further made closer by the marriage of the Costenho King Pedro I with Princess Helena of Nikolia. Nikolia is a member of the Astyrian Treaty Organization (ATO), which would seemingly bring the country, along with Morroseta, under that organization's aegis. A large Avissian trading partner, Kobolis, also belongs to the ATO.

But some of Costa de Ouro's and Morroseta's most important trading partners and tourist sources such as Dungeyland, Zitru, and the Blackhelm Confederacy are members of the rivaling East Astyrian Treaty Alliance (EATA). To top off the web of relationships, one of Costa de Ouro's closest allies in interception of drug smugglers and a financial hub, Cadenza, is part of the Tel al-Riyah Pact (TARP), yet another block that places itself in between the conflict between the ATO and EATA.

Other pacts also proliferate within the complex world of Astyrian geopolitics - including the alliance between Jarridia and ViZion, two 'sleeping giants' of Astyrian politics who have not chosen to exercise much of their political or military might in proxy conflicts, and the United Kingdom alliance between Symphonia and Aquitayne (also, incidentally, a member of TARP).

Tensions between various blocs and nations have been on the rise with insurgencies in Pangus and Prudencia, near Aquitayne and its colony of Cape Town; instability in Glisandlia and the Yellow Star Republic; and, most recently, the Rombergian takeover of frozen tundra in the continent of Lorecia, near the two previously aforementioned combatants. The EATA, Aquitayne, and Riysa introduced crippling economic sanctions on Romberg for that takeover, decrying imperialism. But that has only inflamed tensions in a region that used Rombergian troops to stabilize the Lorecian combatants in Glislandlia and the Yellow Star Republic.

The Avissian Union has tried to tread carefully between all of these groups to maintain good relations within cold wars and proxy conflicts, for several reasons. "We have a very small military for protection, and I doubt we could withstand even a small invasion," says Professor Gaspar Campos of the Flores Institue for Public Policy in Antillia. "We would totally get overrun, and our economy would suffer in an invasion - or sanctions carried out by a cold war enemy. Therefore, it's in the best interests of both Costa de Ouro and Morroseta to stay neutral and get out of a lot of these foreign conflicts." Tourism would suffer in any conflict, as would exports of fish and tropical fruits.

The Avissian Union has been able to maintain its neutrality by refusing to join in foreign alliances as well as playing off the various blocs against each other to fund projects in the nation. "Basically, what we're saying, is if you don't give us money or whatever, we'll join the other side, and doing this to both sides," says Campos. "So we've been able to invest in new infrastructure and such and fishing and tourism."

Astyrian negotiators have recognized the great efforts that the Avissian Union has gone to maintain its strict neutrality. Today, Antillia remains the host of the Astyrian Peace Organization, a coalition of groups dedicated to ending the cold wars and numbers of proxy wars in the region, and contributes many judges to international courts, as many nations trust the country to remain unbiased in conflicts between countries on opposite sides of the tense divide in Astyria.

Avissian officials are confident that their efforts have paid off - the economy is thriving, and the union is free of too many outside influences and pressures. Tourists are pouring in, welcoming the relative stability and distance from the conflicts in the area, and to take in the Union's sunshine and rich culture, standing out all the more from other tourist destinations due to the stability and despite the distance from Costa de Ouro to many nations.

In short, the Avissian Union's policy of neutrality has paid off as its economy has thrived despite all the pressures, and the country is increasingly regarded as a safe haven from the conflict racking the region.

by **Woodstead** » Thu Aug 11, 2016 8:08 am

GOVERNMENT RECONSIDERS ATO MEMBERSHIP

The Woodsteasian Federation is a new nation. Our place as an ATO member should be questioned.

In October 2015, Grace Parry, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs for the provisional government of the Republic of Woodstead made several posts on social media alluding the Clause I of the Tel al-Riyah Pact, applauding the neutrality and its neutral stance between "two warring children", later disclosed to be referring to the Astyrian Treaty Organisation and the East Astyrian Treaty Alliance. Whilst several mainstream media outlets spun Parry's comments as a political scandal, many came to her defense on social media and in interviews.

The Republic of Woodstead's provisional government was formed in 2012 after the democratic dissolution of the old Erlenic Empire: it split former territories under Woodsteasian rule in to three new equal democratic republics- the other two being Nyasott and Cez-Zaeri.

During the rule of this government, I was one of the five academics who contributed to the report commissioned by that government to advise against becoming a member of the ATO, at least until all three provisional governments had transitioned in to new governments of essentially new sovereign nations. Instead, the report was ignored by Parry and President Guy Moore- an action which Parry later said was "regrettable", "undemocratic", and a "far bigger scandal" than expressing her feelings towards TARP.

Parry later added during an interview with AMTV: "The provisional government, like myself, should not have made such a decision. The Republic of Woodstead is not the Woodsteasian Federation. We are essentially civil servants who were appointed as paid representatives to carry the post-Erlenic project forward in to an era of three sovereign republics. I am, to this day, sorry for my part in agreeing to the ATO Charter. I hope that sentiment is shared by the rest of the former Cabinet."

Inside sources, although not verified, have advised me Glislandia's has further destabilised overnight under pressure from the murderous GGA and the possible repercussions of the military governate founded by the Rombergian Kaiser in Lorecia. The murder and displacement of people in high positions of power and those most vulnerable to terrorists have brought home the reality that a fragmented Astyria is breaking us up.

Late last night, the Guardian Directorate issued a statement that is was about to call an emergency debate at Federal Parliament to discuss the recent events and the future of the ATO after peaceful protests broke out due to the lack of action on Romberg after several nations weighed in with heavy repercussions. Three weeks after the Kaiser made his intentions public, the government has yet to formulate a real response to him.

One chant in the streets dominated, as well as on the social media sites: "A-T-O, A-T-O, OUT, OUT, OUT!"

Asked on AMTV yesterday morning why the government has not acted, Olavea Anborkesdorti- the current semi-annual Directorate President- said that they felt it was "yet another case of political teasing or hedonism from drumming up controversy". She elaborated: We didn't feel this would actually materialise, so we only began talking about this 16 days ago. We should have led, but instead we hoped too much. Hope, in the current climate of Astyria, is audacious, I guess. Now, we are not just working on our resolution in light of Romberg's assault, but also going forward with scrutinising our membership of the ATO-something which I never believed the provisional government should have been allowed to drag us in to".

Monday night, the approval ratings for the Guardian Directorate hit its first low since it first formed the government in September 2015, but last night it began to pick up after announcements of the ATO debate.

I, for one, believe that we should be glad that the young government is now taking action. It is not so much too little, too late- we have seen rash actions- like the rush to sign in to the ATO. That decision, we now see, was controversial- and to some, unknown. A recent study of graduates who had studied politics, international relations, and similar programmes at university shows that while many knew of the ATO, and some knew the ATO Charter quite well, less than 40% knew that we ratified until months later.

So now, the people have spoken. The Guardian Directorate has worked in to the night to now push a debate in to the Federal Parliament over something which- it seems- people never wanted or were unaware of in the first place. That's progress. In light of recent events, we need to focus on helping Nyasott and CZ with their new transitions to sovereignty and independence, and focus on the free thinking of the Woodsteasian Federation. The dirty laundry of a short-lived government must be washed if we are ever to progress in the image we embrace as a smart, forward thinking, and modern society.

Prof. Usman Cheddy -
Usman Cheddy is a widely published academic based at the Imberford School of International Politics. In the 1980s, he worked as the Astyrian Correspondent for the Woldland Broadcasting Network's East Astyrian News Service, and then as the head anchor on the PBN Worldwide news desk for fourteen years.
Please note that Incentivision promotes freedom of speech and press. Incentivision is not of a certain political persuasion, and invites guest contributors- often commentators and academics- to write on an area they know well.

by **Andamonia** » Sun Aug 14, 2016 6:07 pm

Tundra terrorists need an answer
» Is Romberg the solution to the Glisandian crisis?

By Cohmani Pilezar, 15/08/'16

God's Glisandian Army, the Glisandian mutiny-turned-terrorist organisation now calling itself the Holy Domain, is widely held to be among the most reprehensible insurrectionist groups in Astyria. The group has been linked to countless murders and assassinations of officials and innocent civilians in Glisandia and neighbouring states and is held responsible for the ongoing civil war, which recently forced the royal family to flee the country. Even the strife here in Andamonia, at its worst in November 2014, came nowhere near to the atrocities still committed on a daily basis in Glisandia.

Glisandia is one of many regional 'hotspots' for political and civil strife, along with Kamalbia, Andamonia and the western Insula Fera. All these cases have demonstrated the importance of a military presence for combatting terrorists: for terrorists to be defeated, their power bases must be dismantled. This has not yet happened in Glisandia, however, despite the best intentions and efforts of the Astyrian community. The attempt to restore peace to Glisandia has been long and troubled, involving a sustained multinational presence and vast sums in foreign aid. The same has been true in other parts of Astyria. What makes the northern Lorecian situation unique is that it is not geopolitically constrained - Glisandia's borders are not the limits of the GGA's terrorist efforts nor of its pool of manpower. Although not a target for the GGA's efforts, the Lorecian tundra is a regular source for recruits and a key base for the organisation's forays into Glisandia.

Northern Lorecia's almost empty tundra harbours a major GGA presence.

Attempts to counter the GGA's efforts have been stymied by a lack of political will. Unlike the Astyrian Liberation Army of Kamalbia, the GGA's terror campaign is very much focussed on one nation, Glisandia. Foreign interventionist parties are reluctant to extend their operations outside of Glisandian territory, and the Glisandian military is unable to. Neighbouring states, if not already involved in Glisandia, have no reason to enter the trackless tundra, where, in any case, the efficacy of military operations is greatly curtailed. There is, it has been said, a reason no one wants to claim the Lorecian tundra.

It therefore comes as a surprise - and, some quarters would say, a welcome one - that the island state Romberg has advanced a claim to the territory. Citing historic, although unfulfilled, claims on the territory, the country's Kaiser came forth recently to announce his government's intention to take control of the stateless region. The declaration followed months of categoric denial and shocked many across Astyria, leading to severe sanctions from Aquitayne and the EATA, among others. The most vocal reaction, surprisingly, comes from Riysa, which some analysts have suggested is willing to go to war to prevent Romberg from acquiring the territory, in spite of the vast distance between Riysa and northern Lorecia. It is certainly true that there is a Riysian presence in Glisandia, but it seems counterintuitive that they would be so vehemently opposed to Romberg gaining a foothold in the region.

On the one hand, most governments favour the status quo when it comes to other powers extending their territory. Few isms have provoked so many wars as expansionism. Romberg is not a local power, and it is feared by some that the military presence that would accompany that claim would exceed all necessity. Others have asserted that the tundra peoples have rejected a desire to be ruled, and in the past specifically rejected Rombergian rule. On those grounds, the historic claims asserted by Romberg have been challenged as a falsehood (article » Romberg claims in Lorecia a 'fabrication'?.

However, what is also clear is that an effort must be made to combat the GGA outside of Glisandia. Thus far, no other state has stepped up to that plate. Glisandia has been noticeably silent on the matter, and commentators have suggested its complicity in Romberg's claim. There is a duty on Astyrian nations to resist terrorism and to defeat terrorists. If Romberg would fulfill that agenda, why is there such violent opposition?

This is a region
gripped by fear

The GGA has destroyed vast areas of northeast Lorecia. It has overseen strings of assassinations, partaken in vicious guerrilla warfare and instigated the destruction of religious sites of all creeds (Sannleikurinn article » Bogmaðurhof destroyed by GGA). It is universally agreed that it must be stopped. Despite this, there have been virtually no voices in support of a course of action which could potentially stop it. There are valid concerns raised alongside the current opposition, but it seems dubious that vicious outbursts against Romberg are better than any attempt at negotiation or offering an alternative. Indeed, thus far the only Astyrian leader to back Romberg has been Amahuiz Tlacapilzi, sovereign of Andamonia, who stated: "It is clear that something must be done. This is the reality of the situation. Whether or not it is its direct intention, Romberg offers a solution. Riysa does not. Aquitayne does not. The EATA does not. Those countries which impose sanctions on Romberg do so without considering the future of Glisandia and of northern Lorecia. They do so without understanding what it is to live in a land where terror reigns. This is a region gripped by fear, a region where people feel unsafe leaving their homes in broad daylight. This is a land where the ruler of a country is afraid to live there. Nations of Astyria, I have been in that place before. There is a solemn duty on every Astyrian nation to do its utmost so that the people of this world can live in peace, and live without fear. Perhaps we would be wise to consider how our actions contribute to, or counteract, that peace."

Despite the emperor's wise words, it seems doubtful that the situation will improve before it gets much worse. Unless more weigh in with placatory or conciliatory stances, the majority are opposed to Romberg's efforts. At this moment it seems that Romberg will have to scale back its ambitions or drop them completely, with an accompanying loss of prestige and even domestic unrest. Conversely, if Astyria as a whole were to endorse the venture, or at the very least negotiate for less drastic version, there would be a very real end in sight for the reign of fear that grips northeast Lorecia. It is essential to the region's stability that its leaders consider the future of the tundra when they consider the future of Glisandia. Rash words and vengeful actions lead to regretted wars.

Related: Romberg claims in Lorecia a 'fabrication'? | Astyrian nations impose heavy sanctions on Romberg | Riysian navy to blockade Romberg | Terrorists destroy religious sites

by **Bankampar** » Mon Aug 15, 2016 5:42 pm

BANKAMPARI DEFENSE SYSTEMS OVERHAULED

Tom Mildenhall, Lod, Lod Military Base

It started back in the late stages of 2013. Freyport Armory of Aquitayne was set to release a new, upgraded version of their surface-to-air missile battery, the LMI-100 'Soteria'. The Soteria itself is a very high-tech piece of weaponry, and above all else, is effective. Looking to upgrade Bankampar's defense systems, Gadi Eizenkot, defense minister of Bankampar, spent over seven billion dollars purchasing 168 of them. Having so many of these would lead one to believe that no more large purchases such as this would be needed, right?

Wrong. This last May, defense minister Eizenkot once again returned to Freyport Armory with another contract to be fulfilled, but this time, it was for a new product. The Medium Extended Air Defense Integrated Network otherwise known as the 'MEADIN' was the product which caught his eye. The MEADIN and the Soteria are built to work hand in hand, the MEADIN feeding information to the Soteria's, making them more effective. Here is a piece from the Freyport Armory article, best explaining the partnership between the two.

"For example, three MEADIN or Soteria batteries can operate independently of one another within 80 kilometers. However, using the plug-and-play functionality of the MEADIN and Soteria systems, all three of the Soteria batteries can join a single network and create an expansive, fully covered 80 kilometer air defense zone jointly, where previously they would be independent of one another and not share any valuable battlefield data. Now, all Soteria batteries and MEADIN systems are capable of becoming one larger air defense network without sacrificing accuracy, stability or performance capabilities, greatly increasing the effectiveness of the Soteria SAM system."

In it's armory, the Bankampari Defense Forces currently have 11 MEADINS, and 168 Soteria's. 7 MEADINS, and 42 Soteria's lay on the eastern border with Al-Raha, a Riysian territory. This leads some to believe that a storm could be brewing between the two nations, but one defense analyst who has asked his identity to be concealed for fear of reprimand, has rubbished these claims. "Al-Raha is a Riysian territory, and therefore the biggest possible threat to our national security. Should a conflict arise, it is better to have this 'Iron Curtain' so to speak, then have no defenses at all." He says.

Nevertheless, with the Lod Military Base only 80 kilometers from the border with Al-Raha, and such a strong defensive system in place on the eastern border, one can't help but worry about a Bankampari-Riysian conflict coming to fruition. The analyst does have a point, as he also said the BDF plan to place four MEADIN's, and 24 Soteria's on the northern border with Caranad, notorious for being run by narco traffickers.

One thing is certain, nobody will be getting through this 'Iron Curtain' that is now in place in Bankampar.

by **Aquitayne** » Tue Aug 16, 2016 9:05 am

Insula Feran referendum deemed a success, votes in favor of unification

By JESSICA ALBRIGHTAugust 16, 2016

A voter in Pangus casts their ballot in the referendum to determine whether Pangus, Prudenesia and Spar'ia will form to make a new nation.

Corvus, Pangus -

The long-anticipated referendum on Insula Fera concluded earlier this afternoon, and worries about the future of the archipelago, specifically coming from Kyashi's foreign offices, were quashed. The referendum has been hailed by both United Kingdom and East Astyrian Treaty Alliance officials as an "impartial and well-conducted voting exercise, where all involved were extremely happy with the objectivity and security of the entire event." The referendum's origins traces back to the Dangish Empire's intervention at the beginning of United Kingdom intervention on Insula Fera, fearing a wanton land grab and political power move being undertaken by Aquitayne and Symphonia, similar to what's recently been seen regarding the Western Tundra in Lorecia.

The referendum began at 8:00 Feran Time, and ended at 7:00 pm, and ended with a total voter turnout rate of roughly 54% of the total electorate, which has been affected not only by continuing insurrection in the region by the Heraldan Rebels and the Prudenesian Liberation Front, but likewise by struggling attempts to register voters in rural areas. Noticeably, there were only isolated attacks on polling stations throughout the day. The Heralds claimed responsibility for a bombing at an elementary school in the suburbs of Corvus the morning before the referendum, which killed an Aquitaynian Royal Marine and over a dozen civilians, mostly children.

Though some stayed home in fear of violence, the majority of polling stations were a stark contrast to the almost consistent insurgency being waged throughout the region. Armed presence was established greatly, and no one was allowed to drive vehicles up to polling stations. Rather, they had to walk, and were frisked before being permitted to get within 500 meters of the polling station. The Ministry of Defense and EATA officials highlighted these measures as the key to ensuring a safe and unpressured referendum, to allow for the greatest voter turnout and ensure a true majority vote was achieved.

The Prudenesian Liberation Front, or PLF, was noticeably quiet on the day of the referendum, but had launched a propaganda campaign with flyers, online videos and social media engagements to encourage all Prudenesians to go out and vote against the referendum's unification and ensure a free, united Prudenesia distinctly apart from the "Aquitaynian and imperialist plan". This ideology was noticeable on the final district voting rates, as the entirety of Prudenesia voted against the unification and in favor of independence. Protestors took to the streets Monday night to protest the result of the referendum, stating that they were not given a fair opportunity of voting because the overwhelming majority of unification votes outnumbered independence ones.

Indeed, there is a stark contrast in political thinking when it comes to the idea of unification or independence between the former regions of Pangus and Spar'ia when compared to Prudenesia. The mostly french region of Insula Fera is starkly known for its fierce independence, having admonished itself of its colonial overlord, Terre de Gaul, in the late 20th century. A former government official from Prudenesia had this to say about the results of the referendum: "it's abhorrent that people who do not live here, who do not know our culture or our way of life, have dictated to us our future. We voted for independence, and yet we will get lumped into a pot with those who do not understand us or our needs. We didn't want this, yet we're given it anyway. This is the definition of insanity."

Strong sentiments from Prudenesia have some ministers from Pangus worried, but overwhelmingly the people across Insula Fera are heralding the referendum as the next great step in Astyrian politics and in the continued stability for the future of Insula Fera as a whole. Kyashi was noticeably silent on the results of the referendum, and as a neighboring partner to the new nation, which has yet to be named, will be looked to for strong economic ties and continued intelligence support as the NPDF continue to fight insurgents across the region.

Ultimately, it is a great day for democracy and a great day for the people of Insula Fera. Below, you can see a chart depicting the outcome of the referendum. Click it to enlarge the photo.

_________

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by **Bankampar** » Tue Aug 16, 2016 6:48 pm

BANKAMPARI DEFENSE BUILD-UP

Esther Peretz, Five Miles From Bankampar/Al-Raha Border

My guide, a Sergeant Adam Nitzana drove with me from Lod Joint Military Base, deeper into the Lod Desert, and just five miles from Bankampar's border with Al-Raha - a Riysian territory. Just recently, a defense ministry source told us that a conflict on the Eastern front was rubbish, and there would be no confrontation with Riysa. Not fourty-eight hours after we received that quote, a massive military build-up is occuring here in the desert. Radar stations are being reinforced, and guarded by BDF soldiers, and cameras and other surveillance equipment are being placed up and down the border fence with Al-Raha. The question is, what is going on and why here? Could it have something to do with the bombing of Compass International Bank? The truth is, we don't know, and anything that is said right now is purely speculation.

The defense ministry source that we received that previous quote from was unable to be reached for comment on the buildup, and my guide, Sergeant Nitzana said that five miles from the border is the closest I could go. As we sat in the car, flatbed trucks full of soldiers from Bankampar's Engineering Corps were seen flowing towards the border. They were not in battle gear, so obviously they were there to build, or repair anything on the border. We believe it to only be surveillance equipment at this time.

Only fifteen miles from the border, the Engineering Corps are building what look to be what are usually called a 'Forward Operating Base'. When I asked my guide about the installation, he called it a 'Forward Defensive Post', and told me that two mechanized infantry battalion's are being housed here for the time being as well as eight M198 'Howitzer' artillery pieces, only 15 miles from the border. "It's a little tight in there, but they've slept in worse, trust me." He said.

BDF Soldiers set up a defensive position

My colleague, Tom Mildenhall was able to contact me and told me that at Black Mesa Naval/Air Station, the Marine Corps were being mustered, and looked as though they were preparing for something. Could it just be a training exercise?

We hope that is the case, but from what we've seen so far, it looks like the Defense Forces are gearing up for war. We constantly drive by soldiers, digging trenches or 'foxholes' as they call them, and building defensive positions with heavy machine guns. We are losing hope by the kilometer.

I also decided to reach out to a source of mine from the Bankampari Space Command or BSC and I was able to reach him for a comment, but he asked that his identity remain concealed for fear of reprimand. He told The Bank Report that the defense ministry has ordered the Space Command to reposition two of their satellites, for surveillance purposes, and was told that should they see any military activity on the land border, or impeding on Bankampari waters, to contact Lod Joint Military base, and Black Mesa Naval/Air Station immediately.

Sergeant Nitzana was also able to tell me that Lod JMB had two QRF columns on ready alert, as well as two Squadron's of F-16's as well as Unit 00, the elite fighter unit in the BDFAF. This was straight from the secretary to Gadi Eizenkot, defense minister.

Why is the BDF taking such drastic defensive measures? We have no clue. According to a source inside the Lod military base, the Mossad Intelligence Agency launched a direct action operation into Riysa to eliminate Dokka Omar, mastermind of the Compass International Bank & Finances bombing, as well as many more attacks on Bankampar. Once military intelligence realized Omar was in Riysa, red flags went up all over Khost, and suspicion of the Haqq Network receiving support from Riysa began to take hold.

We will continue to hope that no violence comes from these recent incidents, but if war does break out, then godspeed to all.

by **Kyashi** » Wed Aug 17, 2016 10:58 am

Politburo Expresses Support for Referendum

First Representative of the Kyashian People Hideyoshi Sanatobi gave an official speech today in front of the Sanada Palace today praising the referendum in Pangus. With a majority electorate turnout, Kyashi's three northern neighbors voted to throw off the chains of conflict and work for a peaceful future for Insula Fera. Out of the sixty-three districts that voted, twenty-two voted for independence and forty-one voted for unification. The majority of the vote for independence came from Prudenesia, where Kyashian troops still reside supporting greater TARP operations.

Commander of the garrison, Kazuo Daisuke, reported to the Politburo that aside from a concentrated propaganda campaign supporting the independence vote, the Prudenesian Liberation Front had committed no major terrorist activities during the voting process. Kyashian troops assisted and supported local police and military with personnel securing poll sites under PDF jurisdiction. Despite the relatively trouble free election, Representative Sanatobi went on to say that Kyashi would take a strong stance against terrorism, no matter the perpetrator.

The Representative also announced that the border between Kyashi and former Prudenesia would be receiving extra security against PLF incursions. He also mentioned that the border would be opened for trade and movement between the two nations. The border was closed in early 2014 to stem the tide of refugees fleeing the war, though Kyashi continued to allow 10,000 refugees a year to apply for asylum. Refugees will be allowed to emigrate freely back to Pangus or apply for permanent residence in Kyashi. Representative Sanatobi agreed to allot six million yen to assist with travel costs for returning refugees as a gesture of good faith towards the new country.

He also hailed the cooperation between the East Astyrian Treaty Alliance and TARP nations that were involved. "The combined operations in Pangus shows that TARP and the EATA can work towards one unified goal, peace. I believe we deserve to give ourselves in TARP and those in the EATA the utmost praise for the patience, restraint, and willingness to work towards peace that everyone has shown during this operation. Yesterday's referendum vote is a product of that willingness and is the full measure of what we have worked so hard for come to fruition."

The Politburo declared that Kyashi would fully support the new nation in building its army, providing intelligence, through economic support, and providing free and open trade. The First Representative had this to say. "In order to truly see peace on Insula Fera, we cannot simply abandon our neighbors once they are free. We must provide continued support to our new neighbor; whether that be through intelligence, free trade, military equipment, or even soldiers on the ground should they request it. We want the people of Pangus to know we stand beside them as they remake their nation just as we remade our nation eighty-five years ago during the Winter Revolution."

Alongside the announcement of support, the Speaker of the Assembly announced the passage of the Worker's Security Bill. The bill grants the Politburo and the State Security Bureau the ability to arrest suspected enemies of the state from any government office or union without any form of request or warrant. The bill was passed in response to a plot uncovered by the SSB to assassinate four Politburo members. The Western Shore Plastic Manufacturers sheltered those responsible, refusing to allow their arrest until the assembly issued a warrant. The Speaker and the Politburo hailed the bill as the way forward for securing Kyashi against terrorism and those who wish to destroy her.

by **Khade** » Wed Aug 17, 2016 1:05 pm

Copied over, shamelessly, directly from the AstyCup thread.

40⁊ ―― 16/08/2016

Magpies overpower Roosters

Empire exultant as Cadenza and Trellin win first matches
Astoren and Qaliris secure victory in gripping AstyCup opener
Major upset as hosts San Joaquin Grizzlys lose to Riysian Desert Eagles

There were cheers in every bar in the Duchy yesterday after the Cadenzan team heroically triumphed in its first pairing of the 2016 Astyrian Cup. The match saw the Magpies in their azure and argent march out to face off the Coqs of Terre des Gaules, togged out in the national colours of blue, gold and white.

Despite worries that the Cadenzan team, new to foreign competitions, might find itself put to the test by the Gaulish heroes, the four-time champions of the Ethlorek Cup proved their mettle as they secured a morale-boosting first victory in Zitru's Vorburg Park.

Duder Astoren, the forward signed by Temir in late 2014, set the scene with a tidy goal in the twenty-third minute. The Gaulish team were kept on their toes as their resistance crumbled just before half time, allowing Mirix Qaliris to land the ball in the Coqs' net in the forty-fourth minute. The 29 year-old midfielder, who normally plays for Berúna FC, proved to any doubters exactly why he captains the Magpies as he led his team to a roaring finish at the end of the first half.

The match toughened up for the Cadenzan dream team in the second half, and despite two strong goal chances for Amziad ti'Kisep, the Laeryt star forward brought on in the 50th minute, the Magpies were unable to score a third goal.

Gaul's comeback happened in the last third of the match as Jean-Henri Cohen, of Bobigny Barbiers FC, thundered in from the left wing to put one in the Cadenzan net. It wasn't to be, though, and by the final whistle it was clear that Cadenza had earned their victory.

In Dynamo Stadium, meanwhile, Trellin went out to grab a tidy one-nil triumph over the Aswickan squad, winning the only goal in their group in the process.

Elsewhere, Romberg handed Marqueville their first victory, conceding one goal without scoring any of their own, while hosts Zitru demolished Neu Engollon 2-1. The Scottopian Isles conquered the Blackhelm Confederate team with two goals scored and none conceded, despite a Herculean Hesperidesian effort. Bankampar and Nikolia drew nil all, to the disappoint of all in Salaco Stadium, and in one of the competition's most exciting matches so far Costa de Ouro defeated Aquitayne by four goals to two.

In the most startling upset of the competition so far, Riysa defeated hosts San Joaquin Valley with an early goal in the fifteenth minute, successfully defending their goal for the rest of the match to secure their opening triumph.

by **Glisandia** » Thu Aug 25, 2016 12:22 pm

Post retconned. Awaiting deletion.

by **Andamonia** » Sat Aug 27, 2016 2:03 pm

Pathatl rebels surrender
» Combined assault forces NPR out of its last bastion

By Cohmani Pilezar, 27/08/'16

After months of heated conflict in the north of the Olahu Peninsula, the Siege of Pathatl has concluded with the unconditional surrender of all forces of the North Peninsular Republic in the city. The siege began in May, shortly after NPR forces withdrew from Uushen, and continued for ninety-seven days before ending this afternoon. It is the largest victory to date against rebel forces, and means an effective end to NPR control in the peninsula. Tepec, which the NPR had claimed as its capital, was retaken following a five-week battle in June and July. Government-sponsored education campaigns and a revamped social welfare system have also seen popular support for the rebels in the north and west begin to peter out, meaning an effective end to the NPR as it loses the ability to recruit and to support its current forces.

The Olahu Commune, which continues to occupy Getús, is next on the chopping block as Andamonian and Trellinese government forces begin to close off a cordon around the west Olahan city. Getús had been occupied by the Trellinese relatively early in the war, but the ineffectiveness of the Andamonian military in recapturing the city led provincial militias to rebel against central government. After Emperor Amahuiz surrendered in November 2014, the rebels were quick to take cities such as Getús and establish themselves as independent. They remained secure in their territories until the beginning of the renewed government offensive, with Trellinese support, in September of last year, and since then a series of victories has seen government control slowly restored across the empire.

The NPR and Olahu Commune were two of the most formidable opponents to the restoration of peace, and the defeat of the former bears much promise for the ongoing effort. As territory is regained by central government, its income improves, as does its ability to combat insurrection and secession. Confidence in the government is also restored at the same time, creating an exponential loop of improvement in Andamonia's overall situation.

Government forces secure Maraqachi, a suburb of Pathatl.

Pathatl was one of the most heated theatres of conflict in the war so far, and saw the greatest build-up of pro-government forces since the initial defence of Zadé Axochizin. At its peak, as many as thirty-six thousand troops were amassed outside the NPR stronghold. Intelligence reports estimated between two and four thousand rebel troops within the city, which was encircled at any early stage in the siege.

Pathatl was a difficult battle to fight, as the siege and strong rebel presence made evacuation difficult. It is estimated that only between 10 and 20% of the city's nine hundred thousand citizens managed to evacuate in the months before the siege, and no more than another 10% were successfully evacuated during the siege. This severely limited the availability of coalition air and artillery strikes, as the mitigation of civilian casualties remained a government priority. Despite this, the siege was marred by horrific errors as flawed intelligence mistook field hospitals for rebel positions and other civilian facilities for NPR operations centres. Seventeen civilians, including five doctors, were killed by a Trellinese airstrike on 12 July, and a school with sixty-three students and four teachers inside was destroyed by government artillery on 4 August. It is estimated that civilian deaths caused by the rebels are much higher, however, and the victory means an effective end to 'collateral damage' in the north of the peninsula. Pathatl was ultimately taken by a combined assault of Andamonian ground troops with Trellinese air and naval support, and the surrounded NPR forces were ordered to stand down by their commanders.

As the last hideouts of NPR and Olahan Communist forces are rounded up, the future for the Olahu and Komekli provinces is bright. Indeed, the last major rebel holdouts are in the east, where the Free Socialist State of the Ubeylatl continues to contest almost 20,000 square kilometres, and in the south, where the vast emptiness of the Rohocar desert makes even finding rebel bases a challenge. The imperial government has nevertheless committed to restoring peace, with one senior official even stating that their objective is "to win the war by the new year." Although such a goal seems ambitious, Andamonia certainly seems to be on the right track towards peace.

Related: Ubeylatl forces amass near Eltoajon | Governor in Tepec pledges to stamp out dissent | Massacres continue in Glisandia | Rombergian sanctions multiply

by **Trellin** » Sat Aug 27, 2016 3:16 pm

BREAKING: Terrorist attack in downtown Cavari
Crane collapses after large explosion by city hall; 95 dead; North Peninsular Republic claims responsibility

Last updated: 1:05 AM AST | 28/08/2016

CAVARI, NAMIJA: A terrorist took place in Cavari, capital of Namija, this evening, just after 11 o'clock. Initial reports of a large fireball quickly revealed greater damage, as it turned out that the explosion - which struck near city hall - had felled a large construction crane and opened a hole over a main subway line. It is now understood that a train was indeed in the tunnel at the time. Ninety five people are currently reported dead, including thirty on board the train, with almost two hundred more injured.

The North Peninsular Republic, a secessionist movement in northern Andamonia, claimed responsibility for the attack moments before the explosion. The NPR was forced to abandon its last stronghold earlier today after combined Trellinese-Andamonian forces captured Pathatl following a five-month siege. This attack is believed to have been undertaken as retribution. Duke Kaledro of Cavari ordered the military to secure the city as police ordered a general curfew and ordered all vehicles off the road. A massive rescue effort has seen over fifty fire engines and ambulances converge on the city centre, where dozens of people are reportedly trapped amid the rubble and burning buildings.

Azara V condemned the attacks and denounced the ongoing rebellions in Andamonia, pledging to end the war within months. She was quoted as saying that "the Trellinese Empire will not stand idly by while its citizens are massacred by barbarians. We will never allow ourselves to be intimidated by such savage and inhuman atrocities. We will ensure an end to terrorism in Trellin and Andamonia." Commentators believe an extension in Trellin's involvement in the Andamonian civil war will follow shortly.

For the time being, the perpetrators remain at large, but, in addition to a general curfew enforced by the police and military, all roads out of the city have been closed within a radius of 50 kilometres as a massive manhunt begins.

UPDATE 01:00 -- Manhunt underway in Cavari for perpetrators. Motorways and other roads closed within a radius of 50 kilometres.

UPDATE 00:38 -- Andamonian government condemns attack.

UPDATE 00:36 -- TIC confirms North Peninsular Republic as perpetrators.

UPDATE 00:24 -- Queen Azara offers prayers and condolences while condemning perpetrators.

UPDATE 00:23 -- City centre sealed off except for emergency traffic. All flights in and out of Cavari cancelled for 12 hours.

UPDATE 00:02 -- Subway train was hit by attack. Thirty dead on board train; total casualties now 83.

UPDATE 23:42 -- Attack occurred at site of subway repair works, according to fire brigade. Current reports are of forty two dead.

UPDATE 23:37 -- Eighteen dead.

UPDATE 23:30 -- Duke Kaledro orders military to secure Cavari city centre.

UPDATE 23:29 -- Saint Tozharin's Hospital reports "dozens" of casualties.

UPDATE 23:27 -- Reports of three dead on Hanalan Boulevard. Police believe explosion caused crane collapse across Kenti and Elcmar IV streets.

UPDATE 23:22 -- Police spokesman - "We believe this may be a terrorist attack." Curfew ordered city-wide.

UPDATE 23:19 -- Police order all traffic off roads in city centre. Fire brigade on scene.

Duder Rivaika
@DuderRivaikaRivaika
by Kyrsna, did anyone else hear that??? did city hall just explode?!!
RETWEETSFAVORITE
3741

11:13 p.m. - 27 August 2016

North Peninsular Twitter
@NPRepublic
This one's for Pathatl #FreeOlahu

RETWEETSLIKES
59

11:12 p.m. - 27 August 2016

by **Nikolia** » Sun Aug 28, 2016 1:37 pm

Terrorist attack struck Cavari, Namija
Sunday, 28. AUG 2016, 02:34 CST

Site of the explosion in downtown Cavari © The Sidereal Herald 2016

In Saturday night just after 11 o'clock local time an explosion had shaken downtown Cavari causing a crane nearby to collapse. After the fireball and large cloud of dust settled down, it revealed the enormous scale of damage. On the site of the blast, the road collapsed after the crane crashed on it, revealing a major subway line. As it turns out, in the time of the blast, a train was passing by, causing a huge number of casualties. By Trellinese reports, 95 people lost their lives, including thirty on board the train, with more than two hundred injured.
By a Tweet posted by an account believed to be managed by a terrorist group called Northern Peninsular Republic, and by Trellinese sources, the blast was indeed caused by an explosive device set up by the terrorist group.
It is believed that this terrorist act was done in retribution for recently reclaimed Pathatl. The Trellinese Armed Forces entered the city earlier this week, liberating it from the Northern Peninsular Republic, who proclaimed independence after the Andamonian governmental crisis earlier this year.

The city authorities and rescue units quickly flooded the streets of Cavari, in hope of catching the perpetrators, and as well as rescuing all persons that were affected by the attack. Currently, the police closed all motorways and roads going in and from Cavari in a perimeter of 50 kilometers, hoping to capture the terrorists.
There are no reports if Nikolian citizens are among dead or injured. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised all Nikolian citizens located in Cavari to stay indoors and follow instructions of the authorities. Our citizens should contact the Nikolian Embassy in Mar'theqa as soon as possible on telephone numbers: +875 010 645 3221 and +875 010 645 3222. Email adress: ambasada.marteka@mip.prv.nk

by **Trellin** » Sun Aug 28, 2016 2:20 pm

153 dead and 312 injured after Cavari bombing
Eight suspects apprehended after giant manhunt

Last updated: 10:24 PM AST | 28/08/2016

The rescue effort in downtown Cavari has begun to quiet down now, almost 24 hours after the initial blast of last night's shocking terrorist attack. The Namijan capital was locked down by police and army after members of the North Peninsular Republic detonated an explosive device at the construction site of Unity Tower, a planned forty-storey office development near city hall. The explosion collapsed a tall construction crane and opened a hole on Grand Duke Kenti Boulevard directly over a main subway line. Eighteen buildings were damaged or destroyed by the collapsing crane and a train passing through the subway was caught in the falling rubble.

Although the manhunt continues, with police and the army reserves scouring all the countryside within 50 kilometres of Cavari, eight suspects - all Andamonian citizens - have already been arrested in connection with the attack. Motorways also remain locked down, although some minor roads have been opened and Cavari Airport restored its flight schedules at noon today.

Casualty count
Emergency services believe no one still to be missing after the attack and have provisionally reported the final casualty count to be 153 dead and 312 injured. The highest casualties came from the buildings between Grand Duke Kenti Boulevard and Elcmar IV Avenue which were crushed by the collapsing crane. Sixty-five residents were found dead in their homes, with a further eleven dying from their injuries in the following hours. One hundred and eighteen more are injured but stable or only mildly injured.

Of sixty passengers on board the train which was in the subway at the time of the explosion, thirty-three were pronounced dead by emergency services. The other twenty-seven, in addition to forty broken limbs among them, may all suffer from the effects of dust inhalation.

Three people were killed on Hanalan Boulevard after the crane's counterweight fell crushed a car.

Twelve foreign nationals were among the victims, with a further sixteen injured. Four Arimathean citizens were killed by the attack, as were three Andamonian citizens, two each from Cadenza and the Dangish Empire, and one Nikolian woman.

Revenge killings
Immediately before the attack, an official Twitter account of the North Peninsular Republic posted "This one's for Pathatl #FreeOlahu", leading many to believe they are responsible for perpetrating this terrorist attack. Indeed, TIC sources have cited 95% confidence that the NPR is responsible, and no other group has claimed responsibility. The attack makes sense as retribution for the Trellinese-Andamonian victory in NPR-held Pathatl, which was besieged for ninety-seven days before surrendering yesterday afternoon. Some have nevertheless questioned the speed of the attack, coming just seven hours after the NPR surrender. It is believed that NPR members were already in Namija and in possession of explosives, and that the attack was conducted on orders received before, or shortly after, the surrender of Pathatl. How they transported their equipment to the site of the attack remains under investigation.

Azara V has pledged to end the continued insurrection in Andamonia and prevent further terrorist attacks. Similarly, Andamonian emperor Amahuiz Tlacapilzi has sworn to bring justice to the perpetrators of terrorist attacks throughout Trellin and Andamonia.

Justice is on the top of the agenda across Trellin today, as the declaration "Cavarinoi ona Droga" circulates on Twitter.

Marno Alukiri
Cavari

The Astyrian Network

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