Septentrion Regional Headlines

[Nova Sylva]

KING SILUS DEAD, SUCCESSOR ANNOUNCED
Mariana to inherit the Sylvan throne; and too marry Prince Alexander as King Silus passes

It was announced at 2:00 this morning CMT that His Majesty King Silus IX has died. According to his wishes, his final testament has been released to the public. In a nearly six page document, King Silus gave his predecessor and the nation advice, as well as named her – Princess Mariana de Carmen, who is engaged to the Heir Apparent of Aemen, Prince Alexander Flocwalding. This would mark one of the few times that two heads of state have been married – which would make Prince Alexander and Princess Mariana sovereigns of the other nations including their own. This would also form a powerful political alliance between Sylva and Aemen, one that would reshape the balance of power on the Septentrion continent.

However, problems are already being brought too light – Prince Alexander is strictly against the Septentrion League, while the Sylvan Parliament is for it. It is also likely that we could see the monarch playing a much larger role in politics, as Alexander is the absolute monarch of Aemen – while the Sylvan monarch is not all-powerful in society, it holds a massive sway of influence in government, which King Silus IX almost never used.

The King, in his released testament, said “nothing would make me happier to see Aemen and Sylva united again…in this time of international crises.” He also warned Parliament and the First Minister of what he called “bellicose aggression.”

“We [Sylva] must not pursue the idea that we rule the world. We cannot be arrogant in our dealings with other nations – instead, we must treat all nations as if they are equal to us, both in strength and importance, and pursue peaceful resolutions instead of conflict, particularly with Wanka. It is time that our pointless quarrels end – and I push the legislature and Stephen [First Minister Stephen De La Calle] to pursue a permanent peace with the Wankan government.”

Silus de Carmen was born in 1956, and assumed power in 1973. According to nearly all of the international community and many historians, he will be remembered as one of Sylva’s greatest monarchs. Condolences have poured in from all corners of Septentrion, including messages from some surprising figures. Heinrich Sonneborn, Chancellor of Wanka, praised King Silus for his “…devotion to peace in this world. May his words of wisdom be heard all over the world, particularly in the Sylvan Parliament, which continues to believe that its aggression agaisnt Wanka and the Casaterran continent is for the best of mankind.”

Other messages, such as King Reginald of Aemen’s, are also worthy of note. “Throughout my reign, King Silus has been the perfect example of how a monarch should conduct himself. In politics, he was firm, yet reserved; and always ready to defend his country through his words instead of force of arms. It was a great pleasure that I got to personally befriend him during these last few years – his presence in Sylva will be missed, however his mark on the world will be eternal.”

A public funeral ceremony will be held in Chandler on Friday, with an open invitation. Numerous heads of state, particularly monarchs, are expected to be in attendance.

As for his successor, during the gala ball held three nights in Los Olivos to signify the end of the Regal Games, Prince Alexander proposed to Princess Mariana. The Princess accepted her new fiancé, and was met with jubilant applause by all those in attendance. This marks the first time that members of the Sylvan and Aemen royal families have intermarried in more than a hundred years*.

Princess Mariana has promised to carry on her father’s legacy, and lead both Sylva and Aemen into a “golden age of cooperation, friendship, and prosperity.” She has also remarked that she wishes to see “as my father did, a permanent end to the Wanko-Sylvan problem.” However she was ambiguous in saying whether or not this meant a “peaceful” end. She is expected to be officially inducted as Queen later next week.

Jonathan Stafford of the Aemen Ministry of Relations contributed to this article.

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[Aemen]

THE INTERPRETER

IT'S OFFICIAL

Kingdoms prepare for the first royal family inter-marriage in decades

The Olbridge bloodline looks set to be secured as it was revealed by Sylvan newspapers earlier this week that Heir Apparent Prince Alexander is engaged to Princess Mariana of Sylva. The news has reverberated throughout the realm and many Aemen, from the well-to-do intellectuals in Marresburg to the workers of Greerton's residential districts, were celebrating at the revelation of the jubilant affair. First Minister Aaron Capp has already relayed King Reginald's wishes for the wedding to be marked as a bank holiday.

However, not everyone greeted the news with such enthusiasm. Users on social media criticised the Acropolis Journal's article, a Sylvan newspaper, on the engagement, citing its fact checking, research and general knowledge about Aemen culture as lacking.

“Great to hear about the royal engagement, shame about the Journal's hideous knowledge of the Prince's surname”

said the user MintyMillie89, citing the Journal's spelling of the Prince's surname as Flocwalding instead of Olbridge.

“Flocwalding? Good lord Journal, do you proofread anymore? Do you even READ anymore?”

exclaimed another user by the name of MrDoorman.

“Apparently I've gotten engaged to a princess, thanks to the Acropolis Journal for letting me know.”

wrote a newly created parody account, which went by the name of AlexanderFlocwaldingDeCarmen, who gained over ten thousand followers in the space of an hour.

The engagement was thought to be overshadowed by the death of the Sylvan king, Silus IX, but if anything it appears to have brightened the spirits of many across the commonwealth's territory in spite of the king's passing. Whilst the location of the wedding and who precisely will be attending is a matter of speculation, we can give our readers a brief insight into the mood of the Royal House of Olbridge. We reached out to Amelia Folcwalding, Elector-Margrave Ridley Folcwalding's youngest daughter, for comment on the situation.

“They're ecstatic. Whilst there's no word on what Prince Ivan is thinking, I can say that Prince Tavish and Princess Roseanna are absolutely thrilled with the news on their brother's engagement and are already helping him plan the occasion. I can't comment on the King's mood, but I expect he's very happy too, who wouldn't be?”

The Folcwaldings, the Rademakers and the Bezuidenhouts, as just some of Aemen's most respected and powerful families, are all expected to give opulent wedding gifts when the time comes, as are some other influential figures from central Casaterra after the unlikely pledge from the Lord Governor of Lotukobo, a former Aemen colony, that he would send the royal couple 'something special for the happiest day of their lives.'

[Erquin]

The Erquinian Telegraph - 25-Biticent - 11/22/15
Introduction of militarised police units send critics of Erquinian Law Enforcement into frenzy.

Editor: George Raubach

Very recently, a bank heist in downtown Amadar District 6 has left the Erquinian government speechless. The bank heist featured 5 individuals, all with obviously smuggled in Wankan produced G-74s and equipment, that held off a concentrated assualt with almost 30 police officers. Witnesses and police reports indicate a severe fault in law enforcement: Poor equipment. The police were barely clothed in armor, with only the SWAT, not the police officers in general, were clothed in armor, and even then were still horribly exposed to gun fire. The police have only pistols, tasers and batons, including just CS gas at their disposal while the SWAT were only outfitted with small Erquinian IL-3 SMGs that were vintage from the 1970s. All 5 robbers escaped with about 1 million bits in cash. Their vab was armored, enough to deflect the underpowered bullets of the police. With this, the respect of the police has fallen down astronomically, including the respect of the country itself.

The Ministry of Internal Security, which also deals with the police, has been pushing for a legislation to allow the militarization of police units in major cities, including better funded training programs and more funding in general. About 15% of the Parliamentary Representatives voted nay for the legislature to be passed, while the remaining 85% have voted for the passing of the legislature through popular voting of their people.

The police are now expected to receive ballistic vests, bigger firearms, and better training in mid December. This also includes the introduction of surplus EAF infantry fighting vehicles for the use by SWAT teams for safe insertion and support onto a point where they are needed. As of now, the government can only wait for the response by other nations following this audacious legislature.

[Nova Sylva]

Navarro Announces Withdrawal from SL
The Los Olivos Times reports

First Minister Joseph Navarro has announced the immediate withdrawal of the state from the Septentrion League. In light of new budding ties with Aemen and public discontent with the Organized States, the move seems to be a way of pushing Sylva away from the OS’ sphere of influence. In a lengthy speech stated that the league, which is supposed to act as a mutual defense agreement where all nations were to have an equal say, is instead a “puppet coalition” of the Organized States. This builds off of the widespread discontent after the League authorized military action against Wanka, and then refused to come to Sylva and Saxony’s aid after starting the conflict.

As the agreement to become members of the Septentrion League was signed by the now debunkt De La Calle administration, Navarro has stated that such agreements are no longer applicable to the new Sylvan government and is seeking for the removal of all League staff from Sylva. Therefore, as there is no legal means to withdrawal from the League Navarro has stated the new Sylvan government will instead immediately cease all cooperation with the League, to include any additional aid in Valencia or the Orient, and Navarro wishes to find a way for the buildings and other facilities, which are legally international territory to be returned to the state. With the exception of running water, the Interior Ministry has confirmed all telecommunications and electrical utilities to league offices have been shut off. Additionally, Sylvan troops in Valencia, Sidonia, and Cascadia are being returned to Sylva as the bases that house them are being ceremonially returned to the countries of their origin.

As for SL bases within Sylva, the COSAF has asked that the nations which inhabit them vacate the bases within thirty days, or be expelled by force. Many of these installations, however, such as the Catalina Naval Air Station on Catalina Island, were constructed by and at the expense of the Organized States, and so it is not clear whether or not Sylva will reimburse them.

Already in several of the largest League offices in the country Internal Security officials were seen removing a high volume of boxes filled with documents, stating they were being moved to the national archives for safe keeping. Additionally Navarro has stated a desire to move all foreign national members of the league into the Achebe Resort until they can be repatriated to their respective countries of origin. Although currently they are permitted to stay in their office dorms and homes, under a protective detail of state police.

[Achesia]

Deleted

[Achesia]

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BREAKING NEWS: ACKULAR IN ILL HEALTH

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Word has been spread today that Ackular Julian the XII of Requeint is in ill health today. It has long been known that the sixty-two year old Ackular and leader of the United Republic and Realm has been having heart complications. Doctors for the Royal Family in a press conference last July had stated that the Ackular's health was stable but present and under constant monitoring.

The Royal Family has made no official statement as to their heads health but they have not been seen outside their castle in Fawnnorth for three days. Could they be preparing for James the IX to take the throne? It remains to be seen. But the Achesian National will be watching this story closely.

[Achesia]

Narration:

"Information came to Origin News today that the Royal Marine has launched a new form of Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile or S-L-B-M, a missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead that can be launched from underwater. A large portion of the Achesian Royal Marine's nuclear arsenal is carried by ballistic missile submarines- or boomers- in the form of the Kheybris MSS.4 Ballistic Missile which has been in service since 1983. But this new missile which is reportedly called the Blauak Missile carries with it the latest of technologies and is reported to be MIRV capable. We will keep you informed on the latest of this development."

[Achesia]

deleted

[Achesia]

Narrative-

"The Supreme Commander of The Royal Achesian Armed Forces today has announced continoued Achesian interest in a conventional prompt strike weapon. This is the highest level officak that we have heard talk of such a initative; however other lower sources have voice that research into such fields has been going on for some time. The latest information that Origin News has been able to obtain points to the use of exisiting strike weapon systems to foster this weapon system along, systems such as SLBMs and ICBMs."

[Aemen]

THE INTERPRETER

POP GOES THE POSTBOX

Dissidents target 'symbol of the monarchy'

Several people were injured last week when four postboxes around Erus were simultaneously blown up by letter bombs. The Ministry of Enforcement is said to be treating the incidents as republican-motivated when an email sent by one Richard Inquart arrived at the Royal Office's press enquiries inbox. Inquart, 19, is a student at the Royal University of Erus and has since been arrested, his computer confiscated and his flat, which he shares with other students, has been raided by an Inspectorate Forensic Investigations team.

The email, which was released to The Interpreter by the Royal Office, reads:

'It's time old Reggie let his own people decide what they want to do with their future. The media panders to Alexander and his marriage like it's the next best thing, whilst we're all cracking under the boot of the aristocracy, but no one reports on that! No tells the plight of the real Aemen people! So we'll make them! We're starting with the symbols of the monarchy, then we'll take down the big wig himself!'

Aemen postboxes are branded with three symbols which represent the state; the crown of Aemen itself, the coat of arms of the Royal House of Olbridge, and a sidewards view of King Aldert IV's face, the founder of the Olbridge royal family. It's thought that, by destroying these, Inquart and his associates, a pair of unnamed 21 year old males who have also been arrested, were seeking to incite republican sentiment amongst people. Lieutenant Diederik Callen, commanding officer of the Inspectorate investigation into the postbox attacks, said:

'The suspected perpetrators of this attack have been arrested and are currently awaiting to be interviewed. The Crown Guard will be supporting the Inspectorate and the Ministry of Enforcement by stepping up their auxiliary patrols throughout urban Erus areas. Let me emphasise that we take threats against the King and public safety very seriously and I urge people with any further knowledge regarding the attacks to inform their routine Crown Guard patrols immediately.'

This is the first time since King Reginald II was crowned that an attack of sorts has taken place on the capital. The several injured people are now recovering at Majesty's Hospital and are expected to make full recoveries whilst the investigation continues.

[Organized States]

The Fairford Post

ARMY TO CONSTRUCT LARGE DEFENSE HUBS TO COUNTER RED MISSILE THREAT

An Army spokesman said yesterday at the Octagon that the service's Missile Defense Force would begin to construct 15 "Hubs" across the country as to help counter the growing threat of Red Hypersonic and Ballistic Missiles capable of striking the Columbian Homeland from across the Corporate Curtain. These new Hubs will assist the OS Air Force's Aerospace Defense Command in defending Columbian Airspace from enemy bombers and missiles. All of the sites are expected to be completed next month as apart of the Army and Air Force's Joint Air Defense Program (which includes the Army's Air Defense Artillery Program and the Aerospace Defense Command). Army officials denied any relation to Freedom Party Candidate James McKelly's claims of a "growing Missile, submarine, and Bomber gap" between the Corporate Communist nation of Achesia and the OS arsenal, along with refusing to comment on any such matter.

[b]Amazing Pie Factory explosion results in Radiation leak, Fire Department says (P.4)
[b]Air Force to acquire new interceptors (P.7)
[b]McKelly's campaign takes the lead in Presidential Race, states that the Organized States "will not be intimidated under the trying times forming in the world around us. Our efforts for Freedom across every continent, every ocean, and every star, will define us through the ages."

[Achesia]

Narrative:

"Anxiety is mounting across the waves in the Organized States where malevolent leaders are using the rise in public fear to advance weaponry to counter ballistic missiles. OS has been falling behind as of late in the nuclear arms race to a more superior line of Achesian strategic deterrence, this coming at the same time as public support for such weapons have declined. News of the new Achesian submarine launched ballistic missile has given the Organized States leadership and excuse to proliferate weapons of this type. No news if any official meetings between the two governments have been made on this matter."

[Nova Sylva]

HER MAJESTY AND PARLIAMENT RELEASE JOINT STATEMENT CONCERNING NUCLEAR ARMS RACE
Sylvan Goverment criticizes both the OS and URRA in strongly-worded address; people take to streets in support

Chandler - In a joint statement released late last night, signed by Her Majesty and the of the Cortes Generales, the Sylvan government urged the Achesian and OS governments to "reconsider their position with regards to the deployment of nuclear ballistic missiles in the Septentrion region." While recognizing the Achesians' jurisdiction and right to self-government, the statement goes on to add that "such actions serve for little more than fuel tensions between the URRA and the OS."

The statement was directed at not one particular side, but rather both countries, though many interpreted it as an denouncement of Achesian foreign policy more than OS.

In the wake of the statement approximately 700 protesters gathered outside the Achesian embassy in Chandler this morning to protest against what they called "Achesian aggression". The police mobilized to the scene, but the protest went on without incident.

The missile crisis comes at a delicate time in Sylva. The Organized States bombarded the Wankan nuclear facility in March, causing the Saxon War - tensions with both the OS and the Achesians are running hot, the latter of which supported the Wankans during the conflict.

"Joining the SL was perhaps one of the worst mistakes in Sylvan foreign policy in the past years", Miguel Géroux, leader of the opposition in the Cortes Generales told APJ, "While it's true that it has brought benefits to Sylva, it is my belief and that of most of my opposition colleagues, that we should not take sides in the petty influence disputes between the URRA and the OS. That was proven when the OS betrayed us during the Saxon War."

First Minister Navarro agreed with his colleague. "Their is no doubt in my mind, and in the minds of many Sylvans, that the Organized States betrayed us during the Saxon War. But that does not mean that we should side with the Achesians. They are clearly and deliberately provoking action here, and while we respect both sides' rights to self-government, we urge them not to continue this brutal standoff at the expense of the rest of the world."

[The Black Reich]

Reichan Satellite program reaches new Zenith with recent Imaging Satellite launch.

Even the luxurious Zantora Keys are not immune from a chilly breeze at 2am in the morning - and our crew learnt this very quickly as we reported live on the launch of the eighth and final Charon-class space launch vehicle as it blasted from the Owen Colquhoun Memorial Launch facility carrying the twelfth and thirteenth satellites for the new Bloodhound Satellite constellation.

A mixture of civilian and military initiatives, the BLOODHOUND program was started in 2006 with the launch of Bloodhound's One and Two, a civil and a military geo-imaging satellite respectively. Whilst the program has been marred by the catastrophic failure of the BLOODHOUND seven and eight launch, resulting in the catastrophic destruction of the Saint-Martin Space Launch Facility in the Penedonna Altiplano region and the shut-down of the program for three years, there has been not one incident since much more stringent SLV fuelling checks were endorsed - making the program one of Reicha's most successful satellite launch programs in recent years.

Commercial and civilian staff working on the BLOODHOUND constellation were more than happy to discuss what our hard-won Harats would be going into. Noted physicist and High Reichan Science in Society winner David Yardman spoke of how the system would help to detect forest fires and Volcanoes with its thermal sensing equipment, provide up-to-date guidance with near military precision to people's navigation tools, allow for Reichan-wide communications via Satellite at a level previously never seen within our lands and also allow for some of the best satellite imagery available outside of military channels. However; if you want access you're going to have to wait in line, with many Reichan minerals and parks agencies already requesting access to the high resolution scanning capabilities of the platforms.

"These systems are not just for Reicha, with our new friends in the MSSP, we will be more than happy to share this technology with them and all it can provide!" Yardman said with quite some enthusiasm.

"But what of the military?" The BLOODHOUND constellation is considered to be "dual-use", meaning that the High Reichan Armed Services have a vested interest in these networks. However, they are not the only systems available. Many of us would recall the SILENT STAR series of electronic surveillance satellites after the DARK STAR nine satellite was struck by a piece of debris in 2010 and burnt up over Reicharia, prompting officials to warn citizens within the potential touchdown radius to seek shelter elsewhere for the event. BLOODHOUND does have some military specific capabilities in some of the satellites, including electronic snooping, and Defence Analyst Frank Hoskins believes the BLOODHOUND series is the last piece of the secretive HOUND-DOG space awareness network - a larger collection of satellites, most of which are used soley for Reichan military purposes from daily communications to conducting various reconnaissance and targeting duties.

[The Black Reich]

Meridian States Security Pact "Considered a formality, even if the name isn't just yet" - Carroner

High Reichan Senate chambers - Reicharia

There was much celebration and many warm handshakes and pats on backs today in Reicharia as our leadership completed the final statements of intent regarding Reicha's support for the fledgling Meridian States Security Pact. Whilst the name may well be in contention, with some of the foreign dignitaries displaying some concern regarding the potential message of a 'State Security' apparatus, Lord Minister Carroner was quick to assure the assembled press that the wording would be only to signify "the partnership in security, safety and stability for our region between Sidonia, the Allanciantic Empire and ourselves".

When pressed on the subject of Reicha's current non-conforming to the regional nuclear weapons treaties and how it may affect the fledgling MSSP, the Lord Minister stated Reicha had never been a signatory member to the treaty and requested that external powers focus on their own internal worries rather than be concerned with systems that are intended purely as a safeguard against "Helmarran atomic aggression".


Lord Minister Nathan Carroner - Image: Stock

[Nova Sylva]

BREAKING NEWS : COORDINATED ATTACKS IN CHANDLER, DOZENS DEAD, SHOOTERS STILL AT LARGE

APJ has confirmed reports that there are active shooters within Chandler. Local police, Royal Guard, and military forces are working to secure the Sylvan capital as we bring you this. Little information is known other than at least a dozen men, armed with assault weapons, began firing into the crowded Achebe Mall off of Chinua Avenue while somewhere between three and eight shooters attacked Sovereignty Square, in the heart of the city. According to unconfirmed reports, much of it from social media, there is an ongoing hostage situation in Achebe Mall, while the shooters from the Square are said to still be at large.

The situation is still rapidly developing, and APJ will bring you updates as soon as we receive them.

Updated 09:30 hours, CMT

[Nova Sylva]

BREAKING NEWS : ATTACKS CONTINUE TO ROCK SYLVAN CAPITAL; AT LEAST TWO HUNDRED CASULTIES

Reports concerning the Chandler Attacks are many, but are extremely confused at the moment. Here is what we know :

At approximately 0830 hours, fourteen gunmen, armed with assault weapons, opened fire on shoppers in the Achebe Mall off or Chinua Avenue. At least three dozen were killed, and at least a hundred people were made hostages as the gunners barricaded themselves within the mall’s movie theater. Police arrived and have laid siege to the mall and those inside.

At the same time, five gunmen dressed in military fatigues and carrying assault weapons attacked bystanders and automobiles in Sovereignty Square, killing twelve and wounding thirty-five. The shooters preceded to enter an escape vehicle before any off-site police arrived to assist, which was followed from the air by helicopters. A high-speed chase ensued, which continued down the I-35 expressway before the car was involved in an accident, at which point the gunmen traded shots with police before being killed. (The chase lasted until approximately 0900)

0845 : A single man who was posing as a tourist detonated a suicide vest within the Calisto Palace, killing half of the tour group and leaving nearly twenty dead, as well as a fire within the home of the Royal Family. It is unclear whether or not any members of the Family were killed or hurt in the blast.

At exactly 0900 hours, a third attack was been conducted against Marcelo Stadium near the waterfront, where the Sylvan and Aemen national teams were playing their annual football match. The shooters, according to startling eyewitness reports, entered the field itself, and were specifically targeting players from both sides. Sylvan football star Miguel Sao was confirmed as one of the deceased.

It is unknown who perpetuated the attacks at this time or for what reason. No claim has been made by any terrorist organization or nation. The Commonwealth declared a state of emergency at 09:15, with Queen Mariana granted administrative powers until the situation is resolved. It has been confirmed that Sylvan military vehicles are present in the streets of Chandler, as at least six shooters are still at large and to be considered armed and dangerous.

[Achesia]

deleted

[Achesia]

Narration:

"Rumors swirling today as documents from the Achesian Embassy to the Kingdom of Aurde have been leaked to reveal talk of a formal alliance of nations to counter the advance of the Septentrion League. Not much more is known about this, and the Press Office of the Achesian President has declined any comment. We will keep you updated at Origin News ."

[Organized States]

The Fairford Post
AIR FORCE MOVES TO BRING NEW VARIANTS OF PEACEKEEPER, MIDGETMAN, & MINUTEMAN MISSILES ONLINE BY FEBRUARY OF NEXT YEAR AS NAVY RAMPS UP NEW TRIDENTS FOR END OF YEAR

Strategic Air Command Headquarters, Burpleson AFB, Plains Commonwealth - The Air Force announced plans to bring the new Minuteman IV and Midgetman IV (a road-launched variant) nuclear missiles into service by February of 2016 as tensions continue to rise worldwide. According to the Air Force, these new missiles will include brand new Multiple Impact Reentry Vehicles (known as MIRVs), which is a first for the Midgetman series of missiles. Coinciding with the Navy's delivery of new Trident III Submarine-launched Ballastic Missiles, analysts say that this will begin to close the gap and begin to outpace current Achesian systems.

[Achesia]

Narrative:

"The Supereme Commander announced today that the Royal Marine will be makng a large show of force by sendng a fleet to patrol the waters of Septentrion. A move that has not been made since the major Achesian pull out from its colonies in the region. A path that the fleet will take has not been announced but the press release did state that the fleet would consist of 3 carrier battle groups. Analysts have speculated that the larger Ussusteth Class Super Carriers would not be apart of the fleet, but with such a large Achesian battle group it would be a strong presence none the less."

[Murovanka]

[Nova Sylva]

NAVARRO SAYS CHANDLER ATTACKS PERPETRATED BY WANKAN SYMPATHIZERS; MANHUNT CONTINUES

First Minister Navarro addressed the nation early this morning, revealing that the Ministry of Internal Security had apprehended three suspects in the Chandler shootings that left over two hundred casualties. Based off information from the Office of National Intelligence, the First Minister publicly confirmed suspicions that the terrorists were Wankan sympathizers. It is unclear, however, whether or not they directly supported by Sonneborn’s government.

Early this morning, in the Chandler suburb of Bonsall, east of the city, a dozen or so soldiers with the Internal Security insignia raided a house. Prolonged gunfire was reported by neighbors, who said that the exchange lasted for five solid minutes before three suspects with hoods over there heads were brought outside and shuffled into InSec military transports.

Sylva’s state of emergency continues, with additional powers being granted to Navarro and his cabinet. Military and police forces all over the country have been put on high alert as ONI says another attack may be imminent.

[Murovanka]

Narrative: Following the release of Wankan Chancellor Heinrich Sonneborn's BDSM tapes, the Wankan government has announced that it is planning an "international BDSM party" with all heads of states invited which hold diplomatic relations with Wanka. The Wankan leader had earlier explained that BDSM was "natural" and "as Wankan as Schnaps is Wankan" announcing that the government would now officially throw its support behind BDSM organizations worldwide. Sonneborn said that he hoped the event would "bring the world together" and has given event organizers a lavish budget to satisfy participants. At a press conference he said that he was looking forward to meeting the Allied Nations' leader, President Kerman, deeming it an important cultural exchange between the two nations. He also expressed desire to get whipped alongside Sylvan First Minister Navarro to defuse the rising tensions between the two historical foes, saying that he hoped mutual understanding of each others' sexual cultures would bring their peoples together. The event will be broadcast live on TV across the world with the audition for professional dominants starting next week, with prominent Wankan political commentators lauding Sonneborn's efforts to foster goodwill between Sylva and Wanka and in the world in general.

Meanwhile following the terror attacks in Sylva the Wankan government has ordered every government employee to condemn the attacks as "un-Wankan" and "contrary to peaceful Wankan principles" in an attempt to counteract the rising anti-Sylvan sentiment in Wanka, especially following the execution of Wankan national Lamar Friedrich. On social media the hashtag #peaceforchandler, #deathtointolerance, #terrorismhasnonationality has been trending amongst government employees while on the ground the police has found it difficult to quell anti-Sylvan riots.

[Murovanka]

April 26th, 2015

Our correspondent John Crosby is reporting live from Saxony. John, we are receiving your reports on the unfolding situation in Freital... what's going on?

"I'm in the city center in Freital, a small city in western Saxony... this morning we had growing demonstrations by protestors numbering in the thousands from both sides, Wankan and Sylvan, with the Aemen-heavy TDF contingent here struggling to maintain order. There were no serious incidents of violence... oh shit... we're being told to get down, according to the TDF several insurgents just popped up near our location... we can see there a soldier running toward them... the heavy smoke here is due to the burning of effigies and molotov cocktails thrown by the protesters earlier, our escort says... there's the gunfire, they are moving us out...

"It started when the insurgents smashed an explosive-ladened truck into the TDF compound on the outskirts of the city, where a heavy gunfight followed the explosion. The insurgents, have infiltrated the city and ambushed TDF patrols and police with the protest crowd soon disappearing... nevertheless there are reportedly dozens of civilian casualties... okay, we should be safe now, we're in a basement used as an underground bunker. The TDF people are maintaining that they have the situation under control and are bringing in reinforcements from Meissen to quell the violence."

Do you know who these militants are?

"Nothing much is known about them yet, this is the first time such an organized assault on the TDF has taken place. It could be pro-Wankan militants or pro-Sylvan militants, both sides have blamed the TDF for not adequately protecting their respective communities. What we do know is that many of these newly formed armed groups are based in the Osterwald just south of this city, with pro-Sylvan militias consisting of disbanded Saxon Defense Forces personnel and pro-Wankan militias consisting of returning Saxon refugees released from the Wankan army, where they had been trained. There are no clear divisions however, with hundreds of multiethnic criminal gangs across the country, it could be them too. The situation in postwar Saxony is getting messier by the day and is particularly worrying as the provisional government is gearing up for the crucial referendum in around 3 weeks from now."

Thank you, John. We will be updating you as the situation progresses. Moving on to Wanka, where chancellor Heinrich Sonneborn had earlier invited all world leaders to a 'BDSM' party in Kronstadt. The leader of the Allied Nations, President Kerman, and Aldanea have stated that they would be participating in the May 7 event, but Sonneborn's wish that he be "whipped with Navarro" will not be. The Sylvan First Minister instead has, together with the Mozrian and Erquin leaders, condemned the "uncivilised, immoral act" with nationalist figures in Sylva citing it an example of Wankan cultural backwardness and inferiority. Sonneborn's move is seen as an open challenge to Sylvan-lead central Casaterran cultural dominance however under pressure the Wankan Association representing Wankers in Sylva has distanced itself from the chancellor's actions, calling BDSM "un-Wankan", having a "false interpretation of what it means to be Wankan" and further urging Sylvan Wankers not to accede to such "barbaric ideology". While the international response has largely proven the isolation of Wanka, commentators have pointed out that it may be an aim for Sonneborn to get closer to the Allied Nations, particularly with the Wankan economy stagnating due to the cost of the Saxon war.