Ausozera News [IC] [New Ausozera members only.]

by **Azenyanistan** » Sat Oct 21, 2017 8:24 am

Sishanite International News

Azen Planes Over Syrnistan and Agrabah

The Azen Air Force has sent recce planes accompanied by F-16s as escorts into Syrnistani and Agrabahite airspace. Air Force officials have stated that this is part of an operation to find and root out Azen rebels who fled into these countries after the Rakshan Uprising. 12 F-16s have taken off from Azen air bases located close to the border with the two countries. The Air Force has not announced which recce planes were sent off.

It is said that these the Azen Air Force may be conducting recce missions over the two countries neighboring the heartland for an indefinite period.

Artist rendition of F-16s taking off from an Azen air base in Central Azenyanistan

by **The Jaclean Empire** » Thu Oct 26, 2017 6:12 pm

The Daily TJE
Royal Census Data Released

5 Months ago the Royal Offices of Census and Data Analysis conducted the first "E-Census", as it was dubbed. The Crown has decided to release the general data to the public. The results stayed very similar to the projections of the Census Offices. The data is publicly accessible for whatever use:

Ethnicity

33% of the country described their ethnicity as Sanonian
21% of the country described their ethnicity as Etlanidian
18% of the country described their ethnicity as Bromerian
16% of the country described their ethnicity as DuPontian
7% of the country described their ethnicity as Etlanid
3% of the country described their ethnicity as Sanon
2% of the country is descended from other ethnic groups, mostly Azens.

Language

99.9% of the country is fluent in Sanonian
96% of the country is fluent in Etlanidian
92% of the country is fluent in Tandin (language of Bromerians)
89% of the country is fluent in Fleurent (language of Dupontians)
82% of the country is fluent in Old Sanon
78% of the country is fluent in Ancient Etlanid
97% of the country speaks at least 2 of the official languages
93% of the country speaks all of the official languages

Religion

94% of the population follows True Slomehin
2% of the population follows other forms of Slomehin
4% of the population follows the Traditional Polytheism of The Bromerians
2% of the population follows the Tribal Faith of The Sanons and Etlanids

Population and Birth Rate

The Official Population is 3,253,987,163
The Replacement Fertility Rate is 2.8 births per woman

by **The United Remnants of America** » Tue Oct 31, 2017 5:13 pm

Remnant National News

CPD Dispatched To Aegypt

Olympia, URA

In a statement earlier today, President Gabriel Drake, surrounded by his closest advisers, announced that a full naval and ground force of the Contracted Personnel Division had been ordered to ship out to the nation of Aegypt. "Azenyanistan has threatened global peace and stability," Drake said in his statement, "They have infringed upon the airspace of several sovereign nations, insulting both their independence, and the global community's willingness to respond. Today, the URA will show it does not stand for insults. Today, we show that we are a force for global peace and stability. This force is made of several vessels as well as several units of our Contracted Personnel Division, loyal hired foreign soldiers who have shown that they support Truth, Justice, and the Remnant Way. Today, they will prove that they also stand for Aegypt's independence."

URS Hera, a decommissioned hospital ship, is the flagship of the CPD Naval Fleet.

According to reports, several thousand soldiers were boarding ships at ports in Zhangua and Nongea at CPD bases. Several dozen ships have been reported to have formed up in at least two different fleets, both heading towards Aegypt. In further reports, Drake announced that the CPD unit would be in Aegypt by next week.

Aegypt has been a long-time Remnant ally, a nation that has benefitted greatly from Remnant support while the URA gained reduced tariffs in trade with Aegypt. Aegypt has recently been the subject of debate due to a regime change, however this has obviously not affected the Remnant relationship with Aegypt. Some Remnant experts reports that this CPD force may be on the move to also pressure Aegypt to join the URA's Greater Remnant Co-Prosperity Sphere, a small alliance of the URA and smaller satellite states, however this hasn't been confirmed by anyone in the administration.

Rumors abound that the URA is trying to form an international coalition to combat military aggression in the region, but no major nation has openly commented on this call to arms, mainly due to the preoccupation with the war in Donner Land.

- Frank Echo, Junior Correspondent, RNN

In other news:
- Namenian Interference?
- Is Task Force Atlas Real?
- The Donnish War Ending Soon?

by **Azenyanistan** » Tue Oct 31, 2017 8:40 pm

Sishanite International News

The Coup

An Azen Recce Tornado speeds over a field in Central Azenyanistan as the Air Force launches a coup against the government of Dune ur Kaiteriza. While the Army and Navy and other military units remain loyal to her and the Guards, ACP and G171 are attempting to protect her from the paratroopers, planes and helicopters of the betraying Air Force, the public has been warned to stay in their homes or workplaces to avoid loss of life.

This also means that loyal government units are moving to deal with the Air Force in Eastern, Northern and Western Azenyanistan. Tribal forces have also been summoned to assist the government.

An emergency call from Dune ur Kaiteriza has also been requested by the government to be broadcast by the AIN. This is her call:

"I am Aksesyr Dune ur Kaiteriza. And I am making this emergency call. The Air Force is conducting a coup. I am with my guards. We are heading to a safehouse. We're trying to meet the Valarans but we might not make it. They're following us.

Call me if you receive this message. And if you can, please save the pilots should they be alive and on the ground. And I request the Union step in and occupy my country. Help me survive. if I die, with a child in my womb, then this country is lost. My people won't accept Tyena as leader again. And my Cabinet might not be able to perform. So I must ask:

Send forces to Azenyanistan. Save the pilots. And stop a war from happening."

by **Azenyanistan** » Fri Nov 03, 2017 8:58 pm

Sishanite International News

The Coup

Azen heavy transport planes let paratroopers drop over Central Azenyanistan.

While Dune ur Kaiteriza and her supporters have been spotted fleeing their safehouse to meet with the Valarans, it seems that some gangs and other criminal organizations have come to help her out. A unit of loyal paratroopers have also begun to escort Dune safely out of the safehouse, coordinating their efforts with the G171, AIG, Guards and other loyal forces of the country.

The public has been ordered to stay in their homes and if they are at work or any place else, to stay and to remain calm. Government orders have been issued for everyone to avoid supporting the Air Force.

In other news, two F-16s have struck at an Azen Civil Protection station as well as an Azen Reeseeraveesii training base. Fifteen are dead and thirty are wounded.

Another F-16 has been shot down by tribal members of the Azen Army over Southern Azenyanistan. The pilot has been captured by the government after the tribal soldiers found her hiding close to a Nyran village.

More planes have also been reported to have taken off. Tornadoes, F-14s, F-15s, F-16s, Pyrelights and others have been spotted in the air, especially over the capital city and other major cities. Heavy transport planes have also been dropping paratroopers over Central Azenyanistan while helicopters have brought more into Northern and Western Azenyanistan.

Fighting has been reported between loyalist forces and the Air Force at their bases in Central, Northern and Eastern Azenyanistan. Tanks and other vehicles have been supporting infantry and armed civilians who are trying to regain control from the Air Force.

Unfortunately, due to the Air Force, there is a mass blackout over Central and Eastern Azenyanistan. Problems with the power grid have been reported in Western and Southern Azenyanistan.

At the borders, Azen loyalist forces moved away to support Dune and her followers. The borders are now vulnerable to foreign incursions as the situation has become more and more confusing.

The reserves have once again been called up and the entire military, those loyal to Dune, has been ordered to activate Protocol Salazar.

All Azen forces loyal to the government now have orders to fight and arrest the Air Force.

An announcement was made by the government that the Air Force was planning this coup to force Azenyanistan into a war with their neighbors. There are now rumors that paratroopers are entering Syrnistani territory.

Azen Air Force paratroopers attacking the Syrnistani border.

Air Force Units conducting the coup:

1st Airborne Battalion
2nd Airborne Battalion
3rd Airborne Battalion
4th Airborne Battalion
1st Fighter Group
2nd Fighter Group
3rd Fighter Group
1st Sky Angels
The Burning Division

According to Editor Shurrati, this is "the sign that the most unstable nation in the entire Ausozeran world is finally settling everything. One big fight."

by **Imperial Valaran** » Mon Nov 06, 2017 3:05 pm

Valaran Set to Join the Union

Union Federal Council Building, Abula (2017)

Alex Cestan (@AlexCestan)
^{Wednesday 6 November, 2017, 21:43 | Astaria, The Valaran Empire}

Hesseren set to Announce Joining Date as sometime in Decemeber 2017

In a major statement by the government today, Prime Minister Hesseren set out Valaran’s accession to join the Union. His reasons were the prospect of improved trade relations, political cooperation, and mutual defence guarantees. He praised the Union’s stance on several issues, such as border openness and the commitment to helping out member states likes Azenyanistan. He closed his statement by saying “there is no more robust defence of values that the Government holds on the world stage than by the Union.”

Hesseren revealed that accession plans had been secretly underway for three weeks, or exactly two months since the election. He outlined plans to table a vote on the floor of Parliament. Having received a surprise (though small) majority of seats in the 2017 elections, this motion is expected to pass.

The Statement lead to a polarised reaction. Lord osteric of the Conservatives launched a scathing critique of the announcement, both in a televised statement and a speech at Castra Novum. He called the move a “blatant and shameless abdication of sovereignty” and said that the Valaran Empire “was committed to joining a useless yet oppressive series of nations with absolutely nothing to unify them beyond mutually restrictive decision from their Federal Council. We would be entirely at the mercy of the Leaders of other nations — nations who care little for Valaran now, and may care less in the future.” he also highlighted the Union involvement in the Azen crisis, noting that the organisation “was perfectly happy to let Azenyanistan slide into crisis, and perfectly happy to invade once that occurred.”

The Liberals were more mixed in their statements. Alstan cautiously welcomed the move, “as long it upheld Valaran’s traditional freedom of thought, spirit and action.” Some MPs were more critical however, finding the timing suspicious. Various figures report internal division on what stance to take.

Snap polling indicates a plurality — but not a majority — of Valarans are in favour. Some 43% support the move,with some 38% opposed. 47% say they are unsure or do not know. The polling also revealed a mixed attitude to aspects of the Union. Most (64% of responders) supported the mutual defence clause and the Union’s intervention in Azenyanistan. A large majority (73%) also supported the Union’s elimination of tariffs and quota, though this was unsurprising, since the Empire has long had a pro-free trade consensus. However, when asked “should Valaran abide by the decision of the Union’s Federal Council,” 59% said no, and only 34% said yes.

The Arcan Index surprisingly fell by 1.1% on the news, with investors decidedly bearish. Market Analysts from Western Group suggested that despite the prospect of enhanced trade with Union states, larger corporations were concerned about the elimination of various legislation and the prevention of government support. Particular emphasis was laid at the potential for the Federal Council to unilaterally impose this support.

Foreign Policy Analysts have offered contrasting views. Many have described uncertainty in the Marsh about this. Some suspected this was being used to drive a wedge between the Liberals and Conservatives. Veteran analyst and foreign affairs correspondent Elric Daran had this to say:

”Hesseren clearly feels confident enough to propose a potentially very divisive move. It may either be a halo for his administration, or a millstone around its neck. Nonetheless, this will require a large amount of political capital, on this. The question is why? I don’t buy this notion that he is doing for domestic political reasons. I would instead treat this is staking out a position: the first marker of the Hesseren Foreign Policy Doctrine, if you will.”

More Leading Articles

Defence White Paper for 2018; Analysis by Katie Farr and Elric Dara 12,774,873 views
Donnish War grinds to halt 5,186,078 views
Opinion Piece: The Strategic Vacuum at the heart of the Azen crisis? 4,009,762 views
Arcan Consortium records 12% rise in operating income 1,520,026 views

2498 comments

REPLY LIKE | DISLIKE

Comments:

By The Real Stephen Colbert - 4 mins Ago

I'm potentially for this. Valaran should be seen to be more constructive on the world stage, and not some amoral empire. But I do have concerns on this move. This isn't the first time we've joined something without proper consideration, and we've been burnt before. Don't let this be another IFC.
4,312 Likes | 57 Dislikes
Reply | Like | Dislike

Show Replies

By HippoLover563 - 10 mins Ago

Haven’t we learnt from the IFC and heck, even SACTO, that Valaran does not work well in Alliances?
19,970 Likes | 3,456 Dislikes
Reply | Like | Dislike

Show Replies

By Totallynotagovernmentclone - 16 min Ago

This is all well and good, but does Hesseren ignore the real issues facing our nation? What is he going to do about the droid attack on the wookies?
66,896 Likes | 0 Dislikes
Reply | Like | Dislike

Show Replies

by **The Unified Isles** » Sat Nov 11, 2017 5:50 am

Image: Imperial Palace, Isle of Middlesex

GAME OF THRONES?!

Grand Parliament Elections as exciting as never before!

Neutral Zone, Isle of Middlesex – Contrary to the experience of past years, hundreds of journalists flooded the venerable halls of the Imperial Palace on Middlesex. The Provisional Governments press conference, normally a weekly ocasion, was normally only attended by the big name news outlets from the Isles, not the foreign ones. Only if there was something crucial to be commented on... like yesterday, when the Provisional Government called for the a new assembly of Grand Parliament, which will in turn elect a new Provisional Government on the 1st of January. Dozens of reporters and correspondents, from the Ports, Esgonia, Ratte, Valaran, Nauchtenfield, any many, many other nations, watched today, mostly bored, by the daily procedures of the Provisional Governments.

Let's get the boring facts out of the day first: Three towns are scheduled to be rezoned within the next week, five had been sucessfully rezoned within the last week. The town of Stamort, Isle of Essex, had been scheduled for rezoning between Military Zone and National Zone, but was postponed indefinitly for now. All government departments reported on their weekly little successes, except the Department for Disarmament, who scolded the administration of the Republican Zone, as well as the Fascist Republic of Emixton, for passing legislations in the last week that would increase popular ownership of guns.

After enduring tons of little details about Provisional Government workings, foreign press finally got the part of the conference they were waiting for: The Presidium officially called for the elections of a new Grand Parliament, so that it could be orderly assembled on the 1st of January, 2018. Grand Parliament in turn will then elect a new Provisional Government. Although with a slight difference this year:

Many place high chances that Grand Parliament will instead recognize an official line of succession for the Royal Throne between the years of 1936 and 2018. This had been the official task of the Grand Parliament since at ~1000 AD, this being due to the problem that Isle'ish inheritance laws pose for a royal succession.

Roughly speaking, Isle'ish consider 'family' to be their circle of friends and acquaintances, not the persons genetically related to them. Most Isle'ish children are adopted by elderly people, usually friends of their genetic parents, within the first three years or so of their life, and grow up with them. From an Isle'ish standpoint, friends are cousins, and close friends are siblings. Mentors are parents, and the own students are ones children. This does directly affect inheritance: It is the metaphorical sons, the metaphorical brothers, who inherit a persons possessions, not the genetic ones. This had also been the case for the Royal Succession since the inception of the title of 'King of the Isles' in 769 AD, and for about a century, nobody was in the position to really question the legitimacy of the Kings of the so-called 'First Dynasty'. Initial conflicts before the turn of the millennium could still be settled through the use of an informal 'Thing', an elders council which would assess the relation between two persons and decide a successor (Things are a practice still common within modern Isle'ish inheritance law)

The years 1081 marked the formation of the first Grand Parliament, called in by George the Glorious, who had, as first ever King of the Isles, the other concurrent claimant, Alexander of Strathdee, in battle. Grand Parliament was formated to serve as a set-in-stone organization in the election of the King. Initially composed of three houses, one for the clergly of the then still united Isle'ish religion ('Death Cult' in foreign nations, referred to as 'Natiyv' when still united), one for the rulers of inferior realms within the Isles, and one elected by all others considered 'Isle'ish'.

The Grand Parliament weathered many conflicts in the coming centuries. Religious Wars. The Usurpation of the Throne by Horatio Mercator. But at some point, the crisis had intensified to much. It was 1936, the year Horatio XI, that Grand Parliament was completely split on issues, and could simply not recognize a new monarch as no majority could be achieved between the conflicting forces: The Royalists (today mostly referred to as 'Royal Army', although it did include large portions of the Imperial Administration as well as all overseas possessions back then), who demanded that one of their generals was chosen as next monarch; The Republicans, who wished for the King of the Isles to be abolished and the Grand Parliament to be turned into a legislative institution for a new government; The Parliamentarists, a less radical split-of from the Republicans, who mostly demanded more participation rights especially for the 3rd House of Grand Parliament; And the Nationalists, who didn't recognize the line of succession as it currently stood, and demanded a redrawing from Horatio's Usurpation onwards. Put in a few non-parliamentary radicals like Fascists and Communists, and you got yourself the Isle'ish Civil War. It took 28 years and hundreds of dead, before the stalemated forces could decided that a Provisional Government should be elected instead of a King, till Parliament felt ready to elect a King.

This year, many place good chances on the actual election of a new King though. Parliamentarists had reconciled with the current Colonel-General of the Royal Army, and de-facto leader of the Royalists, Henry Leighton-Pierce, on the issue of 3rd House power. While it is unclear, whether this will gather enough support for Leighton-Pierce to be elected, it has been observed that many voters for the 3rd House are drawn to voting for Parliamentarist and Royalist delegates this year. There had also been reported that secret negotiations had been taking place between Royalists and Nationalists, although the content of such negotiations, if they even existed, has not been leaked, yet.

However, the first election, as usually, will be the ones for the 1st House. More on that next week....

by **Cemeralia** » Sat Nov 11, 2017 10:35 pm

Neko rights organization Black Fang attacks Blackgate Police Department with truck

BREAKING --- Blackgate city officials are reeling after the Blackgate Police Department headquarters was attacked by a team of armed terrorists belonging to the organization known as the Black Fang, which has claimed responsibility for the attack. The stated goals of the organization is separatism for citizens of neko(also known as feline) descent, as well as equal rights for nekos across Ausozera. The organization, which is new, claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement on social media, only hours afterwards.

The attack itself was carried out in the middle of the afternoon, when an armored military grade van smashed through a metal fence and through the wall of the building. This action killed at least three officers and injured others, but was only the beginning of the attack. After the van stopped moving, masked terrorists exited and began open firing on anyone who was in the station at the time. Because of the armory being in the back of the building, police were slow to respond with full force.

According to reports from the scene, at least eighteen are dead in the attack, with twenty eight injured. All of the three attackers have been killed at the scene, by Blackgate police officers. The Imperial Special Corps has retained the bodies and the footage of the incident, for analysis. The Black Fang, however, has issued a statement warning Cemeralia that this is just the beginning of the war between the organization and the nations of the world: "Until our own race has its own nation, we will continue to fight," the group statement said. "As Cemeralia has one of the larger neko populations in Ausozera, and is home to high levels of discrimination, they are enemy number one."

The ISC has issued its own statement, stating that it is looking into the organization and its activities, and investigating the Blackgate Police Department incident. Further reactions are expected to come tomorrow, after the Blackgate Police Department prepared a press release.

by **Azenyanistan** » Sun Nov 19, 2017 1:41 am

Azen International News

Air Force HQ Attacked - Coup Leadership Requests Negotiations With Azen Government - Simitira becomes Hand of the Aksesyr

The Iyunat Division of the Azen Reeseeraveesii reported that it has begun its assault on the Air Force HQ in Yaneza. With a quarter of their armored forces rolling over the traitorous Air Force easily with the assistance of their own air defense and artillery, it seems that the coup might come to an end in the near future. Out of concern for their own selves, Air Force officers and politicians backing the coup requested negotiations with the Azen government. The government has made no reply as Simitira became the Hand of the Aksesyr.

Assuming civilian leadership over the loyalists and most of the country, the 45 year old Simitira said "On the courtesy of the Azens and the Union,
we will be ending the coup and in the near future, we will be sure to stabilize our country in full force."

The Azen government also would like to present a public apology to Syrnistan, Agrabah, Pakiranistan and Aegypt for the disturbances caused in the recent past.

Air Force Coup Almost Over

After weeks of heavy fighting, the Air Force has chosen to give up and negotiate the end of the conflict with the government of Azenyanistan. However, in light of these good news, with the cost of damages at an estimated 11 million dollars and lives lost at an estimated 298, the government is more likely to give punishments than pardons to the ones involved in the coup.

In other news, the Sarns, Lishs and Ysitir rejoice at the release of Solas Ester, a well known activist for the rights and recognition of the three ethnic groups, who was arrested and imprisoned for seven years. Back in her hometown of Freewaters, Solas Ester has sparked interest in the Sarn, Lish and Ysitir cause, motivating the youth to protest online. The government of Azenyanistan has chosen to let this continue as it has been exhausted from fighting the coup.

by **Imperial Valaran** » Fri Dec 01, 2017 6:16 pm

Valaran Deploys Troops to Schömberg

Valaran Patrol boat, off the coast of Viapori, 2017

Alex Cestan (@AlexCestan)
^{Wednesday 2 December, 2017, 11:02 | Astaria, The Valaran Empire}

Marines To Help Combat LLF

The Valaran Empire has announced a surprise military deployment to the city of Schömberg, currently occupied by the Lotschen Liberation Front (LLF). A government spokesmen said that “We aim to support the Federal Republic of Ratte in their efforts to clear Schömberg from the murderous terrorist organisation currently infesting the city.” The deployment is roughly 1,200 personnel, and is primarily drawn from the Valaran Royal Marines (VRM), with elements of the Navy, Airforce and VRF in supporting or transport roles.

The LLF have occupied Schömberg for some months and remain in possession of the city centre, but have steadily lost territory. Estimates put their remaining fighters at 20,000-25,000, from a previous strength of c.30,000. However numbers have proven difficult to verify. They have also occupied areas of the city in Esgonia (where it is called Honjo).

1 × VRM Battalion — About 800 Marines and just under 100 AFVs
1 × H-14/C Ljóra Gunship Squadron — 6 × Attack Helicopters and Ground Crews
2 × H-15/A Druknir Squadron — 12 × Medium-Lift/Utility Helicopters and Ground Crews
1 × ‘River Patrol Squadron’ — thought to number 3-5 × Patrol Boats of unknown types
1 × ‘Drone Squadron’ — unknown type and number, but likely UA-6/7s and UA-11s

Most of the force will arrive by plane over two weeks in Rattean Territory, before deploying to a nearby airport close to the front lines, which will act as a FOB for the VRM. Meanwhile, the gunboats will be transported by two Raef LPDs to the Rattean Coast, from which they will travel upriver. The spokesmen noted the helicopters will receive specialised ‘surveillance pods’ and be used in ELINT and ISR roles. They also emphasised the importance of using the Patrol Boats “to provide a vital combat support,” which suggests Valaran activities will focus on the river.

The deployment came as something of a surprise. The Federal republic of Ratte has pointedly noted the lack of support, especially by its Union allies. At the time of seizure of Schömberg by the LLF, the Valaran Empire offered strong condemnation and gave humanitarian assistance, but promised no military support. Since then, it has come to light that ISR assets have been used in support of the Ratteans. However, this marks the first usage of combat forces.

Analysis has been that Valaran Empire is attempt to demonstrate its commitments to the International Community, and in particular to Union member states. This marks the third Valaran intervention in alignment with Union Nations, after the Donnish War and Azenyanistan.

The also marks the second intervention entirely conducted by the VRM, the first being in the Donnish War. Typically operations have been lead by the Valaran Royal Forces (VRF). Some commentators have speculated that the VRF is less capable than before, following successive budget cuts in real terms (although overall military spending has kept ahead of inflation, most increases have gone to the Legions). An anonymous report has been circulated, which alleges that the VRF’s ‘operationally deployable forces’ (i.e. that can be deployed abroad without any critical deficiencies) — excluding colonial formations — has fallen below 50 manoeuvre brigades for the first time in 6 years. The VRF has a maximum of 80 manoeuvre brigades, and typically lists 60-65 of these operationally deployable. This has been coupled with more than five interventions (amounting to roughly 32 manoeuvre brigades deployed overseas), creating strain. The use of the VRM may be an attempt to prevent any overextension.

However, this view has been strongly criticised in official quarters. A Government spokesmen responded that even with all these deployments and shortages (though she did not explicitly contest the figures), that left 18 manoeuvre brigades ready to deploy. She also pointed out that a Battalion was less than 1/3 of a Brigade, making it “ridiculous that the VRF could not find such forces”. No further comments were offered, despite several attempts at contacting Valaran High Command. Various private analysts suggested that the use of the VRM was done for political reasons, or to build “command and combat” experience amongst the “neglected” VRM. The VRM are under overall command of the Valaran Imperial Navy (VIN) which has reputedly lobbied for such an outcome for some times. Moreover, the friction between the Legions and VRF may have lead Prime Minister Hesseren’s government to see the VRM as a politically neutral alternative. t should be noted that most analysts praised the autonomy grants to the Marines, but found the signs of exacerbated service rival to be deeply troubling.

For the record, we asked the Veteran Foreign Affairs Correspondent Elric Dara on his take on. His reply was brief: “Its much simpler than all this The emphasis on Patrol Boats suggests our troops will be conducting Amphibious operations by the river. Who is best trained for Amphibious Operations? Why, the Marines, of course.”

The Marines were confirmed to have been granted a combat role, rather than acting a peacekeeping or reserve unit. However, they were also specified as to be operating under ‘strict rules of engagement,’ so as to limit combat exposure. These rules of engagement were not specified, and questions on them were largely rebuffed. The justification given was so as not to ‘tip the enemy off’.

Nonetheless, analysts have warned of expecting casualties ’in the dozens’. They point to (contested) reports of Rattean forces suffering heavy attrition, the slow progress in retaking Schömberg, and the high numbers and good preparation by the LLF.

The Government has also emphasised an increase in humanitarian assistance to displace citizens. It is setting up an aid camp behind the Marine base, and deploying military aircraft to bring in supplies and aid workers. It has also allocated $25m (NSD) to help give shelter and medical aid to displaced persons.

Neither major opposition party confronted the deployment directly. In part as it was a relative surprise, and in part since both the Liberals and Conservative have long favoured interventionism as a general principle. Instead, they sought to criticise the lack of operational readiness in the VRF, as alleged by various reports (see above). Liberal Party Leader James Alstan contrasted the present state of the Armed Forces under Hesseren with his own tenure as Prime Minister, in which military spending received record funding increases. Conservative Party Leader Lord Osteric directly criticised the “parlous state of the VRF under this government.” Social Democratic MPs retorted this deficiency came from the diversion of funds to reform the Legions, a policy foisted on Hesseren by Osteric during his previous term (which had been a minority administration). Social Democratic MP Sera Anfaldt called the alleged failings “a direct result of when Osteric held the government hostage.” She added that “it was entirely hypocritical for Osteric to defund the VRF with one day, and then bemoan its lack of funds the next.”

The Government Spokesman expected the siege Schömberg to not last longer “than a few more weeks, perhaps a month.” She based this on recent predictions by the Rattean Government, and that the deployment of Valaran Forces “had drastically shortened the lifespan of the LLF occupation. Under renewed pressure, they will break.”

More Leading Articles

Valaran Airstrikes Over Azenyanistan Reported 11,944,365 views
Donnish Stalemate: Coalition Advances Fail to Materialise 4,506,003 views
Opinion Piece: Azenyanistan is a quagmire. We should get out before we get stuck 1,356,102 views
Kalanor Consortium leapfrogs rivals to become the largest Bank in the Valaran Empire 562,020 views

2498 Comments

REPLY LIKE | DISLIKE

Comments:

By The Real Stephen Colbert - 4 mins Ago
Always happy to help out our Union Allies. Hopefully this puts another nail in the coffin of the LLF.
271 Likes | 65 Dislikes
Reply | Like | Dislike

Show Replies

By HippoLover564 - 10 mins Ago

Yet another intervention… How long before we start seeing body-bags?
635 Likes | 481 Dislikes
Reply | Like | Dislike

Show Replies

By Totallynotagovernmentclone - 16 min Ago

LLF: I have the high-ground.  

Valaran Empire: You underestimate my ~~80 manoeuvre brigades~~ 3-5 Patrol Boats!  

LLF: Don’t try it.
17,986 Likes | 0 Dislikes
Reply | Like | Dislike

Show Replies

by **The United Remnants of America** » Sat Dec 02, 2017 7:14 pm

Remnant National News

Azens In Mass Deportation

Olympia, URA

The Remnant Government has made their final declaration in the ongoing Azen crisis in the URA. The government, without any kind of ceremony, issued a statement that any Azen citizen in the URA would immediately lose their citizenship and be subject to immediate deportation out of the United Remnants of America.

Azen-Remnant citizens being marched towards docks of Olympia for deportation.

"This will finally bring an end to the bloodshed and tension in the URA," an unnamed government source said after the law was issued. "The minority is being treated humanely, and are being given small boats to go anywhere but here. As long as they leave Remnant territory, they are safe. We'd prefer they leave the GRCS altogether, but we can't legislate that kind of ruling."

- James Barnes, Junior Correspondent, RNN

In other news:
- End of Azenyanistan
- Zombies, do they exist?
- Is Newron Voy Dead?

by **Cemeralia** » Sat Dec 02, 2017 9:38 pm

Golden Guard not in North Cemeralia for ethnic cleansing

HALE, NORTH CEMERALIA - The Golden Guard, the armed wing of the Golden Church that is responsible for the largest religion in Cemeralia, has released a statement today claiming that their movement of forces to North Cemeralia is not for the purposes of ethnic cleansing, religious warfare, or any other illegal purpose. Recently, the Port of Hale has been busy with Golden Guard forces arriving and heading into the city, which is the regional capital of the semi autonomous island. The Golden Guard base on the island has expanded in recent weeks to accommodate the newcomers, and the total number of troops reportedly went from the "hundreds to the thousands," according to multiple sources on the ground.

The Guard's soldiers have military equipment and training and are an official military in all but name, which is why concern has been voiced by multiple groups based in North Cemeralia as Guardsmen began to show up starting at the beginning of the week. According to the statement from Guard leader Tanner Davros, the movement of forces is purely because of recent tensions on the island and to protect ethnic Cemeralians and members of the Golden Church, who feel threatened by the influx of weapons onto the island by the Azens. According to the statement, the troops have defensive orders and will mainly be stationed in Cemeralian neighborhoods for protection and to provide self defense training to threatened citizens.

The stationed units include the 4th and 5th Infantry Divisions, which were previously stationed close to the Second Kortalian War, in the city of Blackgate. They are joined by aerial and armored units, which have not been a part of the Golden Guard forces on the island in the past. The Cemeralia Star has reached out to both sides of the issue for further clarification of the current tensions and the reason for these tensions escalating when they did.

by **Urran** » Sun Dec 03, 2017 4:52 pm

Valaran Journalists Arrested for Spreading "False Information"

Urranese Police Raid the Regional Headquarters of a Valaran Based News Agency

-Sakura City, Urran

Urranese police and government officials raided the regional HQ of a Valaran based news agency earlier today.

Several journalists and other staff have been detained by authorities and charged with the crime of intentionally spreading false information. Sakura City Police Department officials released a statement saying that they are "reviewing" documents and files taken from the agency's offices, as well as questioning the employees.

The article that lead to the charges was reportedly headlined "Coalition Advances Fail to Materialize", an article on the war in Donner Land. Urranese officials have said that this assessment is untrue and that, "Valaran news agencies are deliberately spreading false information in order to deceive the public at large".

While the Urranese constitution protects free speech, free press, and freedom of expression, news agencies caught deliberately running fake stories or spreading false information are subject to being shut down by the government. This was the case back in 1966 when Socialist Party mouthpiece Xinhua reported that their candidate had one an election to become Prime Minister.

Some have argued that the article may have been satire, and thus constitutionally protected, but Urranese Minister of Justice, Yu Aida, has said that this is unlikely.

"The story reads that coalition forces have not gained any ground. That is simply not true. Ask the MoD. This story was not run as an opinion piece or written in a way that is obviously satirical. It was run with other serious news stories. An over the top opinion piece is satire. A comedy sketch is satire. A news article on a site dedicated to satire and is obviously satirical is satire. An unbiased news story published with other serious stories is just that, an actual news story. They ran this information knowing that it was false. That is a blatant violation of the law."

A journalist convicted of deliberately spreading false information can face up to five years in prison. However, the investigation is still ongoing and it is likely that the journalists may be found innocent, or may be deported, rather than imprisoned.

-This is Urran Central News.

by **Reuss-Lippe** » Sun Dec 03, 2017 6:29 pm

Donnerland Deployments Slowed as Leadership plagues LLF Operation
15th Field Artillery Regiment operating on the outskirts of Schömberg

by **Urran** » Thu Dec 07, 2017 10:25 pm

Urranese Troops Ordered to Lotschen

The Urranese Marine Corps has announced a deployment of 500 combat troops to the contested Rattean province effective immediately.

The troops will be departing from Esgonia and head mostly ovr land into Rattean territory. The contingency includes 500 combat Marines and armored vehicles with the addition of Army aviation assets in the form of five UH-60 and three CH-47 helicopters.

According to the MoD, the deployment is for peacekeeping purposes only and is mostly a political move. With troops embroiled in conflict in Donner Land and on standby in Azenyanistan, the MoD does not wish to commit many assets to any other foreign conflicts. It is unlikely that Urranese troops will see combat.

An RUMC vehicle enters Rattean territory.

-This is Urran Central News

by **Empire of Donner land** » Fri Dec 08, 2017 7:41 pm

Bögt Daily News.
Euroi unt Donosklan!

International Reporter Francen Reguarehg, 4 hours ago.
Donnish Troops on the frontline have "high morale, and are ready to fight"

Our Soldiers on the frontlines since the war began have been fighting hard to preserve our way of life and country. We've sent numerous reporters and photographers to the front lines, north of Soraught now since the controversial retreat from the city to preserve the infrastructure and lives of the Donnish Citizens there. What they've gathered is the scoop on a well oiled, prepared and dangerous enemy for the Coalition Dogs in Soraught.

We've contacted Boghaim Herzegy of the 16th Ranger Air Cavalry for a personal interview, he was gracious enough to give us the honor of doing so. We asked how well prepared the military was for an attack on the lines by Coalition forces either by surprise or otherwise. This was his response. "Well ma'am, we're sure we can repulse any attack by the Coalition and more. We're ready, our troops are in good spirit and they've made their peace with leaving the city to these invaders. Our other fronts are doing well, and I can only assure full victory within the week, if not the month. We've gotten word from civilians in Soraught that they're being treated rather poorly, and may the Mountain God damn us all if we don't get in that city."

As all of us know, the Coalition is not playing around. The D.I.A has informed us multiple times that the fight will be hard, long and brutal but persistence and bravery will prevail. And with soldiers like these, we've fulfilled both of those goals. The Boghaim took our reporters for a look around to prove just how well they're doing on the firing line. They talked with soldiers, Enlisted and Commisioned alike and allowed them to call their homes with their own phones supervised by the Boghaim, who then also took the phone and told them just how well their sons, brothers, sisters, daughters and more were doing and that they'd be back in no time at all. You could just hear the tears in their famillies eyes.

"We're a damn fine looking unit, ma'am, I expect nothing less than the best from my Soldiers." said a 2nd Lieutenant when questioned about how well he thought is Platoon would do in combat.

"Do you think the Coalition is ready for you, sir?" the reporter asked.

"They'd better be. Right?!" The Lieutenant said, calling out to his Platoon behind him, they stood and cheered and broke into song in front of the camera in glee. Something you only see in military units with a concrete solid esprit du corps. On their arms laid the patch of the 16th Ranger Air Cavalry Division, a black patch with the silhouette of a helicopter, red rifles crossed over it. One of the best units deployed out there in the Southern Front.

Afterwards, our reporters in the field gave the Boghaim a salute and began to photograph the soldiers as seen to the right. This Infantry unit was at rest while conducting "maneuver drills" somewhere behind "Hill 557". The Soldiers shared the same attitude as the Boghaim, they were positively ecstatic for a fight with the Coalition. And as you've read, victory is soon to come for our people with a bright future, rid of the dirty blood that pollutes our nation, the Azulnish and Ehgtuians.

In other news.
-Coalition War Crimes caught on tape?
-Support your Nation: 10 Reasons to enlist now.
-Xughere Keenes gone missing?
-The Future for our Nation: After the War
-Soraught under Occupation: What to Expect

Comments
Powered by Mega Comments 1.2

BogtBoi

Fuck these coalition bastards, soldiers!
+2987 -1876

Replies have been disabled for this comment.
Replies have been disabled for this comment.

by **Urran** » Fri Dec 08, 2017 11:47 pm

Urran, Meriddean, Esgonia, FAP, and Ratte to Build Super Sonic Missile

The MoD has announced a multinational program to development a replacement for the aging Tomahawk cruise missiles in current military inventories dubbed AGM-X.

The requirement is for a missile that rivals of the range of the Tomahawk that it would replace, as well as stealth characteristics, and a speed of Mach3+. This performance is difficult to achieve, so it likely that development will be a lengthy process.

The missile will need to flexible in order to meet the goals and requirements of five different militaries and possibly others. The MoD has hinted that multiple variations may be developed, including surface ship, submarine, and air launched versions. The new weapon will meet a variety of mission types including hardened target, infrastructure, runway denial, and anti-shipping operations.

Stealth and speed are among the most important factors that the MoD is trying to achieve. Stealth aircraft and munitions can now be detected at close range by enemy radar. The goal is a missile that is so fast, that the enemy has no time to respond to the oncoming threat.

One mockup of what the AGM-X could look like.

Two new Urranese Aircraft Fly

At a remote airfield in eastern Meridean, the nation's newest cargo aircraft, the C-X prototype, code named Pak Ta, took off on its maiden flight, which lasted about 30 minutes.

Urrranese military officials gathered at the airfield to witness the massive aircraft take to the sky and soar gracefully around the surrounded countryside before returning to land. It was reportedly crewed by test pilots from both nations.

The aircraft is the official answer to the C-X program, a cooperative military program between Meridan and Urran to develop a long range super sonic transport aircraft for the Urranese and Meridean Air Forces. The aircraft is designed to carry 200 tons of cargo at speeds of up to Mach 1.5 with the use of its three powerful engines.

Urran plans on buying up to 15 of the jets, giving them the ability to deploy an entire armored battalion within a 4,200 mile radius in just a few hours.

It is not only militaries that are taking notice. Urranese air lines and freight shipment companies are also taking interest in civil versions of the massive aircraft.

While it might be Urran's largest aircraft, it was far from the only aviation milestone Urran set today.

The Marine Corps has announced the maiden flight of the new EV-22. A version of the V-22, the EV-22 is set to provide airborne early warning and command and control capabilities to Marine Corps light carriers, or LHDs.

Marine General Ise Sakayama had this to say:

The big Navy carriers have many advantages over the LHDs. One of them is the us of the E-2. The radar on an LHD is good, but not that good and we don't always have the best picture of the battlespace in the air when we send of the F-35s. Ship based radars can only do so much, and the LHD has been essentially blind since the retirement of the S-3 in 2002. Finally, with the EV-22, we can give AWACs capability back to the Corps.

Not everyone agrees with the General. Liberal politicians have called it "an unnecessary town car" for the Corps and many have tried repeatedly to kill the program, without success.

Today the aircraft demonstrated that it could indeed fly and that, while the radar mounted on the back of the aircraft did indeed increase weight and rag, it still handled and performed well.

Urran plans to equip each LHD with at least 3 to 4 of the new titlrotors a piece, meaning an order of 30-40, or possibly more for autonomous Marine Corps land based operations could be in order.

-This is Urran Central News.

by **The Socialist Republics of Combrekniza** » Wed Dec 13, 2017 12:49 am

Combrekniza to conduct Winter War games next week.

Combreknizan VDV Troops preparing for the Winter War Games

This day the Yearly Combreknizan Winter Wargames for the year 2017 will Begin in December 14th 02:30 Vastovgrad Time, The Training will take place in Northern Combrekniza near the Western Border with over 100,000 Men and Women participating in the War games, It's estimated that the War games will also be a Joint-Operation with the Province of Kust which is the place where the War Games is gonna take Place, the War-Games will also have Civilians and Local Law Enforcement taking part as a Training in the Case of a Invasion by a Foreign Power.

The Government has also stated that no Live Ammunition will be used and all sounds of Gunfire will come from Blank Ammunition, The Government has already given the Residents a Notice about the War-games and advised them to Leave the area temporarily in exchange for Compensation in the Form of Money or stay and Par-take with the Operation.

It has also been Rumored that the Elite Task-Force the 8th Combreknizan Special Group(CSGO) will also be Active in the Operation in the form of Recon, There is no statement if Artillery or any Vehicle other than Motorized Vehicles will be used in the Operation.

by **Reutoa** » Wed Dec 13, 2017 7:19 am

Imperial News Network
"For Fatherland and Honor"

Reutoans Crazy over Season 2 of "The Kaiser"

Kaiser Wlhelm II (shown in the middle with his wife), is the main Protagonist of the Series

Karl von Steiner, INN Reporter
The Imperial News Network

After the successful first season of The Kaiser, Officials granted the Director Gotthard Guttmacher permission to produce a second season. Which goes into detail of the late 50s to early 60s of the reign of Kaiser Wilhelm II, who is noted by many historians to have modernized the legal system and stopping 6 accepted coups on him. After the first hour of its release, many fans on YouTweet had already commented on the historian accuracy that the show's first episode produced. Director Guttmacher saying this is only the beginning of one of the worlds soon to be best TV series. While foreign viewings of The Kaiser are much lower then in Reutoa (as to be expected), it still offers a weird look into one of Reutoa's most famous monarchs in history.

by **The United Remnants of America** » Thu Dec 14, 2017 7:32 am

Remnant National News

Drake Offers Help To Esgonians

Olympia, URA

In a press statement earlier this morning, President Gabriel Drake offered the support of the United Remnants of America and the entire Greater Remnant Cooperation Sphere in combating terrorism, specifically in the city of Schömberg. Schömberg is a city straddling the Esgonian, Rattean border, and has had a continuing problem with the Lotschen Liberation Front(LLF), a militia group operating in Schömberg. The Remnant Department of State has designated the LLF as a terrorist organization in the past. Amid growing tension in the international city, Drake publicly offered the Esgonian government "any and all assistance" in bringing the LLF to justice.

City of Schömberg. Ratte(Blue), Esgonia(Yellow), and LLF(Green) all claim the city.

The URA has recently been nominally involved in the locally termed "Aegyptian Situation" which has been a complex situation involving at least five nations including Aegypt and Azenyanistan. To protect Remnant interests in the region as well as enforce regional stability, the Remnant government sent a surge force of Contracted Personnel Division officials to Aegypt. Drake's offer of assistance to the Esgonian government has been said by Drake administration officials as being a further example of the URA's goal of practically enforcing global stability in the face of terrorism and despotism.

- Walt Chronkite, Junior Correspondent, RNN

In other news:
- The Mass Deport
- Remnants Cheering For "The Kaiser"
- Is The Free Media Really Free?

by **Sishanite Sornia** » Fri Dec 15, 2017 11:05 pm

Azen Emergency Radio and Television

SYA supporters appear in the Unionist-influenced provinces located in Central Azenyanistan

One week after the failed Air Force coup, several Sarns, Lishs and Ysitir have appeared in public places in Central and Western as well as Northern Azenyanistan, calling themselves supporters of the SYA or the Sornian-Ysitir Alliance. Police officers have been summoned to meet them in order to ensure peaceful gathering and demonstration. At least 600 SYA supporters were reported in the provinces of Kaldar and Raddil in Western Azenyanistan as well as in the Central provinces of Agathur and Olivia. Military personnel were instructed to be on alert.

Meanwhile, AIN has switched over to AERT after the main headquarters of the AIN was destroyed by fire. No persons were harmed but at least 850,000 Azen dollars worth of damages has been done. In other news, Solas Ester and Princess Yisi, the leaders of the SYA, have come to an agreement with Aksesyr Dune and President Simitira that the Sornians and Ysitir would be recognized. However, tensions seem to be coming up as SYA supporters are calling for partition, stability and retribution.

Update as of 6:18PM: A grenade exploded between the police lines and the crowd of SYA supporters demonstrating in one of the public spaces in Agathur. An estimated 10 SYA supporters were wounded and 1 died on the way to the nearest hospital (which was half a kilometer away) while 5 Azen Civil Protection officers were killed and 15 were wounded. Witnesses say that a man wearing a hood was responsible. He ran away as the crowd accused the police of using force to disperse them. In a few moments after that, the SYA supporters retaliated with rocks and by assaulting the police, capturing Civil Protection Captain Joan and 9 of her men. 20 other Civil Protection officers were wounded when they fled. At least 200 Civil Protection officers were deployed to meet the demonstrators before this happened.

In other public places in Agathur and Olivia, reports are currently reaching us about attacks on both the police and SYA supporters. However, there are also reports that the police are using force to disperse the SYA supporters. Witnesses say that there has been heavy use of grenades launched from grenade launchers or of hand grenades. Others say that the police are charging the crowds and using batons and shields to beat them into dispersing.

Two Azen Civil Protection officers in Western Azenyanistan anxiously standing guard.

Azen Helmets on a technical approaching Central Azenyanistan from Western Azenyanistan. Reports are coming in about certain streets being blocked by angry SYA supporters and other civilians.

The government has also said that Aksesyr Dune ur Kaiteriza and President Simitira have gone missing from their offices and homes. Officials are attempting to contact them but nobody is answering them. Teams from the G171 have been sent to search for them but no news has come yet. So far, the government is under the control of Vice President and younger sister of Dune ur Kaiteriza, Tyena ur Kaiteriza, as well as The National Assembly. However, the government has expressed that the situation in Azenyanistan is probably becoming difficult.

by **Sishanite Sornia** » Mon Dec 18, 2017 2:49 am

Azen Emergency Radio and Television

Collapse

When Tyena ur Kaiteriza was sworn into office today, almost all of her cabinet members handed in their resignation and left the Administrative Compound in Nusayastatt. An hour after they did, many officials are also resigning from their posts out of disdain for Tyena. Because of Dunes and Simitiras disappearance, the Azen state is without good leadership. And with Tyena in office, many in the government no longer wish to associate or to work for the government with her.

This has left Azenyanistan very weak in the face of what seems to be a retaliatory threat by the Remnants, Pakiranistanis, Syrnistanis, Agrabahites and Aegyptians. Internally, there are increasing protests and demonstrations launched by the SYA and now by communists, ultranationalists and separatists from the various ethnic groups in Azenyanistan. Due to the extreme instability of the country and what seemed to be the looming failure of the state, these groups are taking their chance of bringing down the Azen world.

Azens in the East have also launched a massive demonstration calling for stability and a better future. At least 20,000 people are currently demonstrating in Eastern cities.

The police and the reserve armed forces have been told to restore law and order as best as they could by all means necessary.

by **Sishanite Sornia** » Tue Dec 19, 2017 4:35 am

Azen Emergency Radio and Television

Blackout
A bombing of one of the largest compounds owned by Ralhallah in Nusayastatt tonight has caused catastrophic damage to Azenyanistans electricity and communications. Bombings of other Ralhallah compounds and power plants all over the country have also resulted in a massive blackout. Communications with the outside world has been severely hampered. And communications with the rest of the country is being undermined by unknown suspects.

The government blames the SYA for the destruction of much of the nation’s electricity and communications. But the SYA has blamed the government in retaliation for accusing them of such things. Both parties are becoming increasingly hostile to each other as the people are panicking over loss of power and communications with the outside world and with one another.

Power plants and communications buildings that were spared have been subjected to isolation switches being activated and then being shut down to avoid damage. Others have been damaged by the increased load on the plants.

More and more tensions is taking place between government forces and the SYA as well as other demonstrating factions and separatist movements.

by **Imperial Valaran** » Wed Dec 20, 2017 7:31 am

First VRM Casualties in Schömberg

VRM advance under smoke cover, 2017

Alex Cestan (@AlexCestan)
^{Wednesday, 20 December 2017, 14:38 | Astaria, The Valaran Empire}

Four Valarans Killed by LLF Mortar Fire

Four Valaran Royal Marines (VRM) were killed earlier today, when their vehicle was struck by a mortar round. A Defence-Ministry Spokesperson confirmed their deaths and said families had already been contacted. Names will be relaxed soon. These deaths mark the first casualties of the VRM task force sent to assist Rattean Troops in recapturing the city of Schömberg from the terrorist group the Lotschen Liberation Front (LLF).

The Ministry Spokesperson also gave details on their death. The four soldiers were travelling in an 4x4 ATV when scattered mortar fire struck a nearby convoy. The shots were scattered, suggesting there was little aiming or coordination. A stray round hit the ATV, killing three of the occupants immediately. The fourth died in hospital a short while later, despite the best efforts of the medical team.

A rival report has also been circulated, however, suggesting that the Marines were deployed far too close to the front lines (an ATV, while possessing some armour, is relatively vulnerable). The spokesperson stated “all proper precautions are being taken,” but did not explicitly deny this.

Three soldiers have been wounded in separate incidents, one by an RPG explosion, and two by sniper fire. They are in stable condition, though the soldier wounded by the RPG had her forearm amputated. Two Seax APCs have also been heavily damaged, one by an IED and another by an RPG. In each case the crew was unhurt.

The Defence Ministry has not given any figures for casualties inflicted on the LLF. However the Ministry did real sea a video showing VRM soldiers in combat. The video Valaran Ljóra Helicopter Gunships targeting LLF positions with chain guns. It also showed Marines firing from Seax APCs and dismounted, and a Patrol Boat unloading 20mm auto-cannons into an LLF building. The LLF has also uploaded footage, showing them firing RPGs at claimed Valaran positions. Meanwhile, some videos from civilians caught in the fighting also shows what appears to be Valaran troops conducting an armed patrol (both the civilian and LLF videos have not been verified). The LLF also claim that the VRM have inflicted civilian casualties of “in the hundreds,” a claim strongly denied by the Defence Ministry.

Various reports have also surfaced of issues within the task-force. These reports are hard to verify, but several have apparently come from sources within the Defence Ministry, the Foreign Ministry, and within the VRM itself, all speaking on condition of anonymity. A summation of the reports follows:

ACN reported that the AGMs and rocket-pods for the Ljóra Gunships were left unguarded at supply depot the Rattean coast, resulting in the Helicopters only being armed with cannons for the first week of combat.
ACN also received reports of shortages of fuel for the Vehicles, grounding 20% of the Task Force. If true, this may have explained why the Marines were using ATVs so close to the front lines.
The Kylir Warden reported the tracks of three AFVs ‘fell off’ after just 2 miles of travelling, and had to receive replacements.
The Aukur Missive received messages that one of the Patrol Craft running aground on rocks south-east of Schömberg. The boat required emergency repairs, but is apparently operational again.
The VNC itself has two reports of its own. The first is a variation of the fuel shortages reported by ACN (our report says that fuel shortages were only 163.%, and only affected trucks). The second is that ‘operational readiness’ of the UA-6s (surveillance drones) was under 30%: only two of the seven machines were actually able to fly missions. The other UAVs are apparently being repaired.

Taken together, these reports indicate an apparent state of unreadiness in the VRM. The Marines have typically been the most neglected of all the military branches. For instance, an Astaria Times special report in 2015 noted that while the total defence budget increased by an average of 13.6% every year in the period between 1998-2016, the budget for the Marines only increased by an average of 9% (from $6.9 billion to $12 billion) in the same period. Currently, it makes up just 3.1% of total defence spending. The Astaria Times also reported that military equipment issues were the highest amongst the Marines, as a result of ‘decades long neglect’ and ‘years of the VRM receiving only the oldest and most obsolete hand-me-downs from the VRF.’ The Marines have often lacked the budget to procure new equipment, or to maintain what they have. Reportedly, they have also been given no clear strategic direction by the Navy (the VRM are under naval command). They have been the victim of turf wars between most major service branches: a naval admiral states that the VRF has a deliberate policy of “denying the VRM sufficient equipment” in part to spite the Navy (which gets nearly half the Defence Budget), and also to make up for the VRF’s own equipment troubles following funding diversions to the reformed Legions.

It appears, that the VRM deployment in the Donnish War employed much of the best functional equipment (although some shortages have also been reported there). Just over 10,000 Marines — or about 13% of entire active VRM — have been deployed in Donnerland. This does raise questions over how deployable the rest of the VRM actually is. A government minister privately agreed with this view, suggesting that the VRM budget may be set for significant increases by reallocating funds from the Navy.

The Valaran Contingent in Lotschen is not the only the one suffering problems. In response to public outcry, the Rattean Republic ordered a full review of operations, which lead to the firing of the officer in charge of restoring order to Schömberg. The operation to retake the city, which was meant to be entering its final stage, has made slow progress.

Ausozera News [IC] [New Ausozera members only.]

Who is online