Ishema Seeks New Territory (Semi-Open, MT)

[Ishema]

At a press conference earlier today, Supreme Chancellor Grigori stated that the population of the U.S.S.I. was too large. "Our current boundaries are barely large enough to sustain our population. If it increases at this rate, we will encounter food shortages." The Chancellor said. "As a solution, we will begin sending envoys to lands around us. We hope to find new spaces to construct factories, build new cities, and house more people. I am confident that the problem will be resolved and our great nation can continue to grow and prosper as we have always done."

Population: 818 million and quickly rising.

OOC: I'm planning on starting a huge war that will eventually finish off Ishema and plunge it into civil war, but for now, I'd like to see who is willing to help, and who wants to stop my expansion.

[Tang Pan]

The People's Republic of Tang Pan wishes it's comrades in Ishema all the best.

OOC: I'll help Ishema.

[Alexanderia Listra]

Statement Released to Supreme Chancellor Grigori of Ishema

We will be able to at this time offer funds and support to your people through humanitarian aid. We offer to freely open trade barriers between our two nations to help insure the stability of your country. Unfortunately we cannot offer any land at the time as we need it for our own puposes.

Alexanderia Listra supports your expansion through peaceful means and fully endorses this endeavor. However, if force is used against another country with the intentions to take their land we will withdraw all support and renounce your nation as a friend. Military intervention in support of the invaded country may also be a viable course of action depending on the situation.

But for now,
Peace be with you

Foreign Affairs Office
Luke Manning
Cheif Advisor of Foreign Affairs
Alexanderia Listra

[Redslavia]

OOC: I imagine Redslavia in the Balkans and an FT nation, is that fine?

IC:

Premier Faustus and sending food that is over out limit and can give freely to Ishema. We will also help fund the government stability and resources of your nation. As we have had crises, we believe it is a duty to help give a helping hand to the world.

[Ishema]

OOC: I imagine Redslavia in the Balkans and an FT nation, is that fine?

IC:

Premier Faustus and sending food that is over out limit and can give freely to Ishema. We will also help fund the government stability and resources of your nation. As we have had crises, we believe it is a duty to help give a helping hand to the world.

Sorry, it's MT. I should have put it in the title.

[Redslavia]

OOC: I imagine Redslavia in the Balkans and an FT nation, is that fine?

IC:

Premier Faustus and sending food that is over out limit and can give freely to Ishema. We will also help fund the government stability and resources of your nation. As we have had crises, we believe it is a duty to help give a helping hand to the world.

Sorry, it's MT. I should have put it in the title.

OOC: Well then, ignore my post I guess. Sorry.

[Ishema]

About a month after the initial press conference, and with no nations offering to sell territory to the U.S.S.I., Ishema changed its tactic. The Imperial Union of Bulgela, a nation occupying part of the Balkans, was ripe for the picking. It was rich with resources, had a medium population, Bulgela was the perfect target. But Ishema needed a reason...

International News Report:

"Earlier today, the Isheman Department of Intelligence apprehended 3 individuals in the Capital city of Esmali, just outside of the Grand Forum. The men were taken into custody and questioned. Shortly after, the Department of Intelligence released a statement, claiming that these men were Bulgelan spies who were attempting to acquire confidential documents from the Department of the Military. The men have been executed, but not before signing a statement that points to the Bulgelan Emperor himself. All of the U.S.S.I. is outraged, and the Supreme Chancellor has sworn vengeance."

TO: The Imperial Union of Bulgela, Emperor David III
FROM: The United Socialist States of Ishema, Supreme Chancellor Grigori

Dear Emperor David III,

My nation is appalled that these agents have been sent to steal documents vital to our survival. What is more disturbing is the fact that the spies pointed you out personally! We will not stand for this treachery, and your evil deeds will not go unpunished. You may formally consider our two nations to be at war, and all diplomatic relations between your country and mine have been severed. We will not stop, we will not hold back until we recieve a letter of your surrender, or your nation lies in smoldering ruin beneath our triumphant feet.

Signed,
Supreme Chancellor of the United Socialist States of Ishema Joseph Grigori
High Chancellor of the Grand Forum Viktor Freiko
Commander in Chief of the Isheman Red Army Field Marshall Dimitri Gridenko
Secretary of Diplomacy Gregory Petrenko

[Bulgela]

TO: The United Socialist States of Ishema
FROM: The Imperial Union of Bulgela

Dear U.S.S.I.,

These accusations are unfounded and outright falsified! We have never sent spies of any kind to your nation and they certainly were not sent by His Majesty. We demand that you renounce your unjust declaration of war and seek a peaceful and sensible course of action.

Sincerely,
Horace von Trownstein, Minister of Diplomatic Affairs

[Tang Pan]

Tang Pan
Asst. Chairman of the Worker's Party Zan Pheldong spoke in the nation's capital about recent bidget issues. An interesting part of the speech came as the Asst. Chairman offered the People's Republic's official view on recent events in Ishema.

"Our republic strongly condemns the actions taken by the government of The Imperial Union of Bulgela. Such disgusting behavior should not be tolerated. People blame Communist nations for being the aggressors of world events. This is clear evidence that non-Communist nations are constantly seeking to undermine the Socialists of the world. When such events occur as to threaten the very security of a nation, war is most certainly justified. Our Republic fully supports Ishema in their endeavor and should they require any assistance from us it will be granted. This is on orders from the Supreme Ruler himself."

The rest of the speech had little to do with major events, but this small portion is considered by many to be the most impactful.

[Uawc]

The UAWC is indifferent towards this expansion as it is a large island nation. However, it will keep its massively powerful navy and reserve forces at the ready in order to maintain its sovereignty.

[Abanhfleft]

Slublee Island
Democratic Republic of Abanhfleft

"President Be, the situation in Bulgela is scary. We may need military support here."

Makhdoum Be sighed in plain view of Governor Trent Yukaze-Bil. Ishema's invasion of Bulgela was not that unexpected, the aggressor nation had declared intentions to expand, but with this tactically located island so near to a warzone, maybe Trent's pleas were justified. He'd read Red Storm Rising, too.

"All right, Trent. A Malvar-class corvette is on its way. I shall order a shuffling of forces once the corvette assesses the situation."

OOC: I'm not entering this war in any way, just fortifying my outlying territory. Just in case you're curious, Slublee has a good view of Bulgela, or rather a part of it if it's big.

[Alexanderia Listra]

Statement Released to Supreme Chancellor Grigori of Ishema

Spies and other illicit activities are most certainly condemned in the mighty nation of Alexanderia Listra but we must apologize for having doubts about the accusations against Bulgela.

First off what trained spy points directly at his emperor once caught in his espionage? In my experience the only way a spy will give up this piece of information is through the horrors of torture; an act that our nation abhors. If you did use unnecessary force against these men our friendship is terminated. If you didn’t then the situation looks rather suspicious.

Secondly this couldn’t have happened at a better time to fuel any imperialistic ambitions your nation may have as Bulgela is a prime target for expansion. It is rich in natural resources and its military will not present you with much of a challenge.

Once again we stress that these are not accusations. Just observations...and we will not at this time go public with this hunch.

In return for our continued friendship I require the release of the official reports and accusations surrounding these men. This information, if it were to be made public, would only further your cause if the contents are not a lie. But if you refuse or there is expected foul play our friendship will be terminated and our aid will be shifted to Bulgela.

Once again in peace,

Office of Foreign Affairs
Luke Manning
Cheif Advisor of Foreign Affairs
Alexanderia Listra

[Ishema]

The Isheman 1st Army had begun to mobilize, along with the 2nd fleet. The Isheman Air Force has scrambled hundreds of planes, about 200 fighters and 150 bombers, to destroy the enemy advance defensive force. The attacking force is made up of 500,000 infantry, 10,000 troop transportation vehicles, 2,000 APCs, 1,500 tanks, 1,000 helicopters, 200 fighters, 150 bombers, 1 battleship, 1 carrier with 50 fighters and 25 bombers, 10 destroyers, 10 cruisers, and 10 submarines. The Red Army is advancing towards the Bulgela border through Kolanoma and sailing over the Black Sea.

[Bulgela]

Balkans, Bulgelan Border:

The Imperial Defense Force of 5 million has begun mobilization to the front lines on the Bulgelan border. The Imperial Air Force has also scrambled its planes, which total at 300 fighters and 100 bombers. The navy has also begun sailing out of their ports and towards the Aegean Sea to hopefully cut off the Isheman Navy before they can reach the shores of Bulgela. The navy consists of 2 battleships, 1 carrier, 5 destroyers, 10 cruisers, and 5 subs and the army is made up of 3 million infantry, 50,000 troop transports, 10,000 APCs, and 2,000 tanks.

[Ishema]

OOC: Seriously? No replies except me, Bulgela, and 4 others who stopped posting? I thought this was a taker. Oh well, all my threads fail anyway.

[Ishema]

Bulgelan Border, Front lines:

The Imperial Army had mobilized much quicker than the Red Army had expected. When the advance forces arrived, stiff defenses were already in place, and the initial advance was halted. A charge led by the 22nd Isheman armored brigade gained almost not ground and left over 15 Isheman tanks destroyed. A counterattack led by the Bulgelans was only mildly successful, pushing the Red Army back almost a mile but leaving 10,000 men dead.

The air battle was bloody and destructive as well. The Isheman Air Force had the advantage initially, and the bombers were able to drop their payloads on top the defenders positions, but a swift retaliation by the Bulgelan Imperial Air Force forced the Ishemans to pull their bombers back, leaving the ground forces vulnerable. Over 20 fighters have been shot down on both sides, and there is no clear victor so far.

[Bulgela]

Bulgelan Front:

A month of fighting passes. The casualties are horrific, with 100,000 soldiers left dead after a charge led by Bulgelan General Frederick Hugo, leaving the total number of dead at 300,000. More forces are conscripted from the countryside and sent to battle for Bulgelan sovereignty, bringing their numbers up to 3.5 million soldiers. But the Ishemans have mobilized the 3rd and 4th armies, which would bring their numbers up to 4 million. If Bulgela can beat the attackers back before the reinforcements arrive, however, they may be able to win the war.

The battle for the skies has settled down for the time being. Isheman bombing runs only occur at night, when there under the cover of darkness. Dogfights over the front lines are common, and many planes have been shot out of the sky.

The Imperial Fleet has reached the Aegean sea, and lies in wait for the Isheman navy to arrive.

[Ishema]

The Aegean Sea:

The ISS Revolution, a battleship, led the way in the charge towards the Imperial Navy of Bulgela. Admiral Deluge of the 2nd fleet was confident of a quick, easy victory, for the U.S.S.I. had many more ships than the Bulgelans. First, the cruisers halted, aimed their anti-ship missiles, and fired them at the enemy's battleship, and destroyers. They were met with return fire from the Bulgelan missile cruisers. All 20 of the Bulgelan missiles hit their mark, mainly due to their superb guidance systems. 2 of the cruisers exploded instantly, and 3 more began taking on water. The rest were shaken, but not crippled.

The Isheman missile barrage was met with limited success, as many of their missiles missed their marks when the Bulgelan destroyers deployed flares to move the missiles off track. Only 2 destroyers were hit, and no serious damage was dealt. The Bulgelan battleship, the HMS Victory, took 3 missile hits, but was easily able to withstand the blows that barely affected its strong hull.

After the missile barrages, the Isheman battleship and destroyers sailed closer to the enemy and opened fire. The HMS Victory returned fire with its heavy guns, along with the 5 Bulgelan destroyers. 2 of the Imperial destroyers took direct hits, and one of the was hit so badly that its crew was forced to abandon ship. The rest, however, began to maneuver brilliantly around the Isheman ships, picking them off. The ISS Revolution, was struck with a serious blow to its starboard side, and it began taking on water. 5 of the communist destroyers were destroyed as well.

Ship Count:

U.S.S.I.: 1 battleship (damaged), 5 destroyers (battered), 5 cruisers, 5 subs and 1 carrier.
Bulgelan Empire: 1 battleship, 4 destroyers, 5 cruisers, 5 subs and 1 carrier.

The ISS Crisis, an aircraft carrier, attempted to dispatch 15 fighters and 10 bombers, loaded with torpedoes, to sink the enemy fleet. As the planes took off, however, the Crisis exploded violently, and split in half. The Bulgelan submarines had opened fire with their own torpedoes and sunk her from beneath, using their excellent stealth technology to avoid Isheman sonar. Only 5 fighters and 3 bombers had been able to take off, and they sped towards the Bulgelans. 2 fighters were shot down by AA fire from the HMS Victory, but the bombers were able to let loose their torpedoes and hit her with 2, causing damage, but not crippling her.

The rest of the torpedoes were aimed at the Bulgelan destroyers, and 1 was sunk. After the torpedoes were dropped, the fighters flew towards the Bulgelan carrier, and strafed her deck, destroying 3 planes and damaging 2 more. AA fire knocked another fighter out of the sky. The remaining planes then returned home, for there was no carrier to land on.

Bulgela's aircraft carrier, the HMS Folly, scrambled 10 fighters and 5 bombers as well. They quickly locked on to the Isheman submarines and launched air to water anti-submarine missiles. A sub was hit, and damaged, but the rest were forced to retreat. The Superior Bulgelan technology seemed to be turning the battle. After the submarines were dealt with, the bombers flew towards the Isheman cruisers. Each bomber carried 4 torpedoes, and two were aimed at every cruiser. The cruisers had been left unattended near the ISS Crisis, but now, they were on their own with only machine guns for AA guns. 1 of them was destroyed, and 2 more badly damaged. The rest were forced to flee from the battle and sail back to Ishema.

Admiral Deluge, aboard the ISS Revolution, was astounded by the Bulgelans ability to not only outmaneuver the 2nd fleet, but win the battle. Seeing no other option, the rest of the Isheman fleet retreated, with only 1 battleship, 4 cruisers, 5 destroyers, 5 subs, 2 fighters, and 3 bombers. The Bulgelans retained 1 battleship, 3 destroyers, 5 cruisers, 5 subs, 1 carrier, 23 fighters and 15 bombers. The victory had sealed off the Bosporus straight from any Isheman naval reinforcements, and alloted time for the Imperial Army to call for more reinforcements. The battle was a crushing defeat for the Isheman navy, and although it still retained many ships, it was clear that their technology was outdated and their commanders overconfident.

OOC: FYI, all battles are being worked out by me and Bulgela beforehand through IMs, if you were wondering. I am not powergamming, and even if I was, this was a terrible loss for me.

[Ishema]

Battle Map:



Black: Ishema and it's ally Kolanoma, which has remained neutral thus far.
Gray: The Bulgelan Empire
Black Line: Current battle lines

News Report: Esmali, Outside the Grand Forum:

Over 5,000 people stood in Red Square outside the Grand Forum. They carried cardboard signs reading "Feed Ishema!" and "Stop the war, give us food!" The Red Army has set up baricades guarded by machine guns, APCs, and tanks.

"Thousands of Isheman citizens have gathered in Red Square, just outside the Grand Forum Ishema's capital building. They have come here to protest the food shortages and they are demanding that the government begin distributing emergency rations. The crowd has remained peaceful and no rioting has taken place. It seems that the government has been cutting food rations short because of supplies needed for the war effort. Chancellor Grigori has decla -" RATATATAT! The machine guns fired into the crowd. The reporter was cut down and blood spattered onto the camera. Hundreds of people were mowed down as they attempted to run away from the barricades. More troop transports pulled up, blocking off the exit to the square. The tanks fired into the mass of scrambling people and their bodies were torn apart by the explosions. The APCs fired their cannons into the screaming mob, ripping people in half. As the fire died down, soldiers ran into the square, pushing those who were still alive down to the ground and zip-tying their hands. They were loaded onto trucks and driven away to an unknown destination.

[Abanhfleft]

AFS Rub'nawa
Miguel Malvar class corvette

They didn't have to come closer. It was real. Ishema and Bulgela was at war.

"Captain, naval vessels approaching!"

"Get us out of here!" The Rub'nawa barely managed to make it back to shore.

The word came to Riuwiee quick. Soon, three divisions were steaming their way for Slublee and Masserry Islands. A hundred naval vessels and subs went along with it, ready to fight for this piece of land that was part of home.

[Bulgela]

Bulgelan Front:
General Hugo had ordered the taking of Isheman position on the Moravia River that were threatening to break past Imperial defenses and take the strategically important city of Kragujevac. A platoon of 15 tanks were dispatched to eliminate the problem. However, the amount of Isheman forces in the area was far greater than expected, and a division of infantry were sent to assist the tanks. Apparently, the Ishemans had been planning a mass attack on the northern flank of Bulgelan defenses. The attack had begun the moment the tank platoon had been sent in, and now a massive battle was ongoing on the Moravia River crossing. The current casualties were unknown, but the body count was rising so quickly that both sides were considering pulling out to cut their losses.

[Abanhfleft]

OOC: Will someone please notice my troops' movements?

500,000 troops were now stationed in both Slublee and Masserry. But whether there would be an invasion had become unsure. Are they coming for them? They didn't know.

OOC: Ishema, do you have any SSBNs in your navy?

[Ishema]

OOC: Will someone please notice my troops' movements?

500,000 troops were now stationed in both Slublee and Masserry. But whether there would be an invasion had become unsure. Are they coming for them? They didn't know.

OOC: Ishema, do you have any SSBNs in your navy?

OOC: No SSBNs, and it is doubtful that Ishema will invade Slublee Island or Massery.

[Kolanoma]

Bugelan Front:
After Much Observation and examination of the Isheman forces advancing through Kolanoman lands, the silent nation has decided to act on behalf of its long time ally and neighbor, Ishema. As a preemptive strike against the Bugelan fortifications, a section of the Kolanoman Air Force is organized into the Kolanoman Forward Attack Force (KFAF). The force consists of 350 aircraft:
-75 MiG-31 Interceptors
-175 Su-35 Multipurpose Fighters
-100 Tu-22M Bombers

The craft are sent to target the area in which the most fighting is taking place between the Ishemans and Bugelans. Hundreds of tons of bombs are dropped as well as multiple strafing runs on the defenders. Aditionally, many of the Su-35s have been sent behind enemy lines to sabatoge vital supply lines and factories.

There has also been an orginazation of 1 million troops. Not much can be identified from the movements. All that is obvious is that the Kolanoman's are planning something bigger than an air assault.

[Abanhfleft]

OOC: Good to know, Ishema. Bulgela, Kolanoma, any ballistic or guided missile subs?