Islamists Take Power In Afghanistan (MT, Closed)

[Delegation of USSR to Agri Union]

PSR Training Camp
Soviet Vympel Unit

Savasin returned the salute, "We have mortars and rockets, the Battalion is posted towards the checkpoint, Comrade Major Putilov has the border under surveillance, he can move on the villiage as early as tonight and set up his batteries, six mortars all 82mm, trained Spetsnaz against cowardly Islamic Police, I went with the French to Mali as a observer and the damn bastards were not above anything, the atrocities they committed. Major your lads moving."

A grating voice came back over Savasins link, "Da my old friend, we are moving in for the kill." Savasin angled the screen on his wrist towards the Bulgarian, "Galabinov, Putilov, vice versa if you will da?" The Soviet soldier looked back at his Bulgarian counterpart, changing the screen to a GPS. "We have a four man recce team going in to get eyes on."


Inside Afghanistan, approaching Milak
Soviet Red Guard Recce Team


The Soviets were doing recce before the operation began, four men with night vision and AN-94 rifles had slipped into Afghanistan as darkness approached, the village of Milak was their objective.

[Syrusia (Ancient)]

Bajebus's fleet, after going through heavy storms have reached the Caspian sea. The troops have driven out to the border of Afghan through Iran, in secrecy. "General we are 50 miles from Afghanistan." The troops somewhat unfamiliar with Iran have taken breaks to read maps of the area, learning the best places to attack and control. A warning signal has been sent to the town of Kabul, of heavy artillery fire to the north of it. Round our ARCHER FH 77 BW L52 Howitzer, the commander orders.
The Archer 155mm, 52 calibre self-propelled howitzer developed by BAE Systems can strike stationary and mobile targets at land and sea. The capability to meet the present and future requirements of ground troops makes it one of the best howitzers in the world.
The artillery system features a fully automated 155mm/L52 gun and a Remotely Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) based on a 6x6 Volvo commercial articulated vehicle. The main gun delivers an intensive rate of fire of 21 rounds per 3.5 minutes and can fire all types of 155mm projectiles including advanced sensor-fused and precision-guided munitions.
The Archer system operates in conjugation with current command and control systems and delivers outstanding tracking capability to fire rounds for a maximum range of 50km. Its cabin is designed to protect the crew from artillery fragments, mines, and nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) threats. The system completes the firing sequence and leaves the place of action in just 40 seconds. The highly mobile vehicle provides a maximum speed of 70km/h and a cruising range of 500km. They have set up 20 of these right in the edge of Afghanistan. The sounds of commands are drowned out as this artillery shoot towards Kabul, relentlessly firing. The goal is to keep shooting for 4 days straight. The seventh platoon is heading north to take control of the border to stop any arms trade. They are armed with m60's and L115A3 AWM.
(Image)

The Syrusian Artillery on the Syrusian border joined the Bajebusian artillery in bombarding Kabul. Meanwhile, the Syrusian and Sonacist troops begin storming an enemy bunker in order to capture it and use it in the case of a communist attack.

"Go go go!" Yelled the commander as he ordered his men to storm the recently discovered bunker.

The troops came under fire by enemy troops as they charged toward the bunker. Syrusian snipers began shooting enemy troops outside the bunker while surviving troops were bayoneted as soon as the Syrusian/Sonacist troops entered the building.

Once the outside was clear, the troops put a detonator bomb on the door to the bunker. After setting the time, the troops stood back from the door to avoid injury. As soon as the door was blown, the army began storming the base.

[-Afghanistan-]

Bajebus's fleet, after going through heavy storms have reached the Caspian sea. The troops have driven out to the border of Afghan through Iran, in secrecy. "General we are 50 miles from Afghanistan." The troops somewhat unfamiliar with Iran have taken breaks to read maps of the area, learning the best places to attack and control. A warning signal has been sent to the town of Kabul, of heavy artillery fire to the north of it. Round our ARCHER FH 77 BW L52 Howitzer, the commander orders.
The Archer 155mm, 52 calibre self-propelled howitzer developed by BAE Systems can strike stationary and mobile targets at land and sea. The capability to meet the present and future requirements of ground troops makes it one of the best howitzers in the world.
The artillery system features a fully automated 155mm/L52 gun and a Remotely Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) based on a 6x6 Volvo commercial articulated vehicle. The main gun delivers an intensive rate of fire of 21 rounds per 3.5 minutes and can fire all types of 155mm projectiles including advanced sensor-fused and precision-guided munitions.
The Archer system operates in conjugation with current command and control systems and delivers outstanding tracking capability to fire rounds for a maximum range of 50km. Its cabin is designed to protect the crew from artillery fragments, mines, and nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) threats. The system completes the firing sequence and leaves the place of action in just 40 seconds. The highly mobile vehicle provides a maximum speed of 70km/h and a cruising range of 500km. They have set up 20 of these right in the edge of Afghanistan. The sounds of commands are drowned out as this artillery shoot towards Kabul, relentlessly firing. The goal is to keep shooting for 4 days straight. The seventh platoon is heading north to take control of the border to stop any arms trade. They are armed with m60's and L115A3 AWM.
(Image)

The Syrusian Artillery on the Syrusian border joined the Bajebusian artillery in bombarding Kabul. Meanwhile, the Syrusian and Sonacist troops begin storming an enemy bunker in order to capture it and use it in the case of a communist attack.

"Go go go!" Yelled the commander as he ordered his men to storm the recently discovered bunker.

The troops came under fire by enemy troops as they charged toward the bunker. Syrusian snipers began shooting enemy troops outside the bunker while surviving troops were bayoneted as soon as the Syrusian/Sonacist troops entered the building.

Once the outside was clear, the troops put a detonator bomb on the door to the bunker. After setting the time, the troops stood back from the door to avoid injury. As soon as the door was blown, the army began storming the base.

Kabul, Afghanistan

The Islamists were making preparations to counter-attack the international forces (both Syruso-Bajebusian forces and communist forces). An emergency meeting of the Islamists leaders was called and the generals within Kabul attended the meeting. But before the meeting could start, a whistle was heard outside and it ended an explosion. An Islamist SAM Launcher right next to the capital building blew up in flames.

"Artillery! The enemy are coming!" yelled Islamist leader, Ali Al-Alakr as another explosion blew up part of the capital building, killing the leaders. More artillery rained down on the city. Mostly on military and government positions. Many defenses were destroyed and city was soon defenseless against both the Syruso-Bajebusians and the communists. Afghanistan was now in chaos and anarchy. As a result, multiple factions including the Democratic Forces, the Syrusian-backed Sonacist Movement of Afghanistan, the Al-Quitah-backed Islamic State of Afghanistan, and the Soviet-Bulgarian-backed Popular Socialist Resistance, would take up arms to fight for control of Afghanistan.

[Bulgar Rouge]

OOC: PSR/Bulgar Rouge/USSR operations are covert - there is no open advance, please take that into account

Code: Select all

TO: Bajebus leadership
FROM: Foreign Affairs Committee


We firmly believe you are mistaken in your assessment both about the Popular Socialist Resistance and our capabilities. Firstly, the PSR is not a group with "government views", it is a liberation group of the Afghan masses. Its ultimate goal is to overthrow the Islamist tyranny and install a people's democracy. The Popular Socialist Resistance is a viable means of expression of the freedom the Afghan masses are wishing for their entire country. By denying the people's democratic nature of the Popular Socialist Resistance you are denying the very pursuit of freedom of the Afghan people. We cannot negotiate with governments which deny this just goal.

Furthermore, your threats are amusing as we have no military personnel in Afghanistan. The Popular Socialist Resistance is a grassroots Afghan freedom movement and we have no "troops" whatsoever. We are, however, willing to supply the PSR with weapons in order to strengthen the liberation movement in the country. Any compromise with the Islamist coup is a compromise with the freedom of the Afghan masses.

---

PSR Training Camp
2 kms west of Zaranj

While he was reviewing the Soviet positions on GPS, Galabinov received a call on his military cellphone. It was the regional State Security central. He knew this meant something major so he raised his hand in the air to signify that silence is needed in the room, and placed the phone next to his year. About 30 seconds later, he hung up.

"I believe we will have to skip the formalities, comrades. Our agents report that the Afghan Islamist leadership has been killed during a bombardment of Kabul a few minutes ago. This is the best time to act - without a central command the Islamist security forces will be sitting ducks. Comrade Savasin, comrade Putilov, we are beginning the assault right now, we suggest your Spetsnaz unit join our State Security fire teams. They are supplied with night vision goggles and infrared sights so we will not have problems carrying out the operation at night.

We believe we can establish control over the city with special forces only. PSR militiamen will move in once we conclude the operation and will set up their base in the morning. We have other towns to capture later so let's get this over with."

Upon hearing the order, the rest of the State Security platoon loaded on technicals and other civilian vehicles and rushed towards Zaranj.

[Bajebus]

As Edward VI got good news of the successful attacks, he decided to go pay a visit. His advisers warned him of dangers in going into Afghanistan. "Nonsense, it will all go well." replied the King. Shortly after news spread of the King planing to leave, a known terrorist group in Bajebus began making plans. And on a fatal day of April the 22nd at 7:00 a.m. The king was announced dead shortly after they found what remained of his body. A new leader has not be appointed yet, and Bajebus is in a state of vigil for their king. Several riots broke out in cities, angry of their king's death. The communist house has looked to this event as a wonderful opportunity to take control. while the King's plane was taking off, a hijacked plane crashed into his plane. Meanwhile, in Afghanistan the special force of 100 has reached the northern part of Afghan and has began making checkpoints blocking all goods from coming in and out.

[New Roman Empire]

To whom it may concern,

The Empire has been quiet for too long, and as I have been watching I have seen the new government is unreasonable and so The Empire will enter the war against the new regime and put an end to this terrorist threat!

Sincerely,
Emperor Booth

While this message was being sent out, the infamous 9th legion was being prepared as well as a company of Imperial guards which would be inserted secretly near their border and enter the country to poke around and gather intel before the main force arrives. The 150 thousand man legion is the best the empire has and they are the first ones in and the last ones out.

[Bajebus]

To whom it may concern,

The Empire has been quiet for too long, and as I have been watching I have seen the new government is unreasonable and so The Empire will enter the war against the new regime and put an end to this terrorist threat!

Sincerely,
Emperor Booth

While this message was being sent out, the infamous 9th legion was being prepared as well as a company of Imperial guards which would be inserted secretly near their border and enter the country to poke around and gather intel before the main force arrives. The 150 thousand man legion is the best the empire has and they are the first ones in and the last ones out.

Dear Emperor Booth,
On behalf of our dead king, I offer an alliance between our two nations and Syrusia. We will supply you with anything your need and when you need it. Sadly there are some issues in our capital, but we have managed to keep control. We would like to send out an open arm with an olive branch to you. Also our troops will be going north then south and we plan more heavy bombings, so I recommend that you stay clear of the east or south. We will gladly give you 30 of these to help your cause.

[Bajebus]

Cancelled post!

[Friday Freshman]

While the 7th armored division in the north was setting up a base, they happened to find unmarked trucks heading towards them. In response they surrounded the trucks and arrested the drivers. The drivers insisted they were delivering goods to the people of Afghanistan. The troops searched the trucks and to their amazement, found many weapons. It is believed to might have been a supply truck for the terrorists. They plan on interrogating the drivers. A message of this news have been sent to all the armies in Afghanistan, warning of possible supply trucks. The total cost of this size went into the 100 millions. The Bajebus army has taken the weapons to a well secure location away from Afghanistan in a secret base. In hopes of stopping these goods reaching past the Afghan border, bajebus has launched several drones to keep an eye out. These recon planes contain special chips that keep it invisible to most advanced radars. Also a bomber with 30 fighter pilots is heading to the south of Kabul to drop a Tsar bomb, in hopes of just destroying any attempts by the Communists. As the bomber heads near into the city it receives heavy fire but manages to stay up. 12 Fighter pilots get shot down but before long they reach the bomb site. With a shouting argument brewing in the national congress building, they approve the use of this bomb. "let the world see hell." says the general. The pilot sweats as he puts his hand on the button to drop the bomb. But in the end he pushes it and to his horror he watches as the bomb drops from the sky down to the ground, only 50 miles from Kabul. As it drops everything looks white and then the cloud rises. There is nothing but dead silence. The pilot takes a deep breath and radios back in. "We have dropped the bomb. May god forgive us." They send the sad report to the world.
Dear all nations in action against the Islamist group,
In a time of fear, seeing our king was killed, we believe that severe action must be taken. We have dropped on Tsar bomb in the south of Afghanistan because we decided that we couldn't let the communists reach kabul. We don't know what the death toll is, but we know that there were many civilian casualties. Kabul might not even exist anymore due to this. we know that maybe radiation levels have rose. We will be sending recon planes to inspect the damage. (Image)

OOC: Um, I'm not so sure this is ok. God modding?

[Friday Freshman]

"They are using nuclear weapons, Sir"

"Ok, time for us to pull out."

The Freshman troops are now leaving Afghanistan by way of airlift. An official truce document has been sent to all nations. The Freshman troops will have fully been removed by OOC: 12:00 pm EST April 4th

[Bajebus]

While the 7th armored division in the north was setting up a base, they happened to find unmarked trucks heading towards them. In response they surrounded the trucks and arrested the drivers. The drivers insisted they were delivering goods to the people of Afghanistan. The troops searched the trucks and to their amazement, found many weapons. It is believed to might have been a supply truck for the terrorists. They plan on interrogating the drivers. A message of this news have been sent to all the armies in Afghanistan, warning of possible supply trucks. The total cost of this size went into the 100 millions. The Bajebus army has taken the weapons to a well secure location away from Afghanistan in a secret base. In hopes of stopping these goods reaching past the Afghan border, bajebus has launched several drones to keep an eye out. These recon planes contain special chips that keep it invisible to most advanced radars. Also a bomber with 30 fighter pilots is heading to the south of Kabul to drop a Tsar bomb, in hopes of just destroying any attempts by the Communists. As the bomber heads near into the city it receives heavy fire but manages to stay up. 12 Fighter pilots get shot down but before long they reach the bomb site. With a shouting argument brewing in the national congress building, they approve the use of this bomb. "let the world see hell." says the general. The pilot sweats as he puts his hand on the button to drop the bomb. But in the end he pushes it and to his horror he watches as the bomb drops from the sky down to the ground, only 50 miles from Kabul. As it drops everything looks white and then the cloud rises. There is nothing but dead silence. The pilot takes a deep breath and radios back in. "We have dropped the bomb. May god forgive us." They send the sad report to the world.
Dear all nations in action against the Islamist group,
In a time of fear, seeing our king was killed, we believe that severe action must be taken. We have dropped on Tsar bomb in the south of Afghanistan because we decided that we couldn't let the communists reach kabul. We don't know what the death toll is, but we know that there were many civilian casualties. Kabul might not even exist anymore due to this. we know that maybe radiation levels have rose. We will be sending recon planes to inspect the damage. (Image)

OOC: Um, I'm not so sure this is ok. God modding?

OOC: Technically it isn't god modding. One nuke isn't impossible.

[Bajebus]

While the 7th armored division in the north was setting up a base, they happened to find unmarked trucks heading towards them. In response they surrounded the trucks and arrested the drivers. The drivers insisted they were delivering goods to the people of Afghanistan. The troops searched the trucks and to their amazement, found many weapons. It is believed to might have been a supply truck for the terrorists. They plan on interrogating the drivers. A message of this news have been sent to all the armies in Afghanistan, warning of possible supply trucks. The total cost of this size went into the 100 millions. The Bajebus army has taken the weapons to a well secure location away from Afghanistan in a secret base. In hopes of stopping these goods reaching past the Afghan border, bajebus has launched several drones to keep an eye out. These recon planes contain special chips that keep it invisible to most advanced radars. Also a bomber with 30 fighter pilots is heading to the south of Kabul to drop a Tsar bomb, in hopes of just destroying any attempts by the Communists. As the bomber heads near into the city it receives heavy fire but manages to stay up. 12 Fighter pilots get shot down but before long they reach the bomb site. With a shouting argument brewing in the national congress building, they approve the use of this bomb. "let the world see hell." says the general. The pilot sweats as he puts his hand on the button to drop the bomb. But in the end he pushes it and to his horror he watches as the bomb drops from the sky down to the ground, only 50 miles from Kabul. As it drops everything looks white and then the cloud rises. There is nothing but dead silence. The pilot takes a deep breath and radios back in. "We have dropped the bomb. May god forgive us." They send the sad report to the world.
Dear all nations in action against the Islamist group,
In a time of fear, seeing our king was killed, we believe that severe action must be taken. We have dropped on Tsar bomb in the south of Afghanistan because we decided that we couldn't let the communists reach kabul. We don't know what the death toll is, but we know that there were many civilian casualties. Kabul might not even exist anymore due to this. we know that maybe radiation levels have rose. We will be sending recon planes to inspect the damage. (Image)

OOC: Um, I'm not so sure this is ok. God modding?

ooc: though I couldn't do a missile strike, less damage, probably a safer idea. Now that you do mention it, I'll just delete that post

[Bajebus]

(A top secret letter has been sent to Friday Freshman)
Dear Friday Freshman,
We want you to turn all your troops into the base of Bajebus and to turn in all your weapons to our bases. From there we will fly your army out back to you. If you do not comply our troops will be given the right to attack your troops. You have 24hrs to reply. We know where your bases are and we also ask you give us your active bases near kabul. This is are only offer and we will not give you a second option, except for death. You are not considered a threat but due to the way that you acted out in your war campaign, you have caused many frowning faces in Congress. Once we take your bases with your consent and take your arms and armies we will fly your weapons back to you and your troops back to your country. 100% safety by us. We also will have your flags returned to you. If you deny this request we will surround your bases and bomb your bases and light your flags on fire. This is called wining a war over you. Also after the war we will discuss a treaty with you, if you comply to our request.
Sincearly,
Gen. John of Bajebus

[New Roman Empire]

Allied Control Territory
9th Legion, Grand Consul Sherman

The 9th had just landed in an allied control base several hours ago. Sherman saw as the final preparations before heading into the east of the country was underway. "Commander, get the men ready to move, I want the tanks in the middle of the convoy. I don't want to take any risks, don't forget we do have these insurgents that are around in the country as well." Informed Sherman as the commander nodded and started to get things ready to move.

[Syrusia (Ancient)]

Allied Control Territory
9th Legion, Grand Consul Sherman

The 9th had just landed in an allied control base several hours ago. Sherman saw as the final preparations before heading into the east of the country was underway. "Commander, get the men ready to move, I want the tanks in the middle of the convoy. I don't want to take any risks, don't forget we do have these insurgents that are around in the country as well." Informed Sherman as the commander nodded and started to get things ready to move.

Emperor booth: since both of our nations are part of the anti communist alliance, I propose we work together to keep Afghanistan out of the hands of the popular socialist resistance
President Likharev

[Bajebus]

Allied Control Territory
9th Legion, Grand Consul Sherman

The 9th had just landed in an allied control base several hours ago. Sherman saw as the final preparations before heading into the east of the country was underway. "Commander, get the men ready to move, I want the tanks in the middle of the convoy. I don't want to take any risks, don't forget we do have these insurgents that are around in the country as well." Informed Sherman as the commander nodded and started to get things ready to move.

Emperor booth: since both of our nations are part of the anti communist alliance, I propose we work together to keep Afghanistan out of the hands of the popular socialist resistance
President Likharev

Syrusia we plan on taking friday freshman's bases so we can have a stronger hold on the enemy. We sent a formal letter.

[Bulgar Rouge]

Zaranj, southwestern Afghanistan
Early morning

The five civilian vehicles stopped at different locations on the main street of Zaranj. It was 2:26 AM and the troops were moving as silently as they could, although there were no Islamist security forces in sight. Fire team leaders were using their infrared sights to determine the presence of gunmen, but there were none in sight - in fact, Zaranj looked like a ghost town at this time of the morning.

The 40 men approached the municipal council building, which seemed lightly guarded and was one of the few, if not the only, illuminated building in Zaranj. The only thing breaking the silence was the flapping sound of the Islamist flag waving on a pole above the edifice. Lieutenant Galabinov, who was leading the group, pressed the illumination button on his digital watch, which then displayed 2:29 in small red digits. The moment it switched to 2:30, he ordered the attack. Several 40mm grenades thumped from the darkness and headed towards the unsuspecting guards in front of the the municipal council. Only seconds later, an intensive wave of automatic fire aimed at targets in and around the building was unleashed.

---

Unknown safehouse
Western Bulgaria
Around midnight

Brother No. 1 and Number 13, the head of State Security, were sitting in the 1970s-looking safehouse somewhere in the ruins of a town in western Bulgaria, comfortable in their commune labourer uniforms and drinking some wine recently imported from Vanitan.

"Our troops informed me that the situation in Afghanistan has been deteriorating rapidly so they are conducting the operation this morning, probably right now as we speak. But the massing of troops from several nations around Afghanistan is a matter of concern. We will need additional forces if we are to achieve anything."

"I'm afraid the NPLA cannot participate right now, Number 6 told me his hands are tied. I will issue an authorisation for the deployment of extra State Security troops. I think two brigades will do, maybe the 86th and the 87th Expeditionaries ?"

"Those would be sufficient for the time being. Even if we fail to bring the PSR to power, we'll have more than enough agents to keep the country unstable. Anyone other than us who attempts to take over will have a painful, protracted, expensive mess to deal with."

"I see, Number 13. Start preparing the troops. I will contact Number 4 to provide you with some short-range ballistic missiles, MANPADS and other heavy equipment from our reserve stocks."

Number 1 took the phone while Number 13 continued drinking his whiskey as if nothing serious was happening.

[Syrusia (Ancient)]

Emperor booth: since both of our nations are part of the anti communist alliance, I propose we work together to keep Afghanistan out of the hands of the popular socialist resistance
President Likharev

Syrusia we plan on taking friday freshman's bases so we can have a stronger hold on the enemy. We sent a formal letter.

I think FF are withdrawing from the war correct?

[Bajebus]

Syrusia we plan on taking friday freshman's bases so we can have a stronger hold on the enemy. We sent a formal letter.

I think FF are withdrawing from the war correct?

Correct, so why not take it

[Friday Freshman]

As the time being 1:15 pm, All of Friday Freshman's troops have been successfully pulled out of Afghanistan and are well on their way home. Having removed their mobile bases when they left. All this being said, Friday Freshman remains on DEFCON 1 after threats from Bajebus. All missile stations are on high alert after the shown threat of nuclear warfare.

[Bajebus]

As the time being 1:15 pm, All of Friday Freshman's troops have been successfully pulled out of Afghanistan and are well on their way home. Having removed their mobile bases when they left. All this being said, Friday Freshman remains on DEFCON 1 after threats from Bajebus. All missile stations are on high alert after the shown threat of nuclear warfare.

ooc: that was cancelled

[Delegation of USSR to Agri Union]

PSR Training Camp
2 kms west of Zaranj


Putilov vanished off screen after a salute to give orders to his battalion. The expression on Savasins face was clinical, like a doctor who would be preforming an operation to save a paitients life, Vympel and Alpha had evolved beyond the sledgehammer tactics that had gained them infamy in the Beslan incidents and now were clinical warriors that cut into the enemy with hard power. "Need help in taking the town, I will be getting a hold of the village. Ring me up over the radio da? Good luck and Godspeed Comrade."

Milak,Zaranj Province
Afghanistan-Early Morning

"All quiet, this is Lead, report status."

30 men dismounted from their VDV-110s and Civilian trucks, the Vympel had a reputation for being brutal, behind him were 230 more Spetsnaz of the Army and the Red Guards, if the Bulgarians needed help they would ring him. Savasin looked through his goggles at the villiage, the Headman's residence and the local Police detachment in their building were the two major threats.

His second in command behind him received the status of the teams.

"All good and in position commander."

"Good. Major, you ready."

"When you need me."

As the Bulgarians assaulted the town, the village came under attack from the KGB.

[Syrusia (Ancient)]

March to Kabul

The troops continued storming the enemy base until the last of the resistance inside surrendered. This signaled that one of the obstacles to Kabul has been removed out of the way and that the joint Syruso-Bajebusian invasion of Kabul would begin. A group of 50,000 soldiers, with 2,000 tanks, 4,000 personnel carriers, and 5,000 artillery began driving to Kabul.

[Bajebus]

As Syrusia heads for Kabul, a force of 50,000 troops with 10,000 tanks and artillery and bombers attack from the north, nearing the city entrance of kabul, crushing the small pockets of resistance, waiting for Syrusia to join the force of bajebus to victory.

[-Afghanistan-]

Zaranj

Resistance fighters in the town awaken to the sound of fire. Quickly, the Islamists scrambled to prepare to fight off the communist invaders. At one house, an Islamist broke a window and put his RPD machine gun in. The Islamist then began firing on the Soviet-Bulgarian forces attempting to capture the town. Other Islamists did the same in the houses they were staying at whom they have the local civilian inhabitants held hostage.