The Lion of Oskeva IC (Atlas/MT/Invite)

[The RODina]

THE LION OF OSKEVA
WAR IN DHECHNIA

STORY

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June 2011
Karestan, Dhechnia
Anti Government protests begin in the Karestan oblast of Dhechnia, initially peaceful, the organizers of the protests allegedly belonged to the communist group, Fale Revolutionary Internationale. They called for Karestani independence, and supported setting up a Communist government in power in the small oblast. The Protest was put down by government troops, who arrested protesters with light sentences in prison. Public backlash in the Karestani oblast was pronounced, and more government troops were deployed to help keep the situation under control.

Oskeva, Dhechnia
On the 11th of June, Islamic Terror group Al-Qaria bombed multiple targets in cities across Dhechnia. This caused mass panic as Al-Qaria began an armed insurgency against the government, while the Salafist leader, Mohammed al Baradi, declared Jihad against the Secular Dhechen government, and a desire to form a worldwide Jihadist Caliphate. They secured the city of Smerlva in days, which became the worldwide capital for Jihad, and Al-Qaria in particular.

---

September 2012
Karestan, Dhechnia
Communist Revolutionaries had been relatively united with the government against Al-Qaria, and was granted temporary independence while the Al-Qarian insurgency was brought to heel. The ceasefire broke down quickly as the industrial base of Karestan was a severe loss for the Dhechen Republic. The Government invasion began on the 15th of September, causing worldwide condemnation, from the Vastava Pact in particular, as well as left-leaning nations worldwide.

---

October 2016
Dhechnia
The war has devolved into a stalemate, neither side has gained the upper hand and all sides are exhausted from the slow and grinding conflict. Al-Qaria seems stronger than ever, initiating terror attacks across the globe, the Dhechen Government is on the back foot, with many of it's outdated military outnumbered and outgunned by Terrorist Militia on all sides. Karestan faces an existential crisis, as extremists close in on Novye-Grenskaya, the capital of the unrecognized nation.

But Al-Qaria may have shot themselves in the foot, as terror attacks in Takhshiyt and the Grozyar Republic threaten to draw those powers into the war, and their threatening of Karestan may draw the Vastava Pact against them too.

---

FACTIONS

REPUBLIC OF DHECHNIA
Supporters:
The Rodina
Yakzistan
Takhshiyt


PEOPLE'S SOVIET REPUBLIC OF KARESTAN
Supporters:
New Republika Srpska



ISLAMIC CALIPHATE OF AL-QARIA
Supporters:

1. No more than a battalion of troops in the war, (400-1000 men), unless specified otherwise in TGs
2. No godmode/controlling/etc
3. I am undisputed ruler of all creation
4. No Obote men
5. Rules are for suckers

To Apply, simply post in the OOC thread

~THIS IS ATLAS ONLY~

[The RODina]

NOVYE-GRENSKAYA, KARESTAN
24th Militia Motor Rifle Division.
0400 Hours

It was the earliest hours in the morning. It was bitterly cold. It was always bitterly cold in Karestan. Ismaal sat by a slow burning fire, his comrades sleeping in bags and on old rotten matresses around him, they were inside an old public housing block which had been almost knocked down by air strikes and artillery. Ismaal couldn't sleep, the sound of distant gunshots and explosions kept him awake. The battle for Novye Grenskaya had been going on for weeks. It was the second largest city in Karestan, and the Al-Qaria extremists had pushed the KLA back and back further and further, until the Karestani Command ordered the city never to be abandoned.

So they stayed, partaking in brutal street fighting for each and every room of each and every house. But it seemed hopeless, any time the KLA gained a mile, Al-Qaria seemed to gain two somewhere else.

He stared out across the horizon, occasional distant explosions lighting the sky a dark orange. Even from their distance, it sounded like the explosions were on top of him. He'd almost gotten used to it now, but the terror never seemed to go away. He leaned against his Kalashnikov, almost nodding off, when he was snapped back away by the sound of a few military style trucks rolling through the square ahead of him.

He could hardly see in the pitch blackness, all he could see was some men loading out of the back of one of the trucks, illuminated by the truck behind it. He could barely make out the voices of those below. But he saw some of them switch of flashlights as they walked around, he could also see the glint of metal reflecting off their rifles.

He took up his own rifle, and loaded a magazine. "Hey!" he whispered loudly, he kicked his closest comrade, who woke up, fairly irate.

"What the fuck Ismaal?" he swore loudly.

"Quiet!" Ismaal responded. "There are men down there, I don't know if they are ours."

At least ten flashlights broke off from the rest of the group and walked towards their building. Ismaal picked up his rifle and his own flashlight, his comrade followed suite, and together they made their way to the bottom floor. The power in this section of the city had been devastated, so they descended 5 stories worth of stairs before reaching the bottom.

As they reached the third story the voices got closer, they could make out what they were saying.

"I swear, I bet these infidels are at the top floor, if these bastards make me walk up twenty stories, I'll skin them alive."

Ismaal swore under his breath, and gestured for his comrade to follow him, they found the exit where the stairs to the second floor began. Ismaal lay prone, and shifted a chunk of broken concrete under his rifle, to steady it and provide some form of cover for him. His comrade did the same with a Srpskan M42 LMG.

Light suddenly reflected off the roof as the voices drifted ever closer. After a harrowing few seconds, the source of the light appeared, a bright circle of light.

The Karestani's said nothing, and opened fire.

They cut down the first few quickly, and could hear shouting coming from upstairs and downstairs. Ismaal grabbed a grenade, and tossed it down the stairway, he heard some of the militants below cry out in terror before being blown to bits. A few moments later, gunfire from the Al-Qaria militants below them sprayed all over their positions, but it only took a few moments for the rest of their KLA comrades to open fire too, from five stories above.

Tracer fire lit up the sky, but in minutes it was all over.

'Another day in Grenskaya', Ismaal thought. His heart still beating wildly.

---

VANT DE SUD AFB, GROZAV INIMA
16th Squadron
0700 Hours

A large squadron had been prepared for a massive series of surgical airstrikes into Dhechnia, the entire complement of the 16th Squadron had been deployed and made ready. A total of 16 V-FB5 multiroles, 14 V-6 Light Bombers, and 6 of the advanced V-18 Multiroles were waiting for their turns to take off.

Four V-FB5's had been outfitted with long range Antiradar missiles and SALH-V precision laser guided bombs to take out any enemy Anti Air positions. Behind them the main bulk of the attack craft would follow, the V-FB5s would use their SALHs to eradicate any Al-Qarian armour, including T-55 tanks, which were rumored to be numerous, as well as any other vehicles, such as BMPs, improvised vehicles, and any other hard targets they encountered, they would also come equipped with Infrared missiles in the unlikely event of encountering hostile aircraft. The V-6s would follow next, eradicating suspected Al-Qarian infantry positions with cluster munitions and napalm bombs, lastly, the V-18s would carry a variety of SALHs and Unguided bombs to mop up any remaining Al-Qarian positions.

All had taken off now, except for the last V-18, the pilot, Anton Korasz, watched the V-18 ahead of him rise up from the tarmac, and turned his own throttle to full, removing the brakes. The aircraft charged forwards, and Korasz felt the power of the machine surge from underneath him. He smiled as the end of the runway barreled towards him, before his nose rose steeply, and the aircraft shot into the air.

He quickly accelerated and put himself at a 60 degree angle, climbing rapidly. He pushed through the cloud cover and into the sunrise above. The five other V-18s could be seen ahead, but all the other aircraft were long ahead, the last of the V-6s having had left half an hour ago. They stayed with their planes only just peeking over the cloud cover, as they were almost already in Dhechnia-- Vant de Sud was only a few hundred kilometers from the border, and they would need to begin descending again.

As they approached the border, the cloud cover dissipated, as they had expected. They could see some fires on the ground, napalm strikes by the V-6s had seemingly caused a significant amount of damage already. They checked their targets, most seemed to have already been destroyed. Ahead of them was a suspected Al-Qaria compound, a large, sandstone affair, with tall walls and a large central complex. A number of bombs seemed to have already caused significant damage to the compound, with the roof caved in at multiple places.

But infrared cameras revealed a significant number of men remained scrambling around, whether they were looking for comrades, weapons or simply thought the attack was over, Korasz didn't much care. He tipped his nose down slightly, and activated the afterburners. The aircraft's engines roared, as he accelerated quickly, he opened his internal weapons storage, and released two 500kg bombs, quickly pulling back up and to the side. The aircraft shuddered under the G forces, but he levelled out again, climbing slowly.

He watched the bombs sail away, as men scrambled to get away, but mere moments later most of them were eviscerated. He smiled, "Thats for Kislic you mother-fuckers."

Csatár 2:1 and 2:2, of the V-18 team, fly above the Vissza Mountain Range, separating Grozav Inima and Dhechnia.

---

KURCHALAYA REGION, DHECHNIA
5th Köztársasági Gárdazászlóalj
1100 Hours

An extensive air strike campaign which had occurred over the course of the last day, had rendered most of the Al-Qarian assets just over the Grozyar border eliminated, and now the Grozyar 5th Republican Guard Battalion was deploying against Al-Qaria. With a total of 700 infantry, and over 250 supporting armoured vehicles, the force was one of the largest deployments on foreign soil since the 1970s. Four different Company-sized elements would cross the Dhechnian border at different areas, and would be supported by the Grozyar air force, which had by now finished refuelling and re-arming following the second air strike campaign since the start of the day.

They met little resistance, while Al-Qaria may have expected the Grozyars to attack at some point, and the strikes of the early morning had shown that that day would be today, most of their forces in the area were dead, wounded or demoralised. When the forces did encounter Al-Qaria terrorists, they were either desperately trying to run away or go out in a blaze of glory. No mercy was shown, the Militants were gunned down with contempt by the Grozyar soldiers.

They continued to advance, their target was a large Al-Qaria compound, it had been pummeled relentlessly by air strikes, but it lay at an important area in the road to the city of Kurchalaya, the capital of the Kurchalaya region which bordered Grozav Inima. The compound was an old Stasnovan Nuclear lauch site, which had been set up in the 1950s following the Second Great War. The site was in disrepair, and thankfully the nuclear weapons had been removed in the 1970s, but the hardened steel and concrete was a perfect area for militants to hide from Air Strikes, and the entire compound would need to be cleared by Grozyar troops before they could advance on Kurchalaya.

Grozyar Jaguar Tanks cross into Dhechnia

[Takhshiyt]

---

0200 hours, Unnamed airbase, fifty clicks outside of Kurchalaya

---

Air. The medium of cheap revenge. The response to terrorism with hundred thousand dollar air missions. Airmen across this air base labored towards one goal, and that was not in vain. Some may not think it a lofty goal, but those that landed at a local Grozyar airbase knew their goal was in some ways holy, a mission from God. At least, that is how some airmen viewed it. Revenge is frowned upon in the world. It is thought as sin, idiocy, even deemed evil at times. But nothing was sweeter than dropping thousand pound bombs on terrorists who can do nothing about it. Nothing. It gives... a sense of legitimacy. A sense of legitimacy to the men and women serving on this TAF forward operating base, a sense of legitimacy to their lives. This was done in the name of the 92 Takhshiyti citizens slain by Al Qaria. This is done in the name of the those slain by Al Qaria in Grozav. This is done in the name of the thousands killed in Nazat and Dhechnia at the hands of Al Qarian insurgents. This is done in the name of justice, and no matter what name it is labeled, be it revenge or be it intervention, it is still justice. Justice that prevails. Justice that sets right what is wrong. The men and women on this FOB are not merely serving their conscription sentence, they are executing justice on behalf of their nation. And it is a honor to be among them.

Amnon Gid'on deleted the draft email. He sighed, taking a sip of his now cold coffee, staring blankly at the screen. He couldn't send his real feelings, especially these feelings, back to the Chief of the Air Force. All of a sudden a massive rumble shook the building, and he looked out the window while simultaneously hitting delete, catching a glimpse of a Miyraz 2 lift off from the airstrip. A familiar site to see.

---

The gravity rushed below his feet as the plane climbed ever farther into the atmosphere. The air above was dark, cold. It lacked the majestic warmth of his home. It instead had a sharp, yet eerie look. The mountain air provided a better viewing experience of the night sky. However, he wasn't there for the sights. He was the first pilot to begin the Takhshiyti air campaign against Al Qaria, and he had targets. Grozyar recon forces in the Kurchalaya region spotted large supply depots west of the metro city. It was confirmed to be Al Qarian depots, most likely a resupply station for Al Qarian insurgents in the region. He looked behind him and saw two more Miyraz's lifting off from the base. They were heading off to bomb more targets deep in the region as the Grozyar offensive continued. Most of the Al Qarian resupply depots were most likely located in metro Kurchalaya, where intel found large groupings of Al Qarian terrorists in the city. It was entirely plausible that Al Qaria may decide to hole up in the city, possibly dragging the offensive into a urban nightmare.

Most Grozyar operations so far have focused in the rural areas, seizing key points along major highways and bridges. However, it would be necessary for Grozyar forces to take Kurchalaya. It stood as a fortress in the region, and leaving it while focusing elsewhere would cause ruin upon the Grozyar supply lines. Surrounding the city would require a gargantuan amount of forces. But, it wasn't his to decide. That was someone else's job.

[Yakzistan]

Somewhere over the skies of northwest Dhechnia
"Tango Flight"
Early morning

An Sukhoi Su-27SK "Flanker" of "Tango Flight"

The engines of the Tu-16s "Badger" bombers and Su-27SK "Flanker" fighters roared over the mountian range of Dhechnia. A flight of 6 Tu-16 bombers and 8 Su-27 fighter jets swored over the overcast skies of northwest Dhechnia. The terrain was quite similar to the mountain ranges of Yakzistan. The flight took at 4:45am at Zhendrovask Air Force Base located atleast 28 miles east of the Yakzistani-Dhechnian border, making the flight not seem an entire trip back and forth. As the sun rose over the horizon, the bomber group made their way to the destination.

The target was a large military complex held by al-Qarian forces on the outskirts of the terrorist controlled city of Kurchalaya. The complex was nicked "The Honeyhole" by an VRK military agent, whom infiltrated the area about several days earlier. The complex was a large Dhechnian weapons depot, which held vast amounts of weaponry aiding al-Qaria victories over the Dhechnian government and allow attack on the Yakzistani border. Thankfully, the Yakzistani Air Force has found a solution to that problem...

The bomber group was lead by Colonel Martin Kishishev, a veteran pilot of the Yakzistani Air Force, flying in the Air Force since 1992. He seen some experience, when an an company of Yakzistani border guards requested air support, when an al-Qarian launched an attack on a border complex named "Outpost Aflya", during August. Now, it was Kishishev's time to lay the hammer down on those al-Qaria dogs, which he has been waiting for.

"Tango Flight, this is Colonel Kishishev" said Kishishev to the armada of aircraft over the radio. "We're about 6 miles from the target, you better get your asses ready. We're gonna give these shitheads, a hell of an wakeup." said Kishishev over the radio to his wingmen. "Yeah, let's get this over with, so we can have few rounds back the hangers" said Sargent Mikor Aerandrev; flying one of the Su-27s of the flight. "You better bet your asses, we will" sneared Private Dmitar Sotirovan, an tail gunner of one of the 6 Tu-16 bombers.

Finally, the flight reached the outskirts of Kurchalaya. The complex was dead silent, most of the guards were sound alseep, unknowing what was going to happen. The bomb bays of the Tu-16s opened to ready to drop their explosives at the military complex. The bombardiers adjusted their sights as the complex came into sight.

"Bombs away" shouted Private Zdravko Radomir, as the bombs came out of the bomb bay and into the sky.

The bombs fell from the bombers as the plummeted towards the ground towards to their targets. It didn't take long as the the bomber fly by the complex and bombs hit their targets exploded.

The complex was engulfed in flames and destruction as the ammo depots exploded. The structures fell apart, as the blaze within destroyed the depots storing flammable material such as gasoline which allowed al-Qaria to supply their forces with cargo trucks captured from the Dhechnian government. Many al-Qaria militants ran out of their beds, to see what the commotion and explosions was, some of them bewildered to the see the enemy where now where to be found.

"Tango Flight" was already heading back towards the airbase in Yakzistan. Most of the flight congratulated each other on the success of the mission. The flight faced almost any enemy contact, what so ever, even though the mission briefing compiled with the information brought by the VRK agent, warning about the dangers such as SA-7 Stela missiles and other possible anti-air weaponry that could be used against Yakzistani aircraft during the mission. But, the mission in all was an total success, with not a single scratch on the aircraft.

It was by breakfast time back at the base, when "Tango Flight" landed back at Zhendrovask Air Force Base. The fighter and bomber aircraft landed safely on the runway tarmac and escorted back to their hangers on the airbase. "So how about them drinks, huh?" said Mikor said to his flight crew as they got out of the Tu-16.

[New Hayabusa]

Thunderstorm of Retribution
Chapter I

---

Over Northwest Dhechnia
Confirmed Al-Qarian Stronghold
Near Grozyar Border

A detachment of the 3rd Aerial Squadron had departed from their base in the south of the Grozyar Republic, punching through the skies to begin the first stage of Operation Thunderstorm of Retribution. Six A-25 Peregrine multirole fighter aircraft flanked three LVK bombers and one SA-6 specialised electronic warfare aircraft, while a lone TvL-21 Arya spearheaded the group and provided forward reconnaissance. They had flown their way over the Dhechnian Range, which sat along the border between Dhechnia and the Grozyar Republic, and were headed towards an Al-Qarian military base at full speed.

The detachment's objective was to inflict monstrous damage on the Al-Qarian munitions located within the stronghold, which would force Al-Qaria fighters on the outskirts of the base to retreat back into it, or stay and fight without the guarantee of resupply. Supposedly, if this surgical gun run was executed correctly, Prigavodskan armour and infantry could siege the base until there was nothing left of it, or move in and eliminate a tactically disadvantaged and depleted force quickly, and with minimal casualties. From there, the Prigavodskan ground forces would rebuild, restructure, and repurpose the base, and have it become a joint international outpost for pro-government operations in Northwest Dhechnia. It was quite the task to complete for such a small force, and it would be a true test of the capability of the Prigavodskan military.

"Grivya 1-1 for all, copy?" the pilot of the leading TvL-21 questioned.

"Solid copy Grivya 1-1, go ahead," the commanding officer of the detachment, Evgeny Ilyanov, replied.

"Confirming presence of Al-Qaria fighters 10 kilometers in front of you, nothing has changed from the satellite pictures that we received in the briefing. Don't change any plans, strike where we agreed upon, and make them suffer," he replied.

"Affirmative Grivya 1-1... we'll be dropping below the clouds momentarily to begin our bombing. You may turn and head back to base, and try to make sure you don't get spotted by any other aircraft operating in the area... if they pursue you, outspeed them, copy?", Ilyanov said.

"Yes, commander. Grivya 1-1 over and out."

While the TvL-21 did a full turn around and began speeding back to base at an astonishing speed that surpassed Mach 3, the rest of the aerial detachment began it's descent to striking level. The SA-6 had been jamming Al-Qaria ground-to-air assets throughout their trip from the Grozyar Republic and into Dhechnia, but now, as the group approached the kill zone, they were taking inaccurate fire from flak turrets, and nobody could really do anything about that at the moment. Roughing it through the small explosions that were taking place all around them for multiple kilometers, their target was finally in sight. The gray skies blocked most of the sunlight from puncturing through the air and blinding the crewmen.

"Ilyanov for Baseplate," the commander radioed through to the Prigavodskan Dhechnia Task Force Base in the Grozyar Republic, "we have confirmed sighting of our assigned target, do we have permission to execute the initial orders that we were given, over?"

After a few seconds of lag time and static, Baseplate replied, "Affirmative, Commander. Execute as planned."

Switching to the group's local frequency, Ilyanov said, "We have been given permission to execute as planned. Korolevsky's fighter group will focus on their ammunition dumps, while my bomber group will level their vehicle bays and artillery posts, confirm."

"Yes, commander," Korolevsky replied, first addressing the order, "we will do that. Now, I want each of us Peregrines to split up and fly at an angle so that you will be right over your assigned target. We will get our payloads dropped much quicker than our LVK's, so we are going to have to distract their turrets or a bit so that they don't pick the easy target. And if you can get your guns set on one of those teams and kill them, then do it, but don't be stupid like me. yes?"

Laughter broke out across the frequency as the A-25 multirole fighter jets broke off from the LVK's and SA-6 and approached their targets quicky. That was probably the first instance in which they had joked about for an entire month, as the weeks prior to this proved to be draining to the task force, with all of the drilling and preparatory work that they had to go through to make sure that they were in top fighting condition. In fact, they had probably spent more time in the air than they did on the ground in the final week preceding the operation, which now had them in a position where they felt like throwing up every time they spent extended amounts of time on the ground.

After a minute or so of continuous radio silence, with nothing but the consistent booming sound of the turrets below for comfort, the local frequency exploded with activity as the six jets locked on to their targets. Each of them had confirmed that they were over their designated kill zones and were awaiting the order to drop their payload of 900+ kg explosives onto the ground.

"Release your payloads now."

Ilyanov, using binoculars from the cockpit of the SA-6, could see the bombs plummeting to the ground, and the massive, earth-shaking explosions that followed. Plumes of fire and smoke jumbled together into gigantic spires of death that now loomed over the base. Everybody in the base surely felt the impact, anyone at a mid distance range could have possibly gone deaf from the sound, and anyone nearby would have probably been completely pulverised by the sheer force that had just been released over them. Ilyanov couldn't help but crack a smile as the gates of Hell opened on the Al-Qaria fighters below, and the incessant fire from the flak guns ceased.

"We have all confirmed positive effect on the ground, we have each hit our designated targets. This then leaves them with only two out of their original eight ammunition dumps at full capacity. Additionally, we have compiled an estimated casualty count that amounts to 25 kills, purely based the men we saw on the outside," Korolevsky said, proud of his work and happy that the month of preparation had paid off.

"Brilliant, my friend. You've done we-"

Evgeny was interrupted by a frighteningly close call with a flak round that had exploded right in front of their cockpit.

"Fucking hell, we're going to get damaged by one of those things eventually. They aren't using shitty GW2 grade cannons as was predicted, this shit is powerful. Get them off of us, they won't be able to handle you guys and fire at us at the same time."

"We're on it," Korolevsky said as the jets split up into two groups of three and dived down to even lower levels to harass the guns on the ground.

As the time ticked by at what seemed like a ridiculously slow rate, the LVK's experienced less problems with turret fire as they made their approach to the base. The SA-6's thermal imaging showed the fires and pieces of the destroyed buildings scattered all over the place. Fighters could be seen frantically running around, trying to salvage what was left of the ammunition, putting out fires, running for cover, or just standing still in pure shock and awe. They were also able to spot numerous vehicles departing from the vehicle bays, as they knew what was coming next.

"They're trying to drive their vehicles away before we can get to them. LVK's release your payload now, do it now before they can get their heavy artillery and tanks out of dodge!" Ilyanov shouted in a slight panic.

"Yes, yes! Release now!" one of the bomber crewmen shouted.

First, the sound of unguided means of destruction screeched through the air as they were released from above over the two vehicle bays. A few seconds later, the planes shook violently as the world shook below them, and even larger and louder explosions than before impacted the base, laying waste to a multitude of Al-Qaria's heavy assets and their surrounding infrastructure. The vehicles were that were speeding away from the scene now stopped, and were returning with the knowledge that the bombing was over. There wasn't very much left of their vehicular force, but the Al-Qaria fighters had smartly prioritised their heavy artillery pieces, which had been hastily mounted on to trucks and driven away before they went up in flames with the vehicles. Al-Qaria, without question, was going to give the ground forces a better fight for the base than anyone had expected.

"Good hits boys, good hits. We've done all that we could have. Korolevsky, doing fine?" Ilyanov questioned.

"Yes my friend, these people can't aim for shit, they don't know how to use such a sophisticated piece of technology yet. You lads can begin heading back to base, we can continue covering until you're out of range, and then we'll fall in behind you," Korolevsky replied.

"Sounds like a plan. I'll radio Baseplate," Evgeny switched frequencies as the larger planes of the group made their turnaround and began heading back to the Dhechnia Task Force Base beyond the mountains.

"Ilyanov for Baseplate, over."

"Come in, come in."

"We've confirmed hits on all of our assigned ammunition dumps, and we've managed to flatten their vehicle bays. Despite this, we believe that a considerable number of their artillery pieces may have been driven out before we could inflict damage on them. This is why we should have used those new guided missiles that we've been developing."

"Good stuff, lads. We can talk to Omsgorod about that, but I don't think they want us using experimental equipment in this conflict, it's just something we'll have to deal with for now. You're heading back then, yes?"

"That's correct."

"Perfect. Our armour and infantry will be deploying soon. Did Grivya 1-1 pick up on any heavy pockets of fighters in front of the base?"

"Well, they're scattered about everywhere along the border, if you take specific routes, you should be able to pass through with minimal engagement. But once you get near the base, they'll be everywhere. They've got defensive positions and shit, they've set up shop real nicely. It's not going to be easy."

"I'll relay that to HighCom. Good luck in your return. Baseplate, out."

[Carsodonia]

Southeast Beach, Dhechnia
5th S.S Armored Battalion, 1st Company
0700 Hours

*A great cacophony of wind could be heard, is it the coming of a storm? es, and no... Not a storm in the literal sense, more in the metaphorical sense. The Carsodonian storm to be more precise, the high powered wind sound would be that of the Carsodonian Air-cushioned landing craft hitting the beaches of Southeast Dhechnia. The Craft would quickly deflate the front air pocket and have the ramp come down into the warm sand... The first crafts to land belong to that of 1st Company of the 5th S.S Armored Battalion, 7 M2A3 Bradleys and 7 FV278-C Foxhound APCs would drive off of the Crafts holding the 100 men of 1st Company, the 5th S.S is a distinguished Special Forces Battalion within the the entire S.S Division under the Special Ops command in Carsodonia. As the Vehicles drive out onto the beach the back hatches would spring open as 1st Company begins to pour out of their transports and begin to secure the beach for the rest of the landings, setting up a security perimeter all around with their armored carriers providing support. The landing position of the men would be a stretch of beach about 3 villages over to the east from Oskeva, right below a town held currently by Karestan Forces. Once the Beach is secured the heavy armor along with the rest of the 5th would land onto the beaches, 1st Company would also be ordered forward in advance of the rest of the 5th, they would be accompanied by 14 CT-120 Volodyas, Carsodonia's newest and most advanced tank the armor is classified but so far there are only 50 made total but more are sure to come after their battle testing here in Dhechnia. The CT-120s would spearhead the Company as they push to the Karestan held village just north of their position. The man leading the 1st Company Would be decorated Captain Lukov Svyatoslav Yevgenievich, the man would be almost a bear in size and even in looks... He would have a big brown beard that covers his face, his eyes cold like the Carsodonian Winters, when all of a sudden his radio would begin to crack as a voice would begin to come through, "1st Company this is command, Do you copy, over?" Captain Lukov would scoff a bit before gripping the radio and bringing it to his mouth and with a deep grumbling voice he would speak, "Command, this is 1st Company, we read you loud and clear, over." The Radio would silence for a bit before crackling in once more, "1st Company proceed to the enemy held village, we have word from the Dhechnian Governmant that we have the green light to go on the village, you will be supported by the 22nd CA Squadron along with Apache Longbows from our own battalion, Once our Forces are finished unloading from the ships we will follow in behind, Our M109A6 Paladins have already begun their shelling of the Village for your arrival, So good luck to you out there, Strength and Honor, Over and Out" Captain Lukov would smirk as he radios to all the men, "Seems we are the first to shed blood men! Lets Do Carsodonia Proud and kick these Communist douche-bags back to the stone age!" The men would call out over the radio with a Hooah before the Captain would take his seat once more*

1st Company before pushing towards the Village^

---

Southeast Beach, Dhechnia
5th S.S Armored Battalion, FOA
0800 Hours

*Thump... a casing of a 155mm round hits the sand as the 5 Carsodonian M109A6 Paladins fire in quick succession, the huge rounds flying through the air until they reach the village hitting the spots they were aiming for, the rounds would continue to fly and fall from the sky, bombarding the village without remorse. As this is happening over on the make shift Helicopter pads, 2 AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters would be starting up their engines being rearmed and refueled, they would be equipped with CAS and ground attack missiles as they lift off into the air and proceed towards the village up north to support 1st Company who is just about to arrive there. Back on the carrier A-10 Thunderbolt II's and KaZ-41 Klasters would be readied up and set to go at a moments notice to not also provide CAS but also Air Superiority if need be, the A-10's would be outfitted with CAS missiles while the KaZ-41's would be outfitted for air to air combat in case enemy aircraft of any sort appear and begin to start trouble.*

[The RODina]

EAST KURCHALAYA REGION, DHECHNIA
31. Mechanized Division, Dhechen Armed Forces
1000 Hours

Dhechen forces in the northern region had been cut off from the bulk of forces in Oskeva for almost a year, relying heavily on supplies provided from Grozav Inima, with air strikes from Grozav Inima stepping up in intensity, and a multitude of foreign soldiers pushing into Al-Qaria held territory, morale received a long-needed boost. To support Grozyar troops, Dhechen troops were advancing towards Kurchalaya, the 31st. was equipped with Grozyar-made tanks, APCs and IFVs, as most of the usual Dhechen equipment was destroyed in the last few years, only able to be replaced with Grozyar supplies, as they were cut off from the main stockpiles in the south.

The 31st moved out at 9:30 in the morning, for the first time in months. Across a 14km wide front, multiple platoons pushed forwards. They advanced in an arrowhead pattern, Five Caracal tanks ahead, with motorized infantry in ten APCs advancing behind. Radios in each tank co-ordinated with their commanders, who in turn, communicated with Grozyar Air Officials to organize air support.

They pushed forwards across a relatively open field, there were occasional low trees and bushes, the sun beated down in the sky, melting the few remaining spots of snow from the recent falls. The Commander of the lead Caracal ordered an all stop, and as they scanned the horizon, they spotted a few T-55 tanks, one of which was poorly hidden behind a low set of bushes, the other three were fortified in dugout positions.

The Commander peered through Binoculars at the area, he spotted a tank crew of Al-Qarians lazing about on the top of one of the tanks, his rangefinder put the distance at 1.4km away, well within range for both tank guns. He quickly ordered the Caracals to target the opposing tanks, and hurriedly called for a helicopter support.

The Caracals picked their targets, a moment before the Commander gave the order to fire, one of the Al-Qarians sat up like a startled meerkat, slapping one of his friends and pointing in their general direction. "Fire!" he shouted.

Five cannon shots pierced the air, and five shells raced across the sky, three of them found their targets. One of them struck the ammo storage of a T-55, blowing it sky high, the turret flying into the air. The other two shells struck their targets too, one glanced off the frontal armour of the one in the forest, while the other blasted through the frontal turret armour.

As the tanks reloaded, a tense situation developed, Infantry quickly vacated from the backs of the APCs, and began to advance forwards. M44 LMGs sent lead through the air at 1200 rpm, kicking up dust near the Al-Qarian foor militants. A few blasts could be heard, and the T-55s sabot rounds blasted towards them. One round glanced the side of the Commanders turret, another went struck the lower glacis of a nearby tank. It penetrated through, hopefully it hadn't caused too much damage inside.

The Caracals finished their reloads and fired once more, the T-55 in the forest was struck, a moment later it's engine caught fire, and the Commander watched through his binoculars as the top hatch opened, and a number of flaming militants poured out, dropping to the ground. One of the other rounds seemed to have struck one of the fortified tanks through the frontal turret armour, but didn't appear to have caused any serious damage.

The final T-55 with a functioning cannon fired again, striking one of the APC's, puncturing it's fuel tank and setting it alight. But before long, it felt the guns of four Caracals, and four AP shells punctured it's turret, blasting it's ammunition and burning the tank down quickly.

He ordered them to advance once more, their guns swapping to High Explosive and blasting away at the Militants on the ground. The tank which had it's lower glacis penetrated, went nowhere. The Commander tried to radio it, but there was no response. They mourned their dead comrades, but there was still a battle to be won, and an advance to be made.

A Pair of Dhechen Pcl-36 Caracal advance in the Eastern Kurchalaya Region

[The RODina]

NORTH KURCHALAYA REGION, DHECHNIA
5th Republican Guard Division

---

Strategic Overview of the Kurchalaya Front

Current map of the Kurchalaya showing current advances by government-aligned forces
XX represents Battalions, XXX represents Divisions

At the first light of the morning sun, another two Grozyar Republican Battalions pressed into Al-Qaria held Dhechnia. In addition to Dhechen Government forces advancing in the east, this threw Al-Qarian militants in the Kurchalaya into total disarray, it wouldn't be too long before they could get back on their feet, but Dhechen Command was adamant that the city of Kurchayala was to be retaken at all costs, as the largest city in Dhechnia after Oskeva, it was home to 500,000 people. The Republican Guard however, was not eager to get involved in a costly urban conflict.

---

Karabélyos Viktor Kresnév
5th Republican Guard Division
Kurchalaya North, Druzhina River
0600 Hours

The Republican Guards advanced timidly, on foot. This river crossing was the intended area for the rendezvous with government forces, but radio chatter indicated the Dhechens were way behind schedule, their tanks had taken heavy losses during a skirmish the previous day, and they were stuck waiting for armoured reinforcement before they could move again.

This was, however, one of the few crossings of the Druzhina river that had not been targeted by Takhshiyti special forces, should Al-Qaria destroy it while retreating, well, that would be less than ideal. Viktor scanned the distance, keeping his head low and rifle ready. His comrades were fanned out, scanning their front and flanks constantly. They heard gunshots, explosions and the sound of battle ahead of them, so they took their time.

"100 meters, Front!" the Squad leader shouted, and all rifles trained on some men ahead of them. They didn't look like al-Qaria. "Tango Foxtrot, its the Taki Frogs," he said.

Two IFVs and a Jaguar tank rolled down the main road, the tank stopped when it reached the treeline, it's cannon training on a target further away. It fired with a loud blast. The IFVs continued, and as it reached 50m of the Bridge, soldiers began pouring out, they fanned to either side under the covering fire of the IFV's 50mm autocannons and MLA1 machine-guns. The gunfire reached a fever pitch for a moment as Viktor rushed forwards, K114 firmly in his grip.

As he reached the Takhshiytis, he said nothing, he doubted they spoke Grozyar and he certainly didn't speak Hebrew. He peered down the sights of his rifle, most of the Al-Qarians had gone to ground. But there was no telling how many there were.

A couple of moments later he heard a roar, and looked up. A pair of V-18 fighters flew overhead, they loosed their payloads and two high-explosive 1000lb bombs blasted two massive craters into the earth, kicking up massive dust clouds on the other end of the wide river. A number of militants jumped up out of their hideaways and made a run for it. Viktor wanted to encourage that kind of behaviour, but fired on them nonetheless.

---

KRELNYY, RODNAYA OBLAST, DHECHNIA
Islamic Dhechen Army of Conquest

The city of Krelnyy was situated on a precarious position, it had almost been secured by Al-Qaria in the first few months of the civil war, battles over Krelnyy had raged for years at a time. Early this year however, Government forces had pushed Al-Qaria from its strongholds surrounding the city, and it had become a relatively safe zone for Government forces to ferry troops and supply to the massive Pocket of government forces just to the north. Al-Qarian leaders recognized the importance of Krelnyy for the war effort, if they could close the Krelnyy corridor, as well as the corridor leading into Yakzistan, the Dhechen forces in the pocket would be completely cut off and unable to fight for an extended period. With an ever-increasing coalition against them, it may end up being their saving grace.

---

[Yakzistan]

Northwest Dhechnia, approximalty 25 miles east of Yakzistani border
6th Motorized Brigade
Noon, moderate snowfall

Yakzistani troops eating bread, while watching cargo pass by on route

Vehicles roll along the boggy roads of Northwest Dhechnia, cargo trucks carry units of Yakzistani soldiers moved along the roads. The skies were being patrolled by a flight of Mi-25 gunships, which have already seen some action on the border with al-Qarian terrorists in the summer. Suprisngly enough, there were no signs of enemy contact as the 6th Motorized Brigade entered Dhechnia. Earlier in the week, several special forces clearled almost enemy hideouts, along with a prescene of air support thanks to the Yakzistani Air Force, which did several runs on al-Qaria bases along the area. Plus, the word of Grozyar forces entering the area, causes some reallocating of al-Qaria manpower.

The 6th Motorized Brigade entered a unmarked village, as they made their way to destination. Locals watched as M939 trucks caring soldiers rolled through their villages, some of them cheering the newly arrived soldiers. Some gave out fresh bread to the tired troops, whom have stuck in the back of a truck all day long. The officer ended up scolding several soldiers for misbehavior during the operation. Nevertheless, there were still no signs of enemy contact. Several men of "A Company" of the 6th Motorized Brigade asked any locals of any activities of any al-Qarian militants. One village elder said the air campaign on the border, caused the al-Qaria militants to move eastward, due to lack of success on the border raids into the insides of Yakzistan.

The column of cargo trucks kept making their way to their destination to link up with 2nd Airborne Infantry Company and the 3rd Airborne Infantry Company, whom were airdropped earlier that morning...

---

Northwest Dhechnia, presumably atleast 28 miles from the unmarked village
3rd Airborne Infantry Company
Afternoon, overcast

BMD-2 APC making advances

Shoots rang out, as the column of BMD-2s of the 3rd Airborne Infantry company were moving along the road. "Sir, who in the hell are shooting at us?" yelled Corporal Stoyan Cherganski, the gunner of one of the BMD-2s, said to the commander of the APC. "It's probably those al-Qaria shitheads again!" mocked back the commander. The airborne troops on top of the APCs dismounted as the enemy fire grew larger. The airborne troops took some cover behind the BMDs, as the their turrets turned towards to line of fire, now coming from an abandoned used cars dealership building. "Let's light these fuckers up!" yelled Cherganski as sighted in the building. The 30 mm 2A42 cannons of the BMD column fired at the building with HE rounds, turning the scene into absolute chaos.

As the engagement continued, one of the al-Qaria militants managed to get one of the BMDs into his sight with a RPG. The rocket roared across the battlefield, hitting one of the BMDs and caused it explode. The fire caused a smokescreen as the fight ensued, limbs were clearly strewn across the road. One infantryman screamed in absolute pain, only to be muted by the gunfire of the battle. Sergeant Lyubomir Velichkov of "C Platoon", saw the heavily wounded infantryman laying near the burning APC. "Get a goddamn medic over there ASAP!" yelled to one of the company's medic, Private Atanas Tsankov. Several infantry men covered the medic as he rushed over to the wounded infantryman.

The soldier's arm was clearly blown off from the explosion and suffered severe burns from laying near the burning APC. The medic manage to take the wounded infantryman to clearing behind the BMD column and begun to administer medical attention to wounded man. The engagement went ever one, the al-Qarians were dug in well into the building despite, the 30mm cannons turned the building into almost rubble. "These bastards ain't gonna let us through! They're dug in like termites or something!" said Private Krastyo Strashilova of "A Platoon". As the fire continued, finally a radioman of the company managed to radio in some air support.

After 5 minutes of more contact with the enemy, a flight of L-39ZA attack planes came in. The flight lit up the building with unguided rockets and a few runs with their GSh-23L cannons. Finally, the building was completed leveled, and the gunfire ceased, on the left was the smoke coming from the building and the burning BMD. Several Mi-17 helicopters arrived to evacuate the wounded airborne troops, and resupply the airborne column with rifle ammunition, which was depleted during combat. Later on, the 3rd Airborne Infantry Company was ordered to halt any and advances and wait for the 6th Motorized Brigade to link up with them.

In total, 6 Yakzistani troops were dead (4 of which were from the BMD and the other 2 were airborne infantry) and 8 wounded, along with the loss of a BMD-2. The men of "B Platoon" manage to find a wounded al-Qaria militant pinned under a steel beam at the rubble of the building. The company later interrogated the militant, revealing that a entire al-Qarian company was apparently stationed at the abandoned building, using it as lodge and base of operation, after retreating from the Yakzistani-Dhechnian border.

Finally by evening, the 6th Motorized Brigade linked up with airborne companies. The formation was order to make temporary base of operations at the abandoned sight for now...

---

[Takhshiyt]

NORTH KURCHALAYA REGION, DHECHNIA
5th Republican Guard Division

---

Strategic Overview of the Kurchalaya Front
(Image)
Current map of the Kurchalaya showing current advances by government-aligned forces
XX represents Battalions, XXX represents Divisions

At the first light of the morning sun, another two Grozyar Republican Battalions pressed into Al-Qaria held Dhechnia. In addition to Dhechen Government forces advancing in the east, this threw Al-Qarian militants in the Kurchalaya into total disarray, it wouldn't be too long before they could get back on their feet, but Dhechen Command was adamant that the city of Kurchayala was to be retaken at all costs, as the largest city in Dhechnia after Oskeva, it was home to 500,000 people. The Republican Guard however, was not eager to get involved in a costly urban conflict.

---

Karabélyos Viktor Kresnév
5th Republican Guard Division
Kurchalaya North, Druzhina River
0600 Hours

The Republican Guards advanced timidly, on foot. This river crossing was the intended area for the rendezvous with government forces, but radio chatter indicated the Dhechens were way behind schedule, their tanks had taken heavy losses during a skirmish the previous day, and they were stuck waiting for armoured reinforcement before they could move again.

This was, however, one of the few crossings of the Druzhina river that had not been targeted by Takhshiyti special forces, should Al-Qaria destroy it while retreating, well, that would be less than ideal. Viktor scanned the distance, keeping his head low and rifle ready. His comrades were fanned out, scanning their front and flanks constantly. They heard gunshots, explosions and the sound of battle ahead of them, so they took their time.

"100 meters, Front!" the Squad leader shouted, and all rifles trained on some men ahead of them. They didn't look like al-Qaria. "Tango Foxtrot, its the Taki Frogs," he said.

Two IFVs and a Jaguar tank rolled down the main road, the tank stopped when it reached the treeline, it's cannon training on a target further away. It fired with a loud blast. The IFVs continued, and as it reached 50m of the Bridge, soldiers began pouring out, they fanned to either side under the covering fire of the IFV's 50mm autocannons and MLA1 machine-guns. The gunfire reached a fever pitch for a moment as Viktor rushed forwards, K114 firmly in his grip.

As he reached the Takhshiytis, he said nothing, he doubted they spoke Grozyar and he certainly didn't speak Hebrew. He peered down the sights of his rifle, most of the Al-Qarians had gone to ground. But there was no telling how many there were.

A couple of moments later he heard a roar, and looked up. A pair of V-18 fighters flew overhead, they loosed their payloads and two high-explosive 1000lb bombs blasted two massive craters into the earth, kicking up massive dust clouds on the other end of the wide river. A number of militants jumped up out of their hideaways and made a run for it. Viktor wanted to encourage that kind of behaviour, but fired on them nonetheless.

---

KRELNYY, RODNAYA OBLAST, DHECHNIA
Islamic Dhechen Army of Conquest

The city of Krelnyy was situated on a precarious position, it had almost been secured by Al-Qaria in the first few months of the civil war, battles over Krelnyy had raged for years at a time. Early this year however, Government forces had pushed Al-Qaria from its strongholds surrounding the city, and it had become a relatively safe zone for Government forces to ferry troops and supply to the massive Pocket of government forces just to the north. Al-Qarian leaders recognized the importance of Krelnyy for the war effort, if they could close the Krelnyy corridor, as well as the corridor leading into Yakzistan, the Dhechen forces in the pocket would be completely cut off and unable to fight for an extended period. With an ever-increasing coalition against them, it may end up being their saving grace.

---

Abu Ahmed Al-Grozari
Krelnyy, Dhechnia
15. 'Allah's Legion' Militant Division, Dhechen Army of Conquest
1200 Hours

-WIP-

---

0700 hours, south of Druzhina River

---

Meshullam ripped open a pre made food pouch as he looked out at the rising sun over the war torn landscape. A slight waft of gunpowder blew around here and there. The skyline had a bit of dust to it, although he could be mixing it with fog. Never mind that. What was really on his mind was the ache in his back. Apparently para dropping straight onto a rocky ledge wasn't a good idea. Mavet Force A "Lightning" was one of the best special operations teams in the TDF. It had a long and illustrious history of fighting conventional warfare in north Alfashir and daring night raids in West Cavar. But humans made mistakes, and the para drop was one of those.

Instead of dropping one kilometer north of the bridge, they were dropped nearly straight on it, leaving some of the members low on supplies because, well, it floated off in the river. Apparently the Al Qarian forces were alerted, and the ensuing four hour gun battle left two of his team members wounded and thirty Al Qarian insurgents dead. However the DFOB Special Ops messed up the flight plan was beyond him. He specifically requested one kilometer. One, just one. He was pretty clear, although it was now clear that wasn't what they planned. But it all no longer mattered. What mattered now was the upcoming push towards Kurchalaya. His team and two others were tasked with fighting with the 5th Republican Guard. It was undoubted that his team would see a lot more action.

"Sir?"

Meshullam jolted out if his thoughts and back into reality.

"Yes?"

"We are ready to go."

"OK, I will be there soon. Thank you for alerting me."

He picked up his pack and walked out of the makeshift tent. The air was crisp, the morning was fresh. Meshullam saw the elite Republican Guard assuming road formation, and he walked down towards his vehicle.

---