KNN - Kayfabeland News Network (Kayfabeland Only)

[Astoria]

KAYFABELAND NEWS NETWORK (KNN)

The Kayfabeland News Network (KNN) is a regional news aggregator, providing a simple one-stop location to access news content being produced across Kayfabeland. Visitors to KNN can easily learn about the breaking news being reported across the region by a variety of national news organizations, as well as top-notch reporting from the World Press Agency (WPA) and Atlantis Cable News (ACN).

News Archive

• Bruzenland: BNNC: International Space Station Suffers Sabotage
• United Avon: Daily Express: Terror in Orbit: ISS Astronaut Feared Dead
• United Avon: ABC: Ambassador Death Labeled Act of Assassination
• Bruzenland: BNNC: Air Base retaken by Federal Army
• Okerne: Okerne Broadcasting Corporation: Terror Threat Raised to Critical
• Bruzenland: BNNC: Another Attack in Bruzenland, Überstadt covered in toxic gas
• Bruzenland: BNNC: World With No Boundaries HQ Found
• Bruzenland: BNNC: A World With No Boundaries Headquarters Destroyed
• Mayolagne: WPA: High Court Justice Mykhaylo Shchekochikhin announces his intent to run for President
• Astoria: NBC: Three-Way Race Takes Shape in Presidential Election
• United Avon: ABC: Soldiers Return After Victory over Terrorism
• Le Savoie: WPA: Savoie Resumes Airstrikes in Aldastan
• Astoria: NBC: A Special Report on the Naruban Civil War
• Rusanyia: ACN: Latverian Rebels Defeat Government Troops
• Astoria: NBC: A Special Report on the Free State of Lombuanda
• Astoria: NBC: Foreign Policy Dominates Opening of Presidential Campaigns
• Bruzenland: BNNC: Tensions in Latveria as Donhansk Rebels Declare Independence
• Rusanyia: ACN: Rusanyian President Condemns Bruzenland Involvement in Latveria
• Bruzenland: BNNC: Bruzen Government Signs Arms Deal with Astoria
• Astoria: NBC: Adams Retains Lead as Campaign Enters Second Month

OOC: This thread will be for members of the Kayfabeland region to post news reports. These reports can be on subjects being roleplayed in other threads, or they can be a way of introducing characters and/or events into your own canon and the regional canon without requiring the creation of an entirely new RP.

OOC2: If you want to publish your story through the World Press Agency or Atlantis Cable News, simply paste the following code at the top of your post:

Atlantis Cable News:

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[b]Atlantis Cable News[/b]
[i]"The Trusted Name in News"[/i][/align]

World Press Agency:

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[b]WORLD PRESS AGENCY[/b][/align]

[Astoria]

[RESCINDED]

[Parina]

[RESCINDED]

[Bruzenland]

International Space Station Suffers Sabotage

---

The International Space Station (ISS) has reported a high yield explosion earlier this morning at UTC 06:55. ComCon station, located in the state of Dornhausen reported an incoming signal from the ComSat aboard the ISS, currently the ISS is being controlled by seven astronauts. As of right now, they remain stranded in high orbit while being monitored by international satelites, the Minister of Defense, Minister of International Affairs and the Chancellor have gathered in the Reichhaus in order to come up with a plan of action. Later this evening a terrorist group known as A world with no boundaries have claimed responsability for this cowardly attack.

One Astronaut of Bruzen origin has been reported as missing by the crew of the ISS. Gunther Hausmann, technician of the group, was outside the ISS the moment the explosion went off. It is unknown at the time how did the explosive device managed to slip through security and reach the station. According to A world with no boundaries

"the sole existence of the International Space Station is to enforce and continue the subjugation of the free people of this earth. We will do whatever it takes to erase boundaries, and start this world anew. It's time to entrust the future to a new generation"

.

Gunther Hausmann during the ISS livestream at 07:55 an hour before the incident

There are rumors of a coordinated insurgency of Bruzen military forces, but as of this time; we cannot confirm nor deny such rumors but the ministry of defense has stated the following:

The rumors regarding insurgent groups of military personnel are only that, rumors. As of this moment, the responsables for the spread of this rumors are being put into investigation. If current investigations find any individual associated with this terrorist organization, rest assured that they will be put under immediate arrest.

[United Avon]

The Daily Express
"The news you want, first"

TERROR IN ORBIT: ISS ASTRONAUT FEARED DEAD

A Bruzen astronaut is feared dead after a bomb exploded on a space shuttle that was carrying supplies to the International Space Station. A terrorist group known as A World With No Boundaries has claimed responsibility for the act of terrorism. It is not yet known exactly how the terrorists managed to sneak the bomb aboard the cargo shuttle, but authorities have put out alerts for a Bruzen national named Dieter, whose last name is currently not known. This "Dieter" apparently escaped from the Launch Station in a stolen car and is at large. The Daily Express is offering a substantial cash reward for anyone who comes forward with information about Dieter or the act of sabotage. What the facts do show is that the government's security measures have been shown to be horrendously ineffective. Readers should be aware that the officer in charge of security at the Launch Station is none other than Archibald Braddock, whose incompetence and ineptitude has been reported by this paper in the past.

[United Avon]

Avon Broadcasting Corporation

”We’re coming to you with breaking developments in the ongoing story of the sabotage of the International Space Station and the terror group which claimed responsibility, A World With No Boundaries. Shortly after the death of the ambassador from the Federation of Bruzenland, the Ministry of Realm Security announced that it was labeling the incident an act of assassination. Realm Security Minister Augustus Fox has named A World With No Boundaries as the likely guilty party. The manhunt continues for Dieter, the Bruzen national who smuggled the bomb onto the ISS cargo shuttle.”

“Wait, hold on, I’m being told that we’ve got another developing situation near Dover. We’re going over to a local correspondent who’s on the scene.”

“It’s chaos here at Cobblington Air Service Base. We’ve seen over a dozen jet fighters take off in rapid succession in the last few minutes. Radars across the coast are reporting a large number of unidentified aircraft are approaching Avon from Bruzen airspace. The Ministry of Defense has issued no comment so far but...yes, I can hear air raid sirens beginning to sound behind me. It would appear that Avon is about to be attacked--”

THIS IS A BROADCAST OF THE EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM

THIS IS NOT A TEST

ALL DOVERSHIRE RESIDENTS ADVISED TO SHELTER IN PLACE

REMAIN INDOORS AND UNDERGROUND IF POSSIBLE

REMAIN CALM AND OBEY ALL INSTRUCTIONS FROM AUTHORITIES

[Bruzenland]

Burenberg Air Base seized by Federal Army
Six Dead and Stolen Fighters.

---

"We have a developing situation of outmost importance, later today Burenberg Air Base was seized temporarily by rebel members of the Air Force, they took control of the Air Base forcefully, Mayor Heinrich Himmelmann was shot and killed by the motineers, one of them was shot and killed by Major Himmelmann, minutes later a call of help was sent and the Army was sent to retake the Air Base, however it was too late since most working fighters and bombers had been already stolen. It is believed that this rebel group was associated by A World With no Boundaries. The Ministry of Defense has declared the following"

Gretel Sophia Weber Schmidt - Minister of Defense

"Thanks to the actions of the Federal Army, we have retaken the Burenberg Air Base with minimal casualties, five A World With No Boundaries Terrorists were shot in the ensuing firefight and one had already been killed by the late Major Heinrich Himmelmann. These attacks to the Bruzenland Government and recently the Citizenry of The United Kingdom of Avon will not go unpunished, as the Minister of Defense I will do all I have in my power to put a stop to these attacks and put a stop to A World With No Boundaries"

---

[Okerne]

---

OUDTSHOERN - The Okernan Intelligence Agency has raised the terror threat level to CRITICAL due to ongoing terror attacks occurring in the neighboring states of Bruzenland and United Avon. The head of the OIA, David Marissink said to "expect a high police presence in large public areas and in large cities. Temporary checkpoints may also be set up to ensure the safety of our citizens. Pay a great deal of attention to your surroundings, and if you suspect anything unusual, call the police as quickly as you can.". The Okernan Government has also scheduled an emergency meeting in the Gouvernmentpalaise to find a plausible way to prevent an attack occurring on Okernan soil.


Police have installed a checkpoint on 23 Oktoberstraet and access to Central Oudtshoern is restricted. The same is to be expected in all of Okerne's major cities.

A CRITICAL terror threat warning means that a terrorist attack is expected imminently. Citizens are advised to refrain from going out due to the high possibility of an attack.

At 06:55 UTC today, the International Space Station suffered a major explosion killing one Bruzen astronaut identified as Gunther Hausmann. The other astronauts have survived the attack and no Okernan astronauts were on the station. A supply ship carrying supplies was fitted with an explosive weapon before launch by a member of the terrorist group, A World Without Borders. According to reports, the suspect was killed in a police gunfight outside of his safehouse in United Avon.

Later today, The Bruzen Ambassador to United Avon Christopher Stolz was killed in what is currently being referred to as a car accident. It is suspected that A World Without Borders has also carried out this brazen attack, killing Stolz, his assistant, and bodyguards.

Reports also show that the terrorist group has hijacked a military base in Bruzenland. The group hijacked the base's fighter jets and radar reports from Avon show the fighter jets reaching the coast of their country.

UPDATE - Rebel members of the Bruzen Air Force have used stolen Bruzen fighterjets to carpet bomb the Avonian coastal city of Dover. 13 Okernans perished in the attack. A statement from the Department of Defence, the Okernan Intelligence Agency, and the Department of National Security is expected very soon. Stay tuned for updates on this story.

UPDATE 2 - Four bombings have occured simultaneously in different parts of Überstadt, Bruzenland. The Okernan Intelligence Agency strongly advises citizens to refrain from going out.

[Bruzenland]

Another Attack on Bruzenland. Überstadt covered in toxic gas

Later this evening, several bombs were detonated, the Federal Police has adviced to evacuate the center of Überstadt, the authorities have declared a quarantine zone and no civilians are permitted to enter. The Center for Nuclear and Chemical Accidents have been dispatched to the place and are currently in the process of asessing the damage and cleaning operations.

This unprovoked attack has already been pointed to A World With No Boundaries, a viral video has been uploaded to the internet by Astorian tourists who were in vacation on Überstadt. This was one of the first explosions to be recorded, located near the industrial district of Murenberg. The fate of the tourists is unknown at the time.
click here to see the footage of the explosion

---

Minister Sophia Gretel Weber Schmidt pushed for resignation

Federal Parlament demands resignation of Madam Minister Weber Schmidt
Attacks on Bruzenland increases.

After yesterday's attack on Überstadt, the Federal Parliament is pushing for the resignation of Madam Minister Sophia Gretel Weber Schmidt the current Minister of Defense. The Capture of Burenberg Air Base, the Bombings of Dover and the Attack on Überstadt had been major points for Weber Schmidt's work on the office of Minister of Defense. Several parties have made their opinion known throughout the media, from the left-wing New Bruzenland to the right-wing "A choice for Bruzenland".

Many advocates of Weber Schmidt, argue that the terrorist group have been next to impossible to discover, their organization and secrecy are so paramount that they have left barely any trace to follow, the minister declared in an interview yesterday the following.

"I will now back down from my post as Minister of Defense until this crisis is absolutely dealt with, as Minister of Defense is my duty, to both the people and this country to stop any threats be it foreign or internal, we shall hunt down these terrorists and bring them to justice, that I swear to you. And I repeat, to any of my detractors, I will. NOT. step down my office until this has been dealt with, I will leave when my job has been completed. That is all"

[Astoria]

[RESCINDED]

[Parina]

[removed]

[Bruzenland]

A WORLD WITH NO BOUNDARIES MAIN HEADQUARTERS FOUND, MILITARY ACTION ALREADY UNDERWAY

---

In an act of complete secrecy, the Government in coordination with the Avonian government have staged a full scale assault against the confirmed headquarters of the terrorist organization A World With No Boundaries, the terrorist group has claimed responsability for many acts of terrorism the past month, such as the bombing of Dover, the Attack on Überstadt and the mass insubordination in the Army. Madam Minister Sophia Gretel Weber-Schmidt along with her staff and the cabinet are currently overseeing this situation.

The 3rd Mechanized Infantry Brigade along with the remnants of the 192nd and 32nd Tactical Fighter Squadrons have been deployed in coordination with the Avonian Royal Air Service and Paratroopers. An Emergency Broadcast has been sent in the State of Langstaadt. We will update this news as it unfolds.

----
*Eerie and annoying buzzing sound*

ACHTUNG, ACHTUNG, ACHTUNG
Attention, attention, attention

Notfall Bachricht der Bundesrepublik Burzenland Regierung
Emergency broadcast of the Federal Republic of Bruzenland

Herne Stadt und Gutenhosen Dorf
City of Hesse and town of Gutenhosen

Alle Bürger von Herne und Gutenhosen müssen sofort in die Außenbezirke der Stadt evakuieren
All citizens of Hesse and Gutenhosen must evacuate to the outskirts of the city at once

Befolgen Sie die Anweisungen der Polizei und der nationalen Nationalgarde
Follow any and all directions from the Police and Federal national guard

[Le Savoie]

-snip-

[Bruzenland]

A WORLD WITH NO BOUNDARIES HEADQUARTERS DESTROYED

Yesterday, elements of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the Federal Army, along the Avonian Royal Air Service, executed a swift and obliterating attack on the Headquarters of the terrorist organization, the conflict forced authorities to evacuate the citizens of Herne and the small town of Gutenhosen.

After hours of battle, the Headquarters of A World With No Boundaries was seized and every asset of the organization has been seized. Leaders of the organization are on the run and are being hunted by the Federal Intelligence Service, Chancellor Albricht declared the following:

"Without the sacrifice of our brave soldiers and the valiant Servicemen of the Avonian Royal Air Service, A World With No Boundaries would still be attacking our cities and slaughtering our people. As far as I know, the people of Bruzenland are in debt with the brave servicement of the Royal Air Service and the Brave men and women serving in the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Brigade.

---

Madam Minister Gretel Sophia Weber Schmidt with members of the 113th Rifleman Batallion (3rd Mechanized Infantry Brigade) From left to right: PFC.Gregor Hermann (kneeled), PVT.Phillipp Lissauer, CPL. Gustav Voigt, SGT.Christopher Rudeldorf, CPT.Manfred Sperling, COL.Kunz Stockhausen, PVT.Karl Reichart, PFC.Timm Kohring ,PVT.Lothar Künneth , PVT.Marcus Diederich

Today, Madam Minister Gretel Sophia Weber Schmidt travelled to the town of Gutenhosen to meet the soldiers of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Brigade who bravely fought along the Royal Air Service in the battle against A World With No Boundaries, there she thanked the soldiers for their brave endeavour and also thanked our Avonian Allies in this noble crusade.

She also announced that upon her return to the capital, The Madam Minister will step down from her position as Minister of Defense as promised last month.

[Mayolagne]

WORLD PRESS AGENCY
High Court Justice Mykhaylo Shchekochikhin announces his intent to run for President. Challenging Marcel Gracq for the position.


Justice Shchekochikhin

Quietly, to a small crowd at the Federal Assosiations of Judges Dinner. Long time Justice of the High Court Mykhaylo Shchekochikhin announced his intent to run for the office of the Presidency. He will be running to replace outgoing president Oleksandr Shcherbina, if he wins he will be the 5th Justice and 2nd Russophone to be president. In his announcement speech he talked about the need of the people to hold trust in their president. Decrying the harmfulness of the current presidents economic policy, and called for a reexamination of Mayolagne's place in the world.

Politically Shchekochikhin has been assosiated with the Left-Wing, Populist, russophone intrest party Svoboda since the 70's although has not held membership since his assension to the courts in 1996. His judicial record has seen him rule in favor of consumer rights, labour rights, and has shown a general favoritism towards socially liberal rulings. He gained notoriaty in 2003 for ruling against the United Assosiation of Evangelical Churches in the case of Langlais v. United Assosiation of Evangelical Churches. The case steming from an incident in the small town of Herbe Jaune where Victor Langlais, a locally known homosexual was denied access to a free haircut event preformed by the church in the towns local community center. He has also ruled on other high publisity cases like the case of Devanaeux v. City of Potarie which he ruled that involuntary drug testing of employees was unconstitutional, and Atovkin v. City of Rienier in which he ruled that the use of Thermal Imagery or FLIR devices to examine the heat coming off a residency by law enforcement qualified as a search and thus required a warrant in order to perform.

On his official website Shchekochikhin laid out his priorities as a candidate going forward. An increased look into current trade agreements, and renegotiation if said trade agreements, the increase of tariffs of foreign goods, the subsidization of locally manufactured goods. A focus of symbiotic regional trade, and a change in current foreign policy geared towards a more non-interventionist policy.

Shchekochikhin's opposition currently only stands with former Senator and life long legislator Marcel Gracq. Gracq has been a leading member of the Federalist Party since 1978 and has been party leader since 1999. He served as Secritary of the Territories in the Reneau government from 2003 to 2006. He then served as Secritary of Commerce in the Drecois government from 2009 to 2012. He currently serves as the Federal Trade Reprasentative. He is known as a staunch supporter of free trade and the continued involvement of Mayolagne in international operations.

Currently these two are the only members running, while official polling has not been conducted preliminary polls show Grarq with a slight lead with the plurality if the vote. Yet as election season starts to kick in we will most likely see more candidates announce their candidacy. It is speculated that Hubert Klyeau of the Liberal Party, Premier of Eavaljoie Marc-Antoine Rebec, and Secritary of Defense Ezra Murisingue will all announce their intentions to run for the presidency.

[Astoria]

National Broadcasting Conglomerate
"Astoria's News Network"

THREE-WAY RACE TAKES SHAPE IN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Summer’s arrival has brought with it the beginning of presidential campaign season. All of the major parties have completed their primary processes and now the work of campaigning for president begins in earnest. Analysts are predicting a close race, with incumbent President David Jefferson Adams facing challenges from both left and right. President Adams also has a complicated legacy to defend and convincing the electorate to give him a second term will be a tough sell. The National Broadcasting Conglomerate will be providing comprehensive coverage of the campaign, which will officially open on July 1st, 2019. From there, candidates will have just under seven months to make their case to the country before Astoria goes to the polls on January 20th, 2020. To begin our Decision 2020 coverage, we’re presenting brief overviews of the three major candidates running for President.

Senator Harriet Lawson

HARRIET LAWSON (SOCIALIST PARTY) – Harriet Lawson is one of the current Senators from the state of Sylvania and a member of the Socialist Party. Senator Lawson emerged as a figure in national politics because of her strong advocacy for major government intervention in the economy and her opposition to President Jeremiah Hull’s “War on Terror” initiative. Lawson has energized younger voters with a message of sweeping economic and social reforms, but those same proposals have drawn criticism as idealistic and impractical. On foreign policy, Lawson is a non-interventionist who has pledged to scale back Astoria’s overseas presence, especially on the Pacific coast of Caprona. Polls show Senator Lawson has strong support in the northern states of Sylvania, Fremont, and Atlantica.

Former Governor George Clayton

GEORGE CLAYTON (LIBERAL PARTY) – Former Governor of the state of Centralia George Clayton was a surprise entry into the 2020 race, which many observers had predicted would be a battle between Senator Lawson and President Adams. Governor Clayton’s announcement that he would run on the Liberal Party ticket served mainly to undermine support for Adams from more centrist and conservative voters. Clayton is running on a platform of incremental change and small-c conservative policies, leveraging concerns about inefficient government spending and unease at rapid social change. In foreign affairs, Clayton has expressed a willingness to consider more forceful intervention abroad, especially against terror groups like Ultra-Violet. Polls show Governor Clayton performing well in Centralia and Missama.

President David Jefferson Adams

DAVID JEFFERSON ADAMS (PROGRESSIVE PARTY) – President David Jefferson Adams can point to several major policy successes since his election in 2016, including a massively popular “green jobs” initiative that has helped Astoria begin the transition away from fossil fuels and the amendment of civil rights legislation to include transgender people. However, President Adams also faces criticism over the ongoing involvement of Astorian military forces in the Naruban Civil War and his administration was tarnished by several high-profile incidents of corruption within the Progressive Party. Adams’ foreign policy has been characterized by a small-footprint approach, relying heavily on special forces and airpower. Polls show President Adams with a strong foothold in Delmarva, Congaree, and Ambarino.

NBC will continue to bring you coverage of the candidates’ platforms, as well as updates from the campaign trail.

[United Avon]

Avon Broadcasting Corporation

“Our brave lads returned home today after helping Bruzenland seize the headquarters of A World With No Boundaries, the rogue military organization responsible for the devastating air attack on the city of Dover. Soldiers from the Second Battalion of the Royal Parachute Regiment valiantly charged into battle alongside Bruzen soldiers, supported by the courageous airmen of the Royal Air Service and the Bruzen Luftwaffe. Over the course of the battle, the Paras executed a daring flank attack which was instrumental to breaking the enemy line. Twenty-three Avonian soldiers were killed during the battle and another thirty-eight were wounded.

“The officers of the Second Battalion have been invited to Hillsborough Palace in Galion, to meet with His Majesty King William the Third. It is rumored that His Majesty will present several of the officers who took part in the assault with the Cross of Saint Michael, the highest honor in the Avonian military.

“The office of Prime Minister Richard Pitt issued a written statement which read, ‘By the grace of God and the strength of our arms, we have triumphed over the terrorists who sought to sow violence and discord. This victory belongs to all the brave soldiers who battled the enemy on land and in the skies, from both our United Kingdom and from Bruzenland.’”

[Le Savoie]

WORLD PRESS AGENCY

SAVOIE RESUMES AIRSTRIKES IN ALDASTAN

Kashfar, Aldastan – Savoien warplanes launched airstrikes against several targets in Aldastan today, a resumption of an airstrike campaign previously suspended in late 2015. Savoien fighter jets dropped guided bombs on a number of targets near the city of Al-Marja, including a supposed training camp for the terrorist group Jundallah.

The United Emirates of Aldastan have long suffered from deep and bitter sectarian divisions, and the authority of the national government has rarely extended beyond the capital city of Kashfar. Terror groups like Jundallah found refuge in mountainous regions of Aldastan, forging alliances with warlords and establishing training camps and other facilities. The Republic of Savoie first began launching airstrikes in early 2015, in response to a suicide bombing committed by Jundallah in the Savoien city of Genevois. Under Operation Serval, Savoie began providing military aid to the Aldastani government as well as attacking jihadist targets. The operation was suspended when the Aldastani government agreed to enter into World Assembly-brokered negotiations with the warlords. That suspension apparently ended today.

A spokesperson for the Armée de l'Air, the Savoien Air Force, said that the airstrikes were conducted with the approval of the Aldastani government. No official figures for casualties have been released, but observers on the ground report that more than a dozen people have been killed and upwards of one hundred people have been wounded.

[Astoria]

National Broadcasting Conglomerate
"Astoria's News Network"

NO END IN SIGHT: THE NARUBAN CIVIL WAR
AN NBC NEWS SPECIAL REPORT

For most of the 21st century of the Common Era, Naruba has been consumed by conflict. The ongoing multi-sided civil war stands as Kayfabeland’s longest-running modern conflict. Thousands have been killed and millions have been made into refugees, both within the borders of the Capronan nation and abroad. The conflict has drawn in Naruba’s neighbors on Caprona’s Pacific coast as well as international involvement, including the United States of Astoria. Astoria’s involvement in Naruba has become one of the top issues in the 2020 presidential election, with the three major candidates all presenting different visions of how the United States should approach the conflict.

A map of Naruba. Only the capital city of Soji remains under effective government control.

The borders of modern Naruba were established in the 19th century as a result of colonial competition among the empires of northern Andalasia. It was ruled by the United Kingdom of Avon from 1843 until 1965. The Avonians, who were mostly concerned with maintaining Naruba as a buffer between Kambezi and the colonial outposts of other empires, largely neglected the territory. Infrastructure development was limited and Narubans enjoyed a much lower standard of living than Kambezians under Avonian rule. This was a large motivating factor in the outbreak of war in 1957, when the Army for the Independence of Naruba (AIN) began a guerilla campaign to drive the Avonians out. Naruba’s war of independence would last eight years, concluding in 1965 with the withdrawal of Avon and the establishment of the Commonwealth of Naruba.

From the beginning, Naruba faced serious challenges. The long guerilla war had wrecked what little infrastructure that did exist and devastated productive farming regions. Hundreds of thousands had been displaced, both as refugees fleeing violence and as a result of Avonian counter-insurgency policies that forcibly relocated entire villages to government-controlled areas. The new government was also internally divided between different factions of the AIN. By 1985, twenty years after independence, Naruba had gone through half a dozen irregular changes of government – two Prime Ministers were assassinated, three were removed by military coup, and one fled the country in the face of massive civil unrest. Finally, a relatively free and fair election installed a government led by Prime Minister Robert Tenayo. Tenayo served as Prime Minister from 1985 until 1993, when he was deposed in a military coup led by General Benjamen Juma.

General Benjamen Juma reviewing troops in the aftermath of the 1993 coup

Juma faced immediate resistance from the Democratic Restoration Front (DRF), a rebel group led by the deposed Prime Minister Tenayo. The DRF battled Juma’s government for six years, until 1999, when the United States of Astoria convinced the two sides to agree to a World Assembly-brokered peace deal. Juma was allowed to go into exile and Robert Tenayo was re-installed as Prime Minister. The tenuous peace lasted only months and in 2000 Tenayo was assassinated by pro-Juma diehards. These hardliners, led by General Atsu Kalame, formed a rival government centered on the city of Mali Baso and openly defied the government in Soji. The collapse of government authority in the aftermath of Tenayo’s assassination opened the door for other warlords to carve out bases of power. In the west, Yossu Dubaku and his Christian fundamentalist Army of the Lord’s Redemption (ALR) captured the city of Lygos. Dubaku receives open support from neighboring Lyrobia, and reportedly from the Confederacy of Atlantian Dominions as well. In the east, the Violestist terror group Ultra-Violet has emerged as a sort of quasi-state centered on the city of Ghalea. The government in Soji retains theoretical control over most of the coastline and portions of the central interior, but its word carries little authority outside the city itself.

An Ultra-Violet fighter wearing the group’s distinctive red and white pattern headscarf

After Ultra-Violet committed terrorist attacks in the United States of Astoria, Astoria began sending aid to the Naruban government. This aid has increased dramatically, and now includes the deployment of a large number (the exact number remains classified) of advisors to train and assist the Naruban army and pro-government militias. Astorian special forces have also been active in Naruba, launching raids on Ultra-Violet. This included the 2011 raid on an Ultra-Violet safehouse outside Ghalea that killed Eli Palmer, the founder of the group. In retaliation for that raid, Ultra-Violet organized an attack on the Astorian embassy in Soji that killed the ambassador and his family.

President Jeremiah Hull won re-election in 2012 in part on a platform of increasing the pressure on Ultra-Violet, and he has stepped up the frequency and scale of Astorian combat operations, including the deployment of a Marine division to Soji. This deployment, which has resulted in 45 Marines killed in action since their arrival in 2013, has continued under President David Jefferson Adams despite increasing domestic political opposition. Adams’ frontrunner opponent, Senator Mary Lawson, has made it clear that if elected she would withdraw the Marines and reduce Astoria’s presence in Naruba. On the other hand, former Governor George Clayton has said that he favors increasing Astorian presence in Naruba and escalating from merely supporting the Soji government, now led by Prime Minister Momaren Shefin, to actively assisting it in reclaiming control over the whole of the country.

An Astorian advisor speaks to officers of the Naruban Army

[Rusanyia]

Atlantis Cable News
"The Trusted Name in News"

LATVERIAN REBELS DEFEAT GOVERNMENT TROOPS
Latveria divided as ethnic separatists declare new nation

The devastation outside Dobromyl

Borvagrad, Latveria – Political dispute turned violent and deadly today outside the Latverian city of Dobromyl, where anti-government militia ambushed and defeated a force of Latverian Army soldiers in an hour-long battle. The skirmish marks the first serious confrontation between the Latverian government and the breakaway region of Donhansk, which has declared independence from Latveria.

Eastern Latveria was occupied by the Socialist Federation of Rusanyia from 1951 until 1991, when the end of communism in Rusanyia also led to the collapse of the People’s Republic of Latveria. The eastern and western halves of the country, divided since the end of the Latverian War between Rusanyia and Bruzenland, were reunited under the government of the western half, which was a pro-Bruzenland state established at the same time as the People’s Republic. Eastern Latveria was restless from the beginning, but that restlessness increased after the election of Rusanyian President Alexei Kysev. Kysev openly voiced support for Oleg Zarvoy’s Novorusanyia organization. Novorusanyia advocated for Donhansk, a region bordering Rusanyia with a large population of ethnic Rusanyians, to secede from Latveria and join the Union State of Rusanyia.

Rusanyian President Alexei Kysev


Oleg Zarvoy, leader of the Novorusanyia Party and self-proclaimed Provisional President of the People’s Republic of Donhansk

Several days ago, Zarvoy and his Donhansk People’s Brigade militia seized most of the major population centers in Donhansk. Zarvoy made a radio address where he declared the formation of a new nation, the People’s Republic of Donhansk. Many units of the Latverian Army in Donhansk defected, including the garrison of a large military base near Dobromyl. The Latverian Army column which was ambushed and essentially destroyed yesterday was attempting to retake that base.

So far, no comment has been made by the Rusanyian government, nor has Zarvoy made any sort of statement requesting admission of Donhansk into the Union State. But analysts and experts predict that Rusanyia will soon get involved in the conflict, if it is not already. They also say that whether Bruzenland becomes involved will depend on two things: how much Rusanyia chooses to intervene in the conflict, and whether the separatists continue to win.

[Astoria]

OOC: written with input from Le Savoie

National Broadcasting Conglomerate
"Astoria's News Network"

BLACK AND WHITE: THE FREE STATE OF LOMBUANDA
AN NBC NEWS SPECIAL REPORT

NBC’s Special Report series comes to you this week with an in-depth look at the Free State of Lombuanda. This regime on the western coast of Caprona was the scene of a brutal civil war that entrenched a repressive apartheid regime. Lombuanda has been condemned by most of the international community for its harsh system of racial stratification that keeps the minority white population in power and separate from the black majority. A handful of states provide varying levels of support, for ideological and/or strategic reasons, that allows the current government of Lombuanda to persist.

A map of Lombuanda

Lombuanda was first organized as a single entity by the Savoien Empire, which colonized the area during the eighteenth century. Savoie established a series of outposts on the coastline and pushed inwards, conquering indigenous Capronan nations into the new colonial state. The colonial administration was brutal, especially as demand in Savoie for natural resources increased. The Savoien emperor gave control over Lombuanda to a trusted member of the aristocracy to rule as their personal fiefdom. The black population was enslaved and forced to labor in mines and on plantations. Even when slavery was abolished, the white settlers in Lombuanda continued to exploit the black population.

Lombuanda gained its independence in 1960 as part of Savoie’s decolonization initiative. Unlike in Lyrobia, where the white populace was small and mostly returned to Savoie with the withdrawal of the colonial government, Lombuanda had a significant number of settlers. The government that was formed after independence was made up entirely of white settler elites. Black Capronans were totally excluded from government and denied access to all levers of economic and political power. This led to the outbreak of the Bush War in 1962. For the next thirteen years, the government in Mulongwe would fight a bitter battle against black guerillas who hoped to force the white regime to dismantle the apartheid system it had erected. Both sides committed atrocities against noncombatant populations, but the government was particularly vicious in its efforts to suppress the insurgency. The Bush War came to an end in 1975 with the exhaustion of the guerilla forces, who fled the country to regroup in neighboring Ngombi.

Lombuandan government soldiers during the Bush War

With victory in the Bush War, the white government was firmly entrenched in power. Black inhabitants of Lombuanda have very few civil or political rights: they are forbidden from forming or joining political parties and their ability to assemble or otherwise organize is very limited. Black newspapers and other forms of media are heavily censored and scrutinized by the internal security services. Socially, the Lombuandan government pursues apartheid policies: blacks are forbidden from entering many white establishments at all, and those that they can enter they must do so through secondary entrances. Residential neighborhoods, schools, and other public facilities are segregated. In theory these public facilities, such as schools, are “separate but equal.” In reality, black schools and other facilities are neglected and underfunded. This social order is maintained through a far-reaching system of repression, including the Free State Police Corps and white paramilitary militias.

Officers of the Free State Police Corps

Lombuanda has a wealth of natural resources, including a variety of precious minerals and ores and large forests. These resources are largely extracted and processed by black workers but all profits enrich the white population, which consists of colonial settlers and white immigrants attracted from across the region. Lombuanda’s president, Hendrik Duvard, has been charged with several crimes by a World Assembly Judiciary Committee court and would face arrest, extradition, and trial if he entered certain countries. Duvard, who was born in Lombuanda, has never left it in his life. Duvard has amassed a substantial fortune through the sale of commodities such as diamonds.

Lombuandan President Hendrik Duvard

Lombuanda is sanctioned by many nations, including the United States of Astoria. But it also receives support from a number of ideologically similar nations, which allows it to continue to export its natural resources and acquire foreign capital and needed imports. Some international human rights organizations have criticized the Republic of Savoie for not exerting sufficient pressure on Lombuanda in its early years after independence. Savoie also maintains some trade and diplomatic relations with Lombuanda despite the regime’s horrendous human rights abuses. Several Savoien companies recently became the subjects of widespread public outrage when reporting revealed that they relied on Lombuandan factories, where black workers labored in sweatshop conditions, to produce many of their goods. When asked about Savoie’s unwillingness to follow the example of Astoria and other nations in attempting to pressure Lombuanda through sanctions, Savoie’s Foreign Minister Charles Maurice said “a policy of total isolation would only embitter the regime and encourage it to harden its opinions. By allowing for some continuing exchange, we hope to show the Lombuandans that another way is possible and desirable.”

Savoien Foreign Minister Charles Maurice

Finally, there is the Kingdom of Ngombi. The nation, uncolonized by Andalasians, made little secret of its support for black guerillas during the Bush War. Many of the surviving insurgents found shelter in Ngombi in 1975 when it became clear that the regime would not be toppled. Lombuandan and Ngombian border guards have had several incidents in recent years as black Lombuandans flee over the border into Ngombi, which has promised to grant sanctuary to all refugees. Lombuandan politicians have repeatedly made public statements advocating for the invasion of Ngombi, but the mountainous and forested kingdom would not be an easy conquest. When asked about the future of the Free State, Ngombian Chancellor Joseph Birani said “obviously we would be very pleased if the regime fell tomorrow. But we don’t expect that to happen. All we can do is help those who are able to escape start new lives, in a place where they are truly free."

Ngombian Chancellor Joseph Birani

[Parina]

[RESCINDED]

[Astoria]

National Broadcasting Conglomerate
"Astoria's News Network"

PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGNS OPEN AS FOREIGN POLICY DOMINATES NEWS CYCLE

The 2020 presidential election campaign is officially underway as three candidates - Senator Harriet Lawson of the Socialist Party, former Governor Geoge Clayton of the Liberal Party, and incumbent President David Jefferson Adams – all begin the work of trying to convince the electorate to support them on election day in January. The beginnings of the presidential campaign come as a series of major international incidents dominate headlines and news coverage, and the candidates have been asked to weigh in on how they will tackle these issues if they emerge victorious on January 20. Chief among these is how the candidates will handle the ongoing “War on Terror,” a campaign against Ultra-Violet and other terrorist groups initiated by President Jeremiah Hull and continued by President Adams. Other foreign policy issues which have arisen include Savoie’s resumption of airstrikes in Aldastan, and the uprising among ethnic Rusanyians in eastern Latveria.

As part of our Decision 2020 coverage, we’ll be presenting regular summaries of the major statements made by the candidates while on the campaign trail, as well as their past records on the hot-button issues of the day.

Senator Harriet Lawson

LAWSON AFFIRMS PLEDGE TO SCALE BACK

Harriet Lawson, Senator from the state of Sylvania and the Socialist Party candidate for President, was expected to run on a largely non-interventionist platform. As a Senator, Lawson voted against the Authorization for the Use of Military Force that gave President Jeremiah Hull the authority to deploy Astorian combat troops to the Naruban capital of Soji. Senator Lawson has also been a consistent critic of the Hull and Adams administrations’ use of unmanned aerial vehicles and special forces to conduct targeted assassinations of terrorist leaders, especially from the terror group Ultra-Violet. Senator Lawson kicked off her campaign with a speech in front of a large rally in Cartersburg, the state capital of Sylvania, where she officially announced that if elected she would withdraw the Astorian military from Soji and drastically scale back the campaign against Ultra-Violet. Senator Lawson praised Savoie’s decision to end its airstrike campaign in Aldastan in 2015 and has confirmed that she would not provide any Astorian support to the renewed operation if elected. On the issue of Latveria, Senator Lawson has called for a diplomatic solution but hinted that she might recognize the secession of the ethincally Rusanyian Donhansk region if it was accomplished peacefully.

Former Governor George Clayton

CLAYTON PROMISES STRONGER INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE

George Clayton, former Governor of the state of Centralia and the Liberal Party candidate for President, began his campaign for the presidency with a rally in Centralia City, the state capital of Centralia. Governor Clayton is a latecomer to the presidential field and his decision to run on the Liberal Party ticket surprised many political analysts. Governor Clayton’s focus has been on domestic issues and his campaign did not have a comprehensive foreign policy platform ready to unveil when the campaign began. However, the former Governor has long been an advocate for a more muscular foreign policy, especially against terrorist groups like Ultra-Violet. Governor Clayton has expressed a willingness to expand the War on Terror in both scale and scope. He expressed support for Savoie’s decision to resume bombing in Aldastan, and top members of his campaign have told reporters that the Governor would strongly consider providing significant military support to the Savoiens if he is elected. Governor Clayton has also called for the Astorian military presence in Naruba to be increased, and for Astorian troops to actively assist the Naruban government in defeating the various warlords and factions which control large swaths of the country. On Latveria, Governor Clayton has not yet issued any comments.

President David Jefferson Adams

ADAMS PROMISES TO STAY THE COURSE

David Jefferson Adams, the current President running for re-election on the Progressive Party ticket, began his campaign with a rally in New Liberty, the state capital of Ambarino. In his speech, President Adams touted the successes of his foreign policy: there has not been a successful terrorist attack on Astorian soil during his term in office, and the number of Astorians killed and wounded in combat has remained low. President Adams has pledged that the Astorian military presence in Naruba will remain until a diplomatic solution is reached to end the ongoing civil war, and that he will continue to order drone strikes and special forces raids against Ultra-Violet in Naruba. President Adams has ordered a carrier battle group to deploy near Aldastan, though Astorian military forces have not yet undertaken any combat operations there. President Adams has called for a negotiated solution to the crisis in Latveria that preserves the current Latverian state as a single country.

NBC will continue to bring you coverage of the candidates’ platforms, as well as updates from the campaign trail.

[Bruzenland]

TENSIONS IN LATVERIA AS DONHANSK REBELS DECLARE INDEPENDENCE

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In the latest development of the crisis in Donhansk, the Federal Parliament has decided with a majority of votes in favour of supporting the Latverian government. Chancellor Albricht during a press conference declared the following:

In moments like this, we stand with our trade allies in defense of their sovereignty, a sovereignty that has been put to risk due to terrorists, Bruzenland does not recognize the illegal declaration of independence of the rebel elements of the Latverian army, thus, as we did during the cowardly invasion of the Socialist Federation of Rusanyia we will stand next to Latveria in order to contain this crisis and prevent this whole situation from escalating into a much bigger tragedy.

As we speak, troops have been sent into Latveria and the border of the Rebel controlled territory. Not one inch shall be taken from the Sovereign government of Latveria. It is well known that the region of Donhansk is mostly populated by Rusanyians a legacy of the irresponsable and power-hungry expansion of the former Socialist Federation, which mirrors the ideals of this terrorist group known as Novorusanyia. This situation WILL be defused and controlled.

Bruzenland and Rusanyia had possibly the only direct clash during the first years of the Cold War, since then, the Cold War between Communism and Capitalism was fought through espionage and subterfuge, however, the War in Latveria which prevented the advancement of the Socialist Federation into western Andalasia, left a bitter wound in the Bruzen people, since then Bruzenland has always opposed to Rusanyia in almost every way it can, be it politics or trade, yet in recent years the Bruzenland administration managed to keep amicable yet cold relations with the Eastern Country in the spirit of 'Regional Peace and Prosperity'.

As of this moment, the 5th Armoured Brigade has been mobilized to reinforce Latverian positions.

The Senator, Angus Determeir from the "Bruzenland First" party, stated in an audio sent this morning:

It's time to stamp our boot in order to mantain peace in the region, with the recent attack of a terrorist organization in our country, one that could have endangered not only Bruzenland but many countries around the world, this insurgence in Donhansk by this Pirate of Oleg Zarvoy is irresponsable and it's the clear indication of a psychopath on the making.

Detractors to Chancellor Albricht have quickly sprung up, like Senator Angela Umbaüm, leader of the "Socialist Change" party. Who in a recent press conference declared the following:

The people of Donhansk are in every right to protest against what is considered a very inefficient national administration, and the actions of the Chancellor and his cabinet are not justified, why deny the people their willingness to rule themselves? Let the people decide their own fate.

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More updates will come as the situation unfolds

[Rusanyia]

Atlantis Cable News
"The Trusted Name in News"

RUSANYIAN PRESIDENT CONDEMNS BRUZENLAND INVOLVEMENT IN LATVERIA
Kysev hints that official recognition of separatist region may be coming soon


President Alexei Kysev of Rusanyia

Novistranagrad, Rusanyia – President of the Union State of Rusanyia Alexei Kysev held a televised press conference today to address the ongoing situation in Donhansk, an eastern region of Latveria currently consumed by an intense conflict between ethnic minority separatists and the Latverian government. In his statement, President Kysev condemned the recent decision by the Federal Republic of Bruzenland to deploy troops to assist the Latverian government in its campaign against the Donhansk People’s Brigade, and denied that Rusanyian military personnel were present in the territory of the self-declared Donhansk People’s Republic.

“Bruzenland feels it must be involved in the affairs of every nation in the region,” Kysev told an assembled crowd of Rusanyian and international press. “I think it is very telling that Bruzenland does not think the people of Latveria are capable of dealing with their own internal issues on their own.”

When asked about reports on social media that appear to show Rusanyian soldiers operating alongside the Donhansk People’s Brigade, Kysev issued a firm denial. “Absolutely not, there are no elements of the Rusanyian Army present in Donhansk or anywhere in Latveria.” When asked whether Rusanyian citizens might have joined the Brigade, President Kysev was more noncommittal.

“If a private citizen chooses to leave Rusanyia, and they say to the border officer that they are going to Latveria for business or to meet a family member, and there are many people in western Rusanyia with family that live across the border, then they could go and join these fighters,” Kysev explained. “But if that has happened, it has not happened because of any sort of government order to do so.”

Eastern Latveria has a significant population of ethnic Rusanyians, a legacy of centuries of fluctuating borders and the occupation of the eastern half of Latveria by the Socialist Federation for nearly half a century. This population has long advocated for greater autonomy, or outright secession, from the Republic of Latveria which was formed when eastern and western Latveria were reunited in the 1990s. This advocacy turned violent when the Donhansk People’s Brigade, the paramilitary arm of the Novorusanyia Party, launched an armed campaign to seize control of the Donhansk region. Reliable reports indicate that Rusanyian soldiers are working alongside the Donhansk People’s Brigade, providing technical assistance and operating many of the militia’s heavy weapons.

When asked about whether Rusanyia would recognize the Donhansk People’s Republic as a legitimate nation, President Alexei Kysev told reporters that the government was considering it. Such a move would greatly complicate any effort by Latveria to suppress the ongoing uprising.