The Gulf War (IC Thread, MT)

[Astoria]

(This is Closed to anyone who has not received permission to post in the OOC thread.)
OOC/Planning Thread Here

HIGH SEAS TERROR ATTACK
Astorian Warship Struck by Suicide Boat in Gulf of Tijara

GULF OF TIJARA -- It was a calm day for the men and women of the Greenfield-class guided missile destroyer U.S.S. Sunrise, on patrol in the Gulf of Tijara as part of an ongoing mission to protect commercial shipping, particularly oil tankers, that the Astorian Navy has conducted since the 1980s. The mission has been privately seen as "paid vacation time," in the words of one Astorian sailor, because the Gulf has not seen any major armed conflict since 1984, when Gilan and its eastern neighbor fought a six-year inconclusive war along their border. That war had prompted the Astorian Navy assuming responsibility for protecting the vital commerce traveling in the Gulf of Tijara, which appropriately translates to "the place of trade."

Suddenly, one of the dozens of small watercraft that ply the Gulf made a sharp turn and accelerated directly at the Sunrise. Officers on the ship assumed the craft's owner was attempting to impress his passengers. "Wealthy sons of the local governments will often buzz our warships, in an effort to demonstrate their bravado," Lieutenant Commander Alexa Middleton told a reporter. "We normally hold off firing warning shots or other measures until the last moment, to avoid setting off a diplomatic incident." In this case, that caution proved fatal.

The motorboat, which experts believed was loaded with several tons of explosives, Soviet-made types that have flooded the black market for decades. When the boat collided with the Sunrise, the explosives tore a large hole in the ship. The military has not yet released official casualty figures, but several dozen Astorian sailors and Marines are presumed dead, and possibly hundreds are injured.

The Islamist terrorist organization Soldiers of the Islamic Jihad, or JJI (an acronym of the transliteration of their Arabic name, Junud al-Jihad al-Islami), has claimed responsibility for the attack. In a video statement delivered anonymously to several news organizations, a spokesman for the group claims the attack is the beginning of "a new wave of deadly terror" that will continue to strike Astorian military assets in the Gulf until Astoria evacuates its naval and air bases in the region.

President Berzelius Windrip is expected to issue a statement shortly.

WAR ON THE HORIZON
President Windrip Orders Astorian Military Buildup In Gulf of Tijara

COLUMBIA -- Today President Berzelius Windrip announced that the Astorian armed forces will undergo a substantial buildup in the Gulf of Tijara, whose anticipated purpose is to force the rogue state of Gilan to abandon its occupation of Qadha, its small southeastern neighbor that it occupied in the late 1990s, and end its support for the terrorist organization Soldiers of the Islamic Jihad (JJI). The buildup includes the deployment of a second aircraft carrier battlegroup to complement the carrier already on station in the Gulf, additional warships and aircraft, and the positioning of Marine amphibious expeditionary forces in the region.

The dictator of Gilan, President Yasir al-Fulani, made a formal proclamation defying President Windrip. "Gilan maintains its sovereign right to defend the entirety of its territory, despite the false claims of the Western imperialists." Gilan claims Qadha as an ancestral part of its territory, based on the borders drawn by the early Islamic empires during their Golden Age in the 7th century. Gilan's occupation of Qadha in 1998 was met with condemnation from the World Assembly and a sanctions regime that has been half-heartedly enforced by many Europan and Novaterran states, but not the General Union of Revolutionary Proletarian Soviets and its client states.

President Windrip is reportedly looking to solicit World Assembly approval for the use of military force to eject Gilan from Qadha and to neutralize the bases and leadership of JJI.

[The Yukons]

MILITARY MOBILIZES FOR GULF CONFLICT

In a special address to Parliament earlier today, Prime Minister William Trueblood formally announced that the Kingdom would be moving to a war footing in order to support the anti-Gilan coalition being assembled by the United States of Astoria. The war footing measure, which passed a vote of confidence in Parliament by an overwhelming majority, would allow the Prime Minister and the cabinet to begin moving military forces into position for operations against Gilan in coordination with Astoria's military. A formal war vote vote in Parliament would be needed to commit the Yukon forces to offensive operations.

According to the press release issued by the Ministry of War and Defense, the Yukon contribution to the coalition would be primarily aerial. The Yukon Royal Air Force maintains several squadrons of aircraft at the air bases on the islands of Cyprus and Socotra, along with a small naval presence. With the war measures vote having passed, these squadrons are likely to be reinforced by additional aircraft. The Admiralty confirmed that several warships from the Home Seas Fleet have been ordered to sail for the Gulf of Tijara.

While the Yukon military prepares for the possibility of active combat operations, Foreign Minister Adam Hazard has issued a statement that the Yukon delegation in the World Assembly has been told to support any measure Astoria proposes to authorize the use of force to enforce sanctions against Gilan or eject Gilan from its occupation of Qadha.

[Le Savoie]

CHARLAIN: SAY NO TO WAR IN THE GULF
Prime Minister Makes Appeal for Diplomacy As Military Buildup Begins

CHAMBERY -- Prime Minister Michel Charlain took the opportunity to call for continued dedication to diplomacy and international pressure to resolve the Gilan issue during a speech to members of the Institute for Studies in International Diplomacy in Chambery. The speech, whose original focus was supposed to be on the need for continued cooperation with the Kingdom of Yukon on issues of Europan security, was altered at the last minute by Charlain himself to address the new crisis brewing in the Gulf of Tijara, according to a spokeswoman for the Prime Minister.

"Prime Minister Charlain took the opportunity to speak frankly to his fellow world leaders about the terrible cost of abandoning diplomacy too early," the spokeswoman said in a statement to the press after the speech. "Gilani aggression must be snuffed out by international condemnation and isolation, not given new fuel by reckless and unilateral action."

Savoien politicians were quick to issue their own responses to the ongoing crisis and Charlain's speech, which found applause from the liberal political parties but was roundly condemned by several conservative groups, including the right-wing National Front. National Front leader Charles Pouran issued a statement calling on Savoie to "join the coalition of nations finally standing up to Gilani disdain for the international order" and branding Charlain's condemnation "an abandonment of Savoie's role as a leader of Europa and the world." The looming general election has infused many issues of national security and international diplomacy with a political edge as the conservative alliance looks to make gains in the National Assembly.

Savoie joined with other nations in condemning Gilan's invasion and occupation of Qadha in 1998 and has observed the sanctions regime against the rogue state, but it has also attempted to play a role as regional mediator between Gilan, its neighbors, and the international community. Security analysts say that the Savoien military officials have privately told them that primary concern of the Savoien military is the threat of terrorism emanating from the former Savoien colony of Khemed, on the North Afran coast.

[West Phoencia]

"Diplomacy over war" West Phoenician Prime Minister declares.

Melbourne-Haven; West Phoenicia--As talks of a possible liberation of Qadha looms from the nation of Gilan which Qahda declares is an illegal invasion while Gilan claims it is returning land that was originally designed for Gilan. West Phoenicia has called for calm and level heads.

"Diplomacy over war" Prime Minister Jimmy Bain of West Phoenicia has declared.

The West Phoenician Congress voted overwhelming to reject military action against Gilan, believing not enough diplomatic talks have been addressed.

While West Phoenicia denounces terrorism in every form, it has called for further peace and diplomatic talks followed by tougher sanctions if a deal cannot be reached.

The Royal Family of West Phoenicia also supports further diplomatic talks before war is declared that would see an increase in innocent casualties that the world does not want to see.
War serves no purpose but destruction. Following destruction we would than have to deal with fleeing refugees, something West Phoenicia does not want to consider. Further destruction also creates more opportunities for terrorists to gain larger footholds.

The nations of Gilan and Qadha must come to the table and discuss a positive resolution to this issue.

Think before we act. We warn all world leaders to think about the repercussions before you act with a mighty iron fist.

[Astoria]

ASTORIA ANNOUNCES ARMED BLOCKADE OF GILAN
President Windrip commits warships to enforce sanctions again Gilan

COLUMBIA -- In a special address to the nation from the Presidential Residence, President Berzelius Windrip announced that the Astorian Navy, in cooperation with a number of Astorian allies including the Kingdom of Yukon, would begin using military power to enforce the sanctions regime against Gilan. The announcement places the Astorian-led coalition assembling in the Gulf of Tijara on a direct collision course with Gilan, and potentially with the rogue state's sometimes-backer the General Union of Revolutionary Proletarian Soviets, which has so far made no comment about the recent escalation of tensions.

The sanctions regime, enacted under a World Assembly resolution shortly after the Gilani occupation of Qadha in 1998, was initially made non-binding and covered only direct shipments of arms and other military supplies. Astorian pressure expanded the sanctions to other goods related to or in support of military activities, and then made them binding on all World Assembly members. The G.U.R.P.S., along with many of its former client states, have long flouted that binding nature by supplying Gilan with weapons through states without membership in the World Assembly.

According to President Windrip and a follow-up press conference held by Secretary of State Francis Tasbrough, the Astorian Navy and its partners will begin issuing orders to any and all ships attempting to enter Gilani ports or the occupied ports of Qadha to allow Astorian or allied inspectors to ensure that no goods prohibited under the sanctions regime are being transported into Gilan. Permitted items will be allowed to continue to their destination.

"Our intention is not to strangle the Gilani public, which is suffering under the dictatorship of President al-Fulani, into starvation," Secretary Tasbrough told reporters. "We mean only to put sufficient economic pressure on the Gilani governent to end their illegal occupation of Qadha, and end their support of the terrorist organization Junud al-Jihad al-Islami."

Tasbrough reaffirmed, however, that any vessels that refused to cooperate with the blockade would be forced into compliance, and that resistance would be met with an appropriate response.

[Revolutionary Proletarian Soviets]

Capitol City
Government District
Office of the Supreme Executive Soviet
"Comrades, this meeting is hereby called to order."

The words of the Deputy Chairman broke the small conversations that had been going on around the table and focused all attention to its head, where he and the Chairman of the Communist Party, leader of the General Union of Revolutionary Proletarian Soviets, sat. Around that table sat the various Directors, the government bureaucrats responsible for managing the vast Soviet state.

"As you all know," the Deputy Secretary continued, "The United States of Astoria has recently begun to mass forces and allies for military action against Gilan. The Foreign Intelligence Directorate has confirmed that their intent is to either induce Gilani withdrawal from Qadha through threat or achieve it via force, and then to continue into Gilan itself in order to root out this terror network that has arisen under Gilani protection."

"Do we know whether that protection actually exists?"

"Gilan has indeed directed money and weapons towards this organization JJI," the Director of Foreign Intelligence responded to the question posed by the Director of Economic Development. "We believe that a significant portion of those weapons did originate from military supply transfers from our Military Directorate."

"That is...unfortunate," the Deputy Secretary remarked with a hint of venom of his voice. "We will need to maintain closer tabs on what our associate states do with the guns we send them after they leave the transport."

The discussion swirled around the room, shifting from the current situation to possible options to pursue via diplomacy or military might. The Astorian blockade would make continued weapons transfers difficult, but not impossible. Alternate routes through neighboring states could be used instead, but would limit the types and numbers of weapons that could be sent.

"The correlation of forces is not yet appropriate for a confrontation with Astoria," the Chairman remarked. "We will not risk losing the progress we have made elsewhere over a tinpot dictatorship in the Gulf. Pass word to the Astorians that we will not interfere in any military operations they choose to initiate."

[Vymar]

BREAKING NEWS: VYMAR INTERVENES IN GILANIAN CONFLICT



Following the blockade announced by Astoria, Vymarian President, John Williams went onto the Vymarian advisory board to announce a possibility to Vymarian reaction this afternoon. "To stand idle would be foolish and hypocritical" He strongly stated in the crowded room "Our civil war was based upon the following principle, to stop corrupt politicians from destroying its people". "We find the actions of Astoria to be highly imperialistic, as its ambition on acting with military force instead of reasoning with President Yasir al-Fulani. Astoria never had a right to put military assets over there in the first place. As this cannot possibly be the first time someone barked at them to get out of Gilan."

The crowd stayed relatively quiet "And coming from a nation that had been highly imperialistic throughout its lifetime, I cannot simply allow a small nation to be bullied into submission. And neither should you. Its a violation of everything we stand for". The crowd erupted in applause and cheer. The decision was clear. Vymar was to get involved in Gilan.


VYMAR MOBILIZES NAVY AND AIRFORCE


The Vymarian military wakes up early today. 3 Corvettes set off to confront the blockade in the gulf of Tijara And 3 A-400Ms, two carrying 2 ICVs/APCs each, 3 B-52 bombers, 10 cargo planes carrying 1,000 troops in total and 10 F-16s headed around to the west of Gilan. All having direct orders to only fire if fired upon, raising international tensions further then ever before.

[Altpeak]

Altpeakian Government declares support for Gilan

Today, First Worker Orol Marx denounced Astoria's actions against the state of Gilan. He decried them as being motivated "not by a genuine concern for the well being of Qadha's people but rather by a voracious lust for oil". He declared that, while they disagreed on many matters, the state of Gilan and the Proletarian Republic of Altpeak shared a common enemy in the capitalists of Astoria. Because of this, the Proletarian Republic shall provide the state of Gilan with military support.

Quite what this support will entail has not been entirely revealed the Altpeakian government. However, First Worker Orol Marx has stated that Altpeakian ground troops will not be fighting on the front line. Altpeak shall however provide Gilan with modern weapons and instructors to train Gilani troops in their use but it is still unclear in what quantities this equipment will be given.

First batch of Altpeakian Equipment arrives in Gilan

One of the first MiG-35s to reach Gilan

Today, the first batch of the equipment promised by Altpeak to the Gilani government has arrived at Markaz Albilad airfield in southern Gilan. Foremost among this first batch of equipment are 12 MiG-35 and 4 T-50 aircraft, which give a badly needed modern component to Gilan's mostly outdated airforce. Along with these aircraft came modern air-to-air missiles, in the form of 700 R-27s and 1,400 R-77s, and modern, laser guided bombs, in the form of 1,623 CBU-87 cluster bombs and 3,500 MK82 general purpose bombs. Accompanying these aircraft and weapons are 24 Altpeakian instructors to train Gilani pilots and aircraft to use this new equipment.

However, to think that only the Gilani airforce had been given an injection of new equipment would be wrong. The Gilani army's anti-air capacities have been substantially increased as well by 4 S-300 ground-to-air missile systems, and it has also received equipment that will increase its capacities to fight ground forces, in the form of 1 TOS-1 MLRS and 60 Scud missiles. This equipment has likewise been accompanied by Altpeakian instructors who will train Gilani forces in the use of their new equipment.


An S-400 ground-to-air system

[Crimseia]

Ducal Palace, Marburg
Grand Duchy of Crimseia
[Current date & time]




"My fellow Hessian's" Frederick Donatus Von Hesse, Duke of Crimseia spoke before the camera broadcasting him Nationwide. "I have been asked by our Chancellor Heinrich Stuttle to speak with you tonight about the situation taking place in the Gulf of Tijara, and our involvement henceforth. It may come as a shock to many of you that we have issued a declaration of war on the State of GIlan, the reasons are on the table, it is the greed of one man the so called President al-Fulani, whom has occupied our ally Qadha, and starved our country of the oil resource our society runs on. Yes I will not lie to you, this conflict is not just about liberating our ally, it is an absolute necessity that we restore the oil trade lest we watch our economy fall to shambles, I assure you Crimseia, abstaining from this conflict is not a victim-less crime and we will suffer greatly should the Coalition not succeed. Let us all come together under this banner of Liberty, and Livelihood and bring this rogue state to heel."

Fredrick's speech was met with overwhelming praise from the Monarchist and Conservative parties, while criticized by the more left wing and liberal ones. Nationwide reeling from oil shortages, and substantial increase in gas prices, the general public was willing to accept reasoning for war so long as liberation remained the primary concern.
In the Senate however Chancellor Heinrich Stuttle was met with fierce opposition by the Liberal parties who forced the conditions of limited involvement and that no Hessian boot would cross the border of Gilan. While agree'd upon, Stuttle had every interest in taking the "No Hessian boot would cross the border of Gilan" requirement literally, and spent considerable time and resources arming the airforce to the teeth for a prolonged war over enemy skies.
After the announcement of Military buildup by President Windrip, the expeditionary force was given the green light, and Crimseian forces proceeded to the Gulf of Tijara, Astorian command and forces would quickly find the Hessian's to be both eager and cooperative in their role for the war.

[German England and Russia]

Tag

[Vymar]

SECOND BATCH OF VYMARIAN REINFORCEMENTS ARRIVE

The Vymarian Government has decided to drop off more military forces in Gilan. This time, brandishing the new XM-3 and Raksasha battle tanks over to Gilan along with 200 more troops including some special forces operators, 2 Raksashas and 3 XM-3s. They also have sent 15 F-16s. 10 of which will stay in Gilan until the tensions subside. The quietness of Astoria and its backers leaves the entire nation on edge. Anxiously awaiting an answer from the military Giant.

On other terms, Vymar has decided to invite the leaders of Altpeak and the Revolutionary Proletarian Soviets to discuss the topic of Gilan and perhaps set up an alliance to more easily set up communications between the three. Vymarian officials do wish to bring The Revolutionary Proletarian Soviets into agreement to get involved in Gilan more heavily.


Pop-culture in Vymar has also loudly voiced their opinions on the subject matter. The new hit songs "Astoria and Co." and "My baby's bleeding oil" blew up two days ago on the top ten lists. Despite the fact the songs are horrible for todays standards, the message that comes with the songs has seemingly sold itself....

[Inzunza]

An overweight man in a tasteless gold and red military uniform approaches the podium in Soledad, Inzunza. Not removing his peaked hat or dark sunglasses, he sneers at the camera with an arrogant nod. Presidente Esteban Molinero was about to speak.

"Freedom loving people of Inzunza," he begins. "Comrade states who fight for the oppressed proletariat everywhere engage in conflict with Western Imperialists. We are but a small, peace-loving island nation whose preaches the morality of Marxism, but we must abandon our pacifist ways to do what is right!"

He paused, as he awaited applause. The press conference was silent, save for his presidential aid who fervently clapped.

"We will declare WAR on these capitalist pigs. Gilan attacked one of their oil producing puppets and now they gather their forces by sea and air. So we shall respond by sending our entire fleet to humble the bourgeois scum!"

He paused once more, awaiting further applause but the press conference was silent still. A single reporter raised his nervously raised his hand, confusing the Presidente. The dictator pointed at the man, giving him a chance to speak."

"Presidente... aren't we already at war with the Puerto Ricans?" the reporter asked.
"Presidente, haven't you mobilized the fleet to deal with the local threat already?" asked another reporter.
"Great Presidente, where is Gilan?" asked the presidential aid.

The conference broke down, being flooded by all these questions before the Presidente slapped the microphone. The electric screech silenced the reporters' questions nearly immediately. "People! I have not forgotten! Do not think me a fool like these money-grabbing devils! But, I see your point... So, instead we WON'T declare war on the pigs of capitalism. But we must support our fellow communist states. And... Gilan, which isn't communist but might be eventually? Whatever, the point is we will send a medical team to tend to the wounded who fight against tyranny. They will have an armed company to defend them if this Capitalist Coalition dares try to break the laws of war and attack field hospitals. Inzunzans will not fight, but we Inzunzans will do our part. ¡No Pasarán!"

The press conference began applauding, slowly and uncertain at first. There was a mutual comfort that their island nation wouldn't fight the war; only be slightly involved somehow.

[The United Artherian Federation]

ARTHERIAN EMPEROR SENDS GULF FLEET TO HELP THE BLOCKADE OF GILAN

Today the Emperor declared that it would participate in the blockade of Gilan to further the UAF's interests in the area.

[Newne Carriebean7]

CARRIEBEANIAN PRIME MINISTER VOWS SUPPORT "FOR STABILITY IN THE REGION"
Following the rising conflict in the region of Gilan with multiple factions, The Prime Minister of Carriebean, Harold Garfield Ford, began a vote on the Parliament's Asking for a declaration of war on the Astorian Coalition,which,once passed will make it's way to Congress, where the actual declaration of war will be asked by the President of the nation. The combined six thousand members from all three Houses made their way inside for the Joint Session of Parliament in which the question shall be opened by the Prime Minister.The full speech the right and honorable Prime Minister Harold Garfield Ford gave is the following:
"Honored MPs from all over the nation. We have a choice to respond. An action that can be taken that will determine the right of men,and we can initiate this asking of the President and Congress to assist not just the terrorists,whom I can see many of our terror MPs of the Revolutionary Party hold dearly.
I am not saying that terrorism is a good thing, it is just a natural cause in the lifecycle of this country of ours. JJI will be offically recognized as a terrorist group and we shall reach out to members of JJI and allow them full asylum in the nation. If they blow up a few cars or houses, that is the price to pay.
It is with firm determination that the supposed good acts that the Coallition is providing is becoming a more and more hazy thing to each carriebeaner citizen in the nation, we know that they are bad people, and we know with a fact that they merely wish to exploit the Gilanian people as european colonizers did when they drew up the maps of old, leaving a mess that we are now forced to clean up. I am not asking for Carriebeaners to hand me the sponge of isolationism ,I am asking for Carriebeaners to lend me your Mops of intervention instead, to secure a better and happier life free from exploitation of the Gilanian people. Thank you."

HOUSE OF NOBLES VOTE:
FOR 1,234/2,000
AGAINST 658/2,000
ABSTAIN 108/2,000
HOUSE OF PEOPLE VOTE:
FOR 1,417/2,000
AGAINST 580/2,000
ABSTAIN 3/2,000
HOUSE OF PEASENTS VOTE:
FOR 1,058/2,000
AGAINST 915/2,000
ABSTAIN 27/2,000

CARRIEBEANIAN PRESIDENT GETS DECLARATION OF WAR
President John Taylor Sr received the official notice by Parliament of the asking of a declaration of war on the Astorian Coalition,and he has now presented himself in front of all 365 members in the Congressional Committee to offically ask them for the declaration. The Speech the President granted to the citizens and elected representatives could only be described as "Proud and Drunk" with the speech containing the following:
"Congressional Representatives of your respective states,It is a Time for war that has sneaked up upon the trigger finger happy people of carriebean. The Clouds of war have crept upon the nation,and It is with great difficulty in my heart and soul to ask Congress for these things which will authorize the war. If Parliament sees gun ho in invading, then I see no reason in why we shouldn't be the political pals and make the legislative process move quickly. The System of democracy was set up to ensure that no dictator or backer of terrorism falls to the evils of democracy, if that's a hypocritical move, then I may be forced to eat my hat.

CARRIEBEAN MOBILIZES NAVAL AND AIR FORCES
The Carriebeanian Taskforce of three destroyers and two transports has set off today with orders to either break through the blockade and land the additional forces from the naval force in order to supplement the planned
Meanwhile at Imperial Tortuga Air Base, a total of 6,000 soldiers and nearly 30 aireal transports have been given orders to prepare for take off and immediate combat hostilities while also assisting the on the ground Gilanian military with expertise in all fields.

According to Pilot Jane Dusty :
"It's a contingency plan, y'know, we're the back up if the naval invasion fails to break through the unlawful and illegal blockade."
The First batch of soldiers will arrive via Plane,as they are quicker than the naval fleet that had already been sent. They are expected to arrive with the first 10 planes with 2,000 soldiers early tomorrow morning,with an order to set up anti air defenses and to co-ordinate on the ground with the incoming Carriebeanian Naval Units, to Provide a safe spot for the reinforcing planes that are set to arrive later to land,and for allied units to be identified as friendly and not hostile."

[Radiria]

THE RADIRIA PAPER
FORCES TO THE GULF

President Ted Erwan has recently announced full support for Astoria and its coalition in the ongoing Gulf War. 5,000 infantry men, along with 30 bombers, 70 fighters and 30 destroyers will be sent to aid the ailing rebel state in its fight for freedom. Radiria seeks to restore Quadha, one of its leading oil providers, and resume trading for the black gold. Ted Erwan also states this to be necessary to win over Astoria and show cooperation between the two on an international scale.

[Altpeak]

More Weapons to Gilan

As more nations steadily join the coalition against Gilan, more and more equipment manufactured by Altpeak has been flown in to Gilan to be given to its armed forces. Alongside more aircraft, laser guided bombs and air-to-air missiles for the Gilani air force, Altpeak has so far delivered 600 9k720 Iskander tactical ballistic missiles and 50 launchers to the Gilani ground forces, almost doubling their stockpile of theatre-ballistic missiles missiles from 819 to 1,419 missiles.

In addition to the other weapons and equipment pledged by the Proletarian Republic of Altpeak to the state of Gilan, the Gilani armed forces have requested that they be given more Scud missiles in order to discourage any Astorian land force from being deployed. In response to this request, Altpeak has promised a further 205 missiles.

Altpeak has also been strengthening the anti air capabilities of the Gilani ground forces, notably giving them more S-400s than was at first expected, but also supplying their infantry with 5000 MANPAD missiles. It is expected that this number will be gradually increased to around 65,000 in order to try and offset the aerial advantage the coalition is expected to have.

Alpteak to attend meeting with the leader of Vymar

First Worker Orol Marx has agreed to the Vymarian proposal of a meeting concering Gilan and is expected to fly in to the Vymarian capital for the meeting at some stage in the next few weeks.

[The Twelve Isles]

Military Buildup In Gulf Of Tijara

Follwing the recent terror attack against an Astorian warship, Emperor Alexander Cartwine has publicly declared his support of the Coalition forming to counter the Gilanian government and its occupation of Qadha. While no declaration of war has been issued by the Royal Court, a vote for the military to deploy a carrier group to the Gulf of Tijara, of which the navy's flagship, the RNS Bella Cartwine is a part of, has been passed. As well as this, the Special Marine Operations Division has begun a mass training exercise on the North Mournly Plateau, seemingly preparing to invade Gilan. Many in the Royal Court have spoken out against the deployment, and have stated that these actions are both antagonistic and putting Islish lives in danger for a war that isn't theirs. Many also worry that declaring such clear support, both economic and military, of Astoria may provoke action from Gilans allies. The nation of Vymar has already engaged the Astorians in open conflict, and the Altpekians and the Caribbeans have deployed soldiers to the area.

However, it seems that a larger percentage of the Royal Court approves of military action in the area. One senator, who has requested their name not be used, has stated that, "If we allow the Gilanians and the JJI to continue as they are, we will only be inviting more violence from the area. If we act now however, we can help end the threat to the world that the rogue state of Gilan is." Many other politicians have made similar statements, on both the Liberal and Conservative party's. Most of the votes against the Deployment came from the Centrist party. In addition to the votes for War and Deployments, assisting the Astorian blockade has also been discussed. While no conclusion has been made, sanctions have been put in place. The Royal Court has voted to withdraw from all trade deals with Gilan. However, as the most commonly traded goods with Gilan were banana's and coffee, these sanctions are more of a symbolic gesture.

[Radiria]

THE RADIRIA PAPER
DESTROYERS REINFORCE NAVAL BLOCKADE

Earlier today, Ted Erwan has announced the arrival of 30 Swan-16 destroyers, ready to reinforce the naval blockade set up by Astoria. In his speech, he quotes:
"This manuver is like the mongoose and the snake. The mongoose cannot defeat the snake's venom, but it can prevent it from unleashing it, by grabbing hold of the snake's neck, and clamping down, so it can finish it off. The same applies to global politics, and warfare. We will deprive the regime of the supplies it needs to fight back, ensuring victory."

[Inzunza]

Inzunza Mobilizes

Vowing only a couple days ago to send aid to Gilan during the rise of the Western Coalition, Inzunzan forces leave Tenoch Itztli Torres Airport in Soledad today. 300 men, comprised mostly of medical personnel, will be flown by four Il-76 cargo aircraft along with 120 tons of freight, comprised mostly by twelve BTR-152 armored ambulances. The flight time is expected to take nearly 21 hours with three stops before the final destination in Amalik, Gilan. Trying to avoid the naval blockade, flights to neutral airports have been organized the day before. The cargo aircraft flying to Gilan comprises two-thirds of Inzunza's total airlift capabilities and will be flying without a fighter escort.


Inzunzan BTR-152 shortly before deployment.

The Inzunzan Medical Expedition was noted as being rushed to avoid a local conflict beginning only in a couple of days. However, it is also suspected that the quick response is more to avoid any further blockades to prevent entry into Gilan's airspace. Despite this, top experts doubt the Western Coalition will attack Inzunzan aircraft with even Presidente Molinero himself being quoted as saying, "We're a neutral nation sending medical aid to a people who needs it. If they were to attack a neutral nation, would that not make them the aggressors?" The EMI (Expedición Médica Inzunzana) will bring with them top of the line medical equipment as well as a full supply of vaccines and other medications. However, this supply isn't expected to last the entire operation and will need to reach out to other nations closer to Gilan to help bolster the EMI's limited supplies.

The EMI will not be fully equipped and will require on-base generators, small medical refrigerators, blood plasma, and other forms of supporting equipment from Gilan or one of Gilan's allies. After the 24th, Inzunza will not be able to maintain contact with the personnel and will be working independently under a colonel of the Inzunzan Naval Infantry. Inzunzan Marines who guard the medical personnel have been ordered to not fire unless fired upon as a further reminder of Inzunza's neutrality.

Within the next 24 hours, the EMI will be expected to begin their medical tour in Gilan.

[Vymar]

VYMAR CONTINUES SENDING MILITARY FORCES

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Vymar has been throwing troops at Gilan like no tomorrow, planning to land another 3,500 troops along with 80 M1126 ICVs and 10 XM-3 tanks and fly in 30 more F-16s by next early morning. The ones at Gilan currently have been seen setting up in cities, towns and the Border between Quadha and Gilan. The three Corvettes that had been sent to confront the Astorian blockade has reached its destination and now stare directly at the massive Astorian fleet. Insults and screaming could be heard being launched from both navies, despite the fact they were a good mile or more away. That and the long blasting of horns were the only things exchanged between the two navies so far, and despite all the agitation, the cleaning crew of the three Corvettes were thankful that's all that they had to endure. The Vymarian President now sends out the invitation to discuss Gilan for all nations supporting Gilan (Excluding Neutral Nations) in any way, shape or form and thanks Altpeak for accepting its invitation.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
In other news, Vymarian spec ops has began to train the Gilanian terrorist groups in IEDs, interrogation, Guerilla warfare and Kidnapping. No spec ops soldier has made a statement on their opinions, nor have they showed their faces. However, we were able to get a hold of a Vymarian Captain. He states "You Journalists saw that blockade on live television, you saw the troops, you saw the tanks. What we all don't want to admit is that, with every new Astorian Coalition Force adding in new troops and arms, Gilanian Victory is becoming increasingly slim. However, I believe our Generals are smarter than that. They believe if they can cause so many casualties, make Gilan so uncontrollable, that even if Astoria gets a hold of Gilan, it will become so costly, they will be forced to pull out. There is only so many families that will shut up and support a nation who sent their son to their death on foreign soil."

[Astoria]

The War Room
Presidential Residence
Columbia, Astoria
"Well folks, it seems we've gotten ourselves into a big ol' mess," President Windrip said from the seat at the head of the table, facing the large display screens currently projecting maps and images from the Gulf of Tijara. "So now it's time to ante up or fold, and the Astorian people didn't elect a foldin' man. General, what are our options?"

General Maxwell Dogood, the descendent of a Yukon family and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, rose from his seat between the Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Army. "Mister President, using a combination of airlift and fast sealift ships, escorted by portions of the Third and Seventh Fleets pulled from duty in Europa and Oceania, we propose to continue the military buildup. Our coalition partners are doing the same, and while the weapons shipments from Altpeak and Vymar are concerning, we do not believe they will affect the ultimate outcome of a campaign to liberate Qadha."

"You tell those Navy boys in the Gulf not to let those Vymar varmints pass!" President Windrip interrupted, pointing at his Secretary of the Navy. "If we can force 'em to use airlift, we limit the total amount of support they can send, am I right?"

"That is correct," Dogood replied. "We intend to call up the reserves, and ultimately build up our troop strength in the region to approximately 750,000 soldiers. Combined with two additional carrier groups currently on their way, and the air buildup, we will achieve a force level that may induce Gilan to negotiate rather than fight."

"And what of our erstwhile allies in the region?" Windrip asked his Secretary of State. "How are they feeling?"

"They want to see Gilan humbled more than we do," Secretary Tasbrough replied from the other side of the table. "They're keeping bases open all along the southwestern border, the coalition will have plenty of space to park our forces. Might get a bit rougher if Gilan starts hurling SCUDs at us, though."

"We have prioritized anti-missile systems for immediate delivery and setup," Secretary of War Haik replied. "We'll be able to knock any SCUDs out of the sky."

Gulf of Tijara
The Astorian Navy now had two carrier battlegroups stationed in the Gulf, with two more on their way. The surface components of these battlegroups mounted an impressive array of guns and missiles - more than enough to outgun the Vymar and Carriebean vessels currently on their way to try and get to Gilani ports.

The Astorian warships were authorized to fire warning shots to induce the enemy to abandon their course, but if they persisted in testing the resolve of the Astorian Navy, they would be fired on by air and naval forces and utterly destroyed.

TASBROUGH CALLS FOR INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT
Secretary of State: "We will give diplomacy one last chance

COLUMBIA -- Secretary of State Tasbrough and Emir Khaled al-Tamir, the ruler-in-exile of Qadha, announced in a joint press conference today that they were willing to enter a new round of negotiations to achieve a Gilani evacuation of Qadha through diplomacy rather than force.

"The rising tensions, and involvement of so many nations, makes one final effort to avert war a moral imperative," Emir al-Tamir said, speaking through a translator.

Secretary of State Tasbrough was quick to point out that while Astoria's actions remained justified under the World Assembly mandate of action, President Windrip would avoid seeking a formal authorization of force from the W.A. pending the result of the summit. The Secretary invited representatives from Gilan, the Qadha government-in-exile, Altpeak, Vymar, and Carriebean to meet in the neutral city of Fontenay, in Savoie. Savoie's Foreign Minister Arthur Callon has confirmed that the Savoien government has agreed to host the conference, as part of its commitment to diplomacy over military force.

The Gilani Foreign Minister, Tarik Baz, issued a statement shortly after the announcement indicating that President al-Fulani was "prepared to make one final effort to maintain the dignity and sovereignty of Gilan without resorting to the ultimate recourse of the battlefield." Gilani military forces have been digging in near the border between occupied Qadha and its southwestern neighbor, which is hosting the growing Astorian-led coalition, according to military officials.

[Newne Carriebean7]

CARRIEBEANIAN PRESIDENT CONDEMNS TWELVE ISLES INVOLVEMENT
In a Fiery speech in front of the Presidential Palace,President John Taylor Sr condemned the nation of twelve isles in getting involved in the conflict,saying things as "It is not their fatty hunt,but ours!"
"I have received word of nations such as The Twelve Isles of their unlawful intervention in this conflict, Now normally I would have no problems with this event,if it was on my side, but since they have foolishly decided to support the Coalition against the innocents of Gilan, I have no choice but to openly condemn their involvement. I shall say my message directly to their leadership. It is not their fatty hunt, but ours to ensure the stability in the region. If you people take this guy out of power, this guy who I am sure is a bad dude to your minds, but he is the most harshest and yet most stable person I have witnesses and analyzed in my time with the nation of Gilan and it's people. I have also gotten notice of helpful news that Vymar has continually been sending in their military forces into Gilan. With their armed forces and military units onboard, the Carriebeanian armed forces and our allied combatants shall helpfully assist Gilanian military units as best they can and with the expertise of their many forces. I have just been told that the Vymarian President wishes to-"
At that time the power seemingly blacked out in the Congressional building for a full minute before being brought back,and the ever oblivious president ends his speech and walks off.

PRESIDENT TAYLOR SR. TO ATTEND MEETING WITH VYMARIAN LEADER
President of Carriebean has decided to accept the invitation to the Vymarian capital for a meeting in discussing strategy with the Vymarians on the combined war effort needed in order to defeat the coalition and to ensure the survival of the Gilanian leadership,power and military forces,as the combined war effort will enable the strategy to not be forged in the fires of lorn ,but of the strongest steel, with the bonds between the allied nations never shattering.

FIRST CARRIEBEANIAN REINFORCEMENTS ARRIVE
Late today,the first ten passenger liners, with two thousand total soldiers in them, landed in Gilan, the soldiers getting out from their transports and marching in formation up and down the Gilanian capital city in a show of force to the Gilanian military command to assure them of more help arriving soon from all other nations. Already a forward Command Base has been set up and talk of tactics with the Gilanian army are in secret discussions, with the soldiers on both sides getting military training in terrorist tactics, and a task force has been sent to negotiate with the terrorists.


Gulf of Tijara
Carriebean 6th Naval Flotilla
Piratei class Destroyer Drunken Sailor
Admiral Carl Jackson Noah peered out from the flagship as the force of five destroyers and three transports made it's way across the choppy seas,only to be greeted with a flash of cold sea water,forcing the young admiral to be wide awake, much to his legs and heart's protest as he staggered around the bridge like the ship's name, the crew merely giving the man odd looks in the halls until one office got the common sense to extend his hand out to the admiral,which he gladly took.
"Bout damn time some fucker picks me up."
"Sorry sir."
"Don't sorry me, you bastards have an agenda, to overthrow me, but I'll overthrow you one day, in the reverse Mutiny of the century, hah, hah!"
Before the sailor could make a retort, the locomotive fist stopped at the mouth station,letting several teeth off of the locomotive in a bloody fashion and spreading them among the floor. "S...Sir, you're a dick." "
I wear the title with pride, officer motherfucker!"
As the both men stood up ,saluted and then went their separate ways, Admiral Noah disappeared to the Officer's Rec Room, once a thriving place that hearken back to the early 2000's with it's large and clunky jukeboxes, the swinging rock and roll music that had to praise the lord while also doing a horrific act to justify it, and the classic soda machines that spat out endless streams of coke,all while the funky chicken and the robot were the hot dance styles in the nation,it was nice to go to a more simpler time...
When he woke up, all he could remember was throwing a General Across the room, or was it another admiral? or was it Batman? He never could tell in his beer glazed over dreams, the rum ruining every bodily function in his remaining systems that struggled to keep the man alive, the poor kidneys filtering out the booze before the alcohol poisoning reached his brain. As he reached for a railing for support, he missed and the last thing he felt was the hard tile on his back...

Five Minutes Later.
Ship's Doctor
Several Naval Officers waited anxiously for the news they knew was inevitable, after a while, the bloodied surgeon entered the room,with all nine men standing up and nearly mobbing the elderly doctor to injury until he revealed the side arm in his pants.
"Gentlemen, I hate to say it but he badly injured himself falling off of a table,and he is not responding, so I've drugged him to let him sl-"
"I'm still awake you bastard."
With a polite nod of his head, he walked back into the infirmary and two gunshots was heard along with some screaming. The Surgeon emerged with even more blood this time, and a wicked smile on his face.
"He'll live. I just shot off those damn right eye and left leg of his, and I have the finest wooden pegs, fake beards and eye patches this side of the equator!"
"So Australia has better Pegs than us?"
"What? no, no, no, I'm merely sayi-"
"New Zealand has better Pegs than us."
"Never-mind that, You are going to have a more appropriately named captain of a ship that's Drunken Sailor."
CARRIEBEANIAN ARMAMENTS PROMISED TO GILAN

Carriebeanian People's Ministry of Armaments President Leonard Fischer Jackson answered several questions from reporters, with the Interview being focused down below. The Main talk was on armament questions and weather or not we were funding terrorist members in the fight. As the sweat continued to pour from his hot looking face, he loomed below to stare out at the sea of pen biting journalists who desperately wanted that scoop for the state owned media companies to pick apart. With a flick of his wrist, he dryly barked out a 'you' before awaiting the woman's question.
"Ministry of Armaments President, Jenna Waters of People's Daily, How much supplies have been sent to Gilan."
"What do you mean, do you mean raw tonnage of bullets or other armaments, because I can assure you we've sent more than just bullets."
"Can you give us a number or rough estimate?"
Jackson paused for a moment and looked up at the ceiling before snapping at the camera
"10 tons of 7.62 CAK rounds, 2,000 CAK-47 assault rifles, 25 Mortars and 6 light 47mm artillery pieces."
"Will there be more shipments in the future?"
"Oh, absolutely, in fact we're planning on sending a Tank Division soonish to assist the Gilanian forces even more, I mean, if they need guns, we have guns, so hey, we give them guns."
"With the movement of all these weapons,Are you in any way profiting from the sale of these weapons?"
"For fucks sakes, I'm a politician,of course I'm profiting, I get 20% of all weapon sales generated to the Gilanians!"
"Are you aware that that is a corruptible offense and you will be executed for a crime against the state?"
His face then looked at the reporter and he merely shrugged.
"Hell if I know, ya gonna shoot me, shoot-"
His body then was peppered with gunfire and bullets as the broadcast quickly terminated, the screams of the people being faintly heard before the cut to black.
REX JR. TO TASBROUGH: WE'LL GO

Carriebeanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Arnold Rex Jr has stated in a press conference that he would be pleased to attend the negotiations in Savoie.
"In This uncertain age of politics and war, I would much rather prefer politics, but I don't mind a good war here and there. I believe that diplomacy probably will not work,but again it is nice to see if all sides can come to the same conclusion and either get our act together or have the theater play bomb in the movies. I am most pleased that we have opted to talk out our possible problems and find a solution. I shall go myself to represent my government's interests,which include actively supporting-er I mean, helping-er I mean, totally not giving money,weapons and training to the terrorist extremists..."
After saying this he winked at the camera before continuing.
"I just tried to lie on national television, and I did a pretty damn good job at it! I should be a politician, or better yet, take that one guy that was executed's job! Getting natural resources via the Oil,which we would like to ensure that remains firmly in Gilani hands,with a bit of trading between all nations, and not blatant claiming of wells in the country. Thank you, and I expect to be in Savoie soonish, Praise Jesus!"

Arnold Rex Jr is set to leave immediately for Savoie to represent Carriebean interests in the peace talks.

[Radiria]

THE RADIRIA PAPER
ERWAN CALLS FOR RADIRIA-CRIMSEA MILITARY COOPERATION

Following recent developments in the government, along with a recent flare-up between the warring parties, Ted Erwan has announced the proposal of a miliary cooperation pact, including all operations within the Gilan, with Crimsea. In his own words:
"Our forces cannot win this war ourselves. We need to cooperate and organize ourselves with the other men and women sacrificing their lives on the battlefield. This alliance will benefit us both."

[Crimseia]

Capital building, Marburg
Grand Duchy of Crimseia
[Current date & Time]

The Chancellors office doors swing open and Vice Chancellor Paul Kempf enters, he seats himself in a dark walnut chair cushioned with burgundy leather. Peering over the desk his eyes land on Chancellor Stuttle, whom raises a finger, a signal for him to wait as he holds an old fashioned telephone to his ear. The minutes drift by and Kempf allows his attention to drift, going over the familiar scenes of the ducal crest on the front of the chancellors desk, and then to a old worn Hessian flag encased in glass on the back wall, next to it hung a medal, a relic of an old wartime chancellor during the early republic days, he knew the history well enough but the details were always vague surrounding the time.

The click and chime of the phone settling back on it's platform snapped his attention back to Stuttle.
"Do you know who that was?" Asked the Chancellor a hint of excitement in his voice. Without waiting for a reply "That was President Erwan of Radiria, he has proposed close cooperation between our troops."
He began to stare at Kempf with a smug look on his face "Well, what did you say?" The Vice Chancellor snapped impatiently, "Of course I agree'd, with the addition of Radirian troops and support we will have no trouble securing Qadha, and with Astoria doing all the heavy lifting we can focus on getting the oil imports restored."
A few moments of silence sat between the two before the Vice Chancellor piped up, "You seems overly eager for this war Mr. Chancellor, from what I understand the Astorians are still pushing for peace talks."
"Oh don't be so naive Paul, there has already been to much build up of arms and tension." Stuttle stood from his chair and turned pacing towards wall and peering up at the war medal.
"These are glorious times, a return to old Hessian glory, our troops as well as our people should be proud of what we are about to achieve." He smiled crossing his hands behind his back
Kempf sighed and stood up from the desk "God willing Mr. Chancellor, the price of Glory and oil will not be paid for in the weight of blood we are sending to that desert." Stuttle did not reply, a sign that the conversation was over.

Gulf of Tijara

Crimseian forces continue to buildup in Coalition bases around the Gulf, primarily being transported through air lift the process is slow but steady as half the standing force has already arrived and is coordinating with coalition allies in blockade and mobilization efforts. A list of reports is presented to General Hanz Guderian.

Engineering: Several supply warehouses have been constructed throughout the Gulf as well as basic housing, kitchen, and latrine facilities, remaining assets transferred to Intelligence.

Medical: field tents, and basic hospital have been established, plans for a full hospital and ER are in place for airlift casualties.

Infantry: Climatization & fitness training, language and customs basics for Qadha and Gilani, OPFOR troop and vehicle recognition, coalition and OPFOR weapon system accustomization, land nav, map and terrain study

Intelligence: Setting up long range radar, satellite imagery, processing approval for high altitude [REDACTED], establishing clear lines of communications for troops and allies, cooperating with Astorian Intelligence

Unit 36: [CLASSIFIED]

Transport: Gathering permission from Coalition forces to utilize supply ships for local transfers, majority of supply runs are currently by helicopter.

[Radiria]

THE RADIRIA PAPER
RADIRIA-CRIMSEA MILITARY COOPERATION

Following Crimsea's agreement to Erwan's proposal, and the loud cheers heard across the capital, it would be heresy to call this a bad move for most. Ted Erwan's popularity has skyrocketed, and he is ever closer to acheiving his dream of "A resource paradise." TEver since the occupation of Quadha, Gilan has been reluctant to share any of the area's oil, spiraling Radiria's economy, to a somewhat shaky buisness, for as second-class oil exporters sputtered and shook, Radiria did too. Ted Erwan also hopes to deepen the relationship between Crimsea and Radira, in the hopes that they meet again.

Meanwhile, at Port Fidelity,
A news anchor was at the docks. Next to him, was a huge vessel. Lots of big vessels. Each would carry 100 troops to Quadha, then they would come back, get another 100 troops, and repeat 'till all 5,000 of them were at Gilan's doorstep. His cameraman stood in fornt him, with a smile on his face. "Live in 3, 2, 1.." sia dthe cameraman.

"Good morning! This is Robert Malu of Radiria Today. Here at Port Fidelity, 5 vessels are waiting, for the first shot in Quadha to be fired. They'll be the vessels delivering on Erwan's promise, called the Qudha Assist Agreement. Over the course of a few weeks, these ships will carry 5,000 soldiers, 100 at a time, to their destinationn, Quadha, once the operation is called for. THe brave men and women boarding these steel ships will be remembered as heroes. This is Malu, signing off."