Wednesday. Dec 12. 2012. Gratzo-Augarian Bordertown of Glasmoim.
The small flicker of tension on the border has now sparked into a inferno of conflict. Since the dissolution of the pro-Gratzovkan Holy Empire of Augarundus in 1921, the new Communist Imperial Reich of Augarundus (an autocracy under the nationalist party, UPAPC) has continued to act as a primary instigator in the region. Conflict between Augarundus and surrounding nations (most notably Temeev and Gratzovka) has been unending over the years. However, full-scale war is a rare occurrence, only occasionally appearing (ex: 1924, 1939, 1967, 1989) in history.
In a humiliating political defeat in 1991, Augarundus was weakened and severely limited in its strength, both militarily and economically. Whilst their economic situation has never fully recovered, the Augarian rearmament project begun in 1998 has now succeeded in resurrecting the massive Augaritrauven (Army) that formerly dominated the region. Seven percent of Augarundus and its colony, Augarutzen, have been forced into the military (an enormous 96 million total), and the Augaritrauven have benefited the most, with 60% (57.6 million) of the total amount of troops.
However, Gratzovka-unlike Temeev- has long been prepared. Three percent of their population (32 million) are pressed into various areas of military service. Ever the liberal state, Temeev has maintained only .002% of their population as military men (still 1.3 million). Haldula is likewise weakened, but 2% of the population are still military members (5 million). The Triple Alliance, used to smite the Holy Empire of Augarundus in the war of 1909, is now weakened and beaten back.
Since 1989, Gratzovka and Augarundus have continually struggled in small-scale skirmishes for control of the Glasmoim Valley, the area in which the city of Glasmoim resides. It has very little strategic purpose for the Augarians, but it is highly symbolic. In the Catholic Monarchy, The Holy Empire of Augarundus, Milost Mira ("For the Mercy of Peace") was the national anthem. It was proclaimed as such in the town of Glasmoim, which is named after the chant, Glasoim Moime (another Church song). The destruction of such a city would symbolize the Augarian's will to destroy religion as a whole and their traditional identity.
However, on Wednesday, December 12th, 2012, an Augarian force of four hundred assaulted the town. The Gratzovkan guard there, celebrating the founding of their nation, were annihilated utterly and completely by a single mortar shot: it demolished the town Cathedral, killing what is estimated to be 2,500 citizens.
Gratzovkan military were quick to respond, being stationed just north on a small mountain-barracks. For two hours, heavy fighting in the barren town consumed the few specks of life that remained. Through sheer number, the Augarian force managed to seize a hold of the city and barracks. In a horrid display of genocidal power, the disciplined force "euthanized", execution style, the local population. The Archbishop of Glasmoim was, however, taken hostage and was schedualed to be transported to Rivanos as part of a negotiations deal.
A counterattack on the truck was superbly executed as it left the valley, but the current status of the Bishop is unknown. It was discovered in the rescue that he was alive but gravely injured, and it is speculated his death will come in but a few hours.
Augarian expansion in Western Gratzovka has caused countless rebellions. A unified coalition of Western Gratzovkans has declared its allegiance to the Augarians and have taken most of the countryside west of Rivanos. Like in the War of 1909, Gratzovka has been split by civil war: Eastern loyalists against Western Augarian-minions.
Whilst the East is significantly stronger than West, the Augarian armies have bolstered the efforts of the latter. Haldula has declared its support for Gratzovka and has begun to strike at northern Augarian bases that launch assaults on Proleshkavya, whilst Temeev has begun a military reconstruction effort.
