Operation Huntsman
Operation Huntsman | |||||
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Part of Wars of the Disinherited | |||||
Map of the operational area, showing major troop movements and the objective line. |
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Belligerents | |||||
The Green | |||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||
Unknown | |||||
Units involved | |||||
East Zimian and Wallisian War League
| Local forces |
Operation Huntsman (Sangunese: 猟師作戦 Ryōshi Sakusen) is a military operation by East Zimia and the Wallis Islands in northern Corum.
Background
Against the backdrop of the Wars of the Disinherited, the continued existence of a substantial unoccupied region between East Zimia and the Cakari riyasat of Jaihabar was a source of ongoing concern to the government in Southman. Hawks in the East Zimian and Wallisian War League, notably the league's Sangunese-born commander, General Tomoyuki Yamamura, pressed for a military operation to secure control of the area and its estimated population of around four million, lest the Confederacy of the Dispossessed establish a significant foothold in northern Corum. The apparent success of Oportia's Operation Verdant Reach in Eura between 1729 AN and 1730 AN saw a rise in public support for intervention, despite the misgivings of doves in the administration, who argued that a military action might provoke the very unrest it sought to prevent.
Planning
In early 1731 AN, Queen Mina II instructed her general staff to begin preparations for a military intervention in the unoccupied region, to be named Operation Huntsman. The decision was warmly received by senior officers of the War League, eager to test their forces' capabilities, although there was some dismay when it was subsequently announced that the operation would be limited in scope to the south-eastern third of the region. The principle objectives of the operation were set as the city of Afrikaania and Fort Pallisco.
Operational planning was substantially complete by the middle of the year, with the operation scheduled to begin in IX.1731 AN, by which time it was judged that the newly-formed 5th "Imab" Division would be ready for action.
Forces
East Zimia and the Wallis Islands:
- 3rd "Thracia" Division
- 8th Brigade
- 4th "Bayen" Division
- 12th Brigade
- 5th "Imab" Division
- 13th Brigade
- 1st Ground Attack Wing
Operation
East Zimian and Wallisian forces crossed the international border into the unoccupied region shortly before dawn on the morning of 18.IX.1731 AN. The 8th and 12th Brigades converged on Afrikaania from the east and south respectively, while the Bayen Division's 12th Brigade advanced north-west towards Fort Pallisco. In the north, the 1st Brigade took up positions along the border to guard against any hostile activity on the flank of the operational zone. At Tumi Air Force Base, the 1st Ground Attack Wing was placed on alert, ready to provide close air support for the advancing columns.