Operation Verdant Reach
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| Operation Verdant Reach | |||||||||
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| Part of the Alexandrium Wars, the Wars of the Dispossessed | |||||||||
  (From top to bottom) (1) Oportian forces advancing into contested territory in Eura, 1729 AN; (2) Map noting in a red square the area of operations and noting early movements, 1729 AN. |
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| Belligerents | |||||||||
 Raspur Pact
|  Confederacy of the Dispossessed
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| Supported by: |  Azad Eura
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
Trans-Euran Command
| Confederacy of the Dispossessed
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| Units involved | |||||||||
Trans-Euran Command
| Confederacy of the Dispossessed
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| Strength | |||||||||
Nivardom Banner Group
| Confederacy of the Dispossessed
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| Casualties and losses | |||||||||
| 3,200 fighters, significant equipment losses; 2,000 troops, multiple operational bases destroyed
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Sartip Durmish KhanOperation Verdant Reach is a military operation initiated by the Forces de Sécurité Oportiennes with the aim to invade and seize a large swath of territory belonging to the unconquered Euran Green. The operation commenced on 15.IX.1729 AN, under the command of General Armand Desjardins. After a protracted conflict that required significant Raspur Pact support from the Suren Confederacy and Natopia, Oportia was able to annex the lands and announce an end to major combat operations by the start of XI.1730 AN.
Background
As the value and scarcity of Alexandrium became known in 1729 AN, the Oportian government, supported by Nouvelle Alexandrie and Natopia, initiated Operation Verdant Reach to secure rumored massive Alexandrium deposits in the Euran Green territories in southeastern Eura. The aim was to enrich the nation and safeguard these resources from potential exploitation by the Confederacy of the Dispossessed, Azad Eura, or other regional enemy factions or interests.
Objectives
The primary objectives of Operation Verdant Reach are:
- Establish full control over the the Euran Green territories north of its southeastern borders.
- Secure all resources and strategic points within the area, with special care to seize and secure Alexandrium deposits.
- Establish a stable and secure environment for Oportian settlers and businesses.
Timeline
Lead Up to War
- 5.XI.1729: Reports of Alexandrium's high value and scarcity reach the Confederacy of the Dispossessed, stirring interest among its ranks in Eura. The potential wealth from Alexandrium deposits in Zinjibar and in other parts of Suren Confederacy (the Euran Green) leads to a resurgence of efforts by Dispossessed veterans of the Norasht campaign to regain control of the strategic port, viewing it as a critical asset for funding their operations.
- 10.XI.1729: Intelligence briefings in Nouvelle Alexandrie and the Suren Confederacy reveal that underground criminal syndicates, associated with the Confederacy of the Dispossessed, begin scouting for Alexandrium deposits in the war-torn regions of Norasht Ostan, particularly around the capital, which had been heavily impacted during the Babkhan Holocaust. This movement indicates a growing interest in exploiting Alexandrium for illicit gains, highlighting the element's dual potential for both societal advancement and as a catalyst for conflict.
Operation Launch
- 15.IX.1729: Oportia, encouraged by Nouvelle Alexandrie and Natopia, initiates Operation Verdant Reach. The operation begins with a swift and precise aerial campaign designed to establish air superiority and disable key communication nodes within the Euran Green. Using cutting-edge B-15 Airspark strategic bombers, Oportian forces deliver surgical strikes on insurgent command centers, causing substantial disruption to Dispossessed command and control capabilities. Direct air support is provided by the Federal Forces of Nouvelle Alexandrie, flying sorties from nearby Alduria City, offering critical aerial reconnaissance, close air support for ground troops, and precision strikes on key targets.
- 17.IX.1729: Oportia's Navy, deploying the advanced Protector-class missile frigates, sets up blockades along coastlines that form part of the Euran Green, effectively severing maritime supply lines to the Dispossessed and Azad Eura forces. This naval action also secures critical sea lanes for future Oportian supply and reinforcement routes. Additional logistical and ammunition support is provided by Nouvelle Alexandrie, ensuring Oportian forces maintain operational momentum.
- 20.IX.1729: The land campaign commences with Oportian mechanized brigades, supported by Horjin CV56 infantry fighting vehicles, advancing into key border towns. They face stiff resistance from entrenched Dispossessed fighters, leading to prolonged urban combat. Oportian forces secure most of the towns within days, albeit with higher-than-expected casualties. Nouvelle Alexandrie contributes by supplying additional ammunition and medical supplies to front-line units, facilitating sustained combat operations.
- 22.IX.1729: As Oportian forces push deeper into the Euran Green, they encounter a nascent network of Alexandrium extraction and smuggling operations. Several clandestine extraction sites are found and dismantled, revealing the growing scale of illicit activities carried out by the Dispossessed. In several instances, Oportian Special Operations Units conduct night raids to capture high-value targets involved in the illegal Alexandrium trade, with the Federal Forces of Nouvelle Alexandrie providing critical intelligence support and specialized equipment for these operations.
- 24.IX.1729: Oportia's advance is temporarily halted by a well-coordinated counterattack from Azad Eura forces, exploiting the rough terrain and using guerrilla tactics. The attackers utilize improvised explosive devices and hit-and-run tactics, causing disruption in the Oportian supply lines and leading to a two-day pause in the offensive to reassess strategy and reinforce the troops. The New Alexandrian air forces play a pivotal role in breaking the stalemate, delivering targeted airstrikes that neutralize key Azad Eura positions and allow Oportian forces to resume their advance.
- 3.X.1729: A decisive victory is achieved when Oportian air reconnaissance, with support from Nouvelle Alexandrie's aerial assets, identifies a large gathering of Dispossessed and Azad Eura leadership in a remote valley, leading to a precision strike by AH-75 Cobra attack helicopters. The strike effectively decimates the enemy's strategic leadership in the region, leading to disarray and confusion among their ranks.
- 25.X.1729: Nouvelle Alexandrie's aerial reconnaissance units, utilizing high-altitude drones, identify a major supply convoy destined for Azad Eura forces. Coordinated strikes by Oportian and Surenid air forces obliterate the convoy, significantly depleting enemy ammunition and medical supplies.
- 9.XI.1729: A joint task force, comprising units from Oportia, Suren Confederacy, and Zeed, launches a night operation to secure critical Alexandrium deposits in the northeastern quadrant of the Euran Green. The operation faces intense resistance, but the deposits are secured, denying the Dispossessed and Azad Eura crucial financial resources.
Insurgent Counteroffensive
- 20.XI.1729: The Dispossessed and Azad Eura launch a massive and well-coordinated counter-offensive, utilizing improvised armored vehicles and a surge of mercenaries to break through the Suren Confederacy's defensive lines. The attack is repelled, but prompts a reassessment of defensive strategies by Raspur Pact forces.
- 10.XII.1729: Azad Eura guerrillas, utilizing the rugged terrain to their advantage, ambush an Oportian supply convoy. The ambush is thwarted by rapid response from Oportian drone surveillance and close air support.
- 12.XII.1729: In response to escalating threats, Oportia and the Suren Confederacy, with assistance of Nouvelle Alexandrie and Natopia, establish fortified positions along key access points into the interior of the Euran Green, deploying more advanced defense systems to deter enemy movements.
- 21.XII.1729: Reports surface of new factions within the Euran Green, some aligning with the Dispossessed and Azad Eura, complicating the operational landscape. These groups begin conducting hit-and-run attacks against Raspur Pact, spreading thin their resources.
- 12.XIII.1729: A major sandstorm provides cover for a daring Azad Eura raid on an Oportian forward operating base. The raid results in significant casualties and the temporary loss of a critical communications hub.
Operation Silent Guard
- 15.XIII.1729: In a strategic move to consolidate control over the newly secured Alexandrium deposits, Oportia and its allies initiate Operation Silent Guard. Special forces, equipped with night-vision technology, establish a network of hidden observation posts around critical mining areas, enabling 24/7 surveillance to preempt any insurgent attempts to retake these vital resources.
- 22.XIII.1729: The Confederacy of the Dispossessed orchestrates a series of sabotage operations against Oportian communication lines, successfully disrupting the command and control network in the southwestern sectors of the Euran Green. The attacks force a temporary reliance on satellite communications, highlighting vulnerabilities in the Oportian military's infrastructure.
- 27.XIII.1729: A covert meeting between Azad Eura leaders and unidentified foreign arms dealers is intercepted by an Oportian Javelin M-1 Eternal. Oportia's intelligence units, with support from Nouvelle Alexandrie, launch a precision operation to intercept the arms shipment destined for Azad Eura forces, capturing high-value targets and a cache of advanced weaponry.
Masaba Incident
- 30.XIII.1729: In an audacious display of power, the Confederacy of the Dispossessed parades captured Oportian soldiers through the streets of the small town of Masaba, using the event to boost morale among their ranks and issue a challenge to the Raspur Pact forces. The incident sparks outrage in Oportia and calls for immediate action to rescue the POWs.
- 1.XIV.1729: Oportia responds to the provocation by launching Operation Swift Retribution. Elite commando units from the Oportian Security Forces, airlifted under the cover of darkness, execute a daring rescue operation to free the captured soldiers. The mission is a success, with minimal casualties.
- 8.XIV.1729: Suren Confederacy engineers, supported by Oportian logistics units, begin construction of a series of fortified firebases along the northern perimeter of the Euran Green. The bases are designed to serve as staging areas for patrols and rapid response teams, as well as provide medical and resupply facilities for front-line troops.
- 15.XIV.1729: A sudden, large sandstorm blankets the region, providing a natural cover for Azad Eura forces to regroup and launch a series of hit-and-run attacks against exposed Oportian supply routes. The inclement weather hampers air support operations, forcing ground units to adapt to the challenging conditions.
Temporary Ceasefire
- 23.XIV.1729: As the year draws to a close, a temporary ceasefire is brokered with the Confederacy of the Dispossessed and Azad Eura through backchannel negotiations facilitated by neutral parties. The ceasefire allows for the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilian populations affected by the ongoing conflict and opens the door for peace talks.
- 4.I.1730: The ceasefire comes to an abrupt end as Azad Eura and Confederacy of the Dispossessed forces, exploiting the temporary lull in fighting, launch a coordinated offensive across multiple fronts. The attack aims to recapture lost territories before the onset of the new year's military campaigns. Constancia's intervenes in a timely fashion when the Aqaba Command deploys its Imperator-class arsenal ship off the coast of the Oportian city of Port Félix. Launching a barrage of long-range cruise missiles at key Azad Eura and Dispossessed outposts, the offensiveis seriously disrupted, setting the stage for a renewed push by Raspur Pact forces.
Ceasefire Fails
- 12.II.1730: A dhow was intercepted by Surenid naval forces in the Trucial Isles, believed to have been bound for the Vipia protectorate. Aboard were a quantity of unidentified machine-pistols, crates of 9 mm ammunition, and boxes of detonator fuses for old Shirerithian pattern stick-grenades. The crew aboard the dhow appeared to be of a lesser known Skerrian race, and they were accordingly transferred to a suitable dungeon in the port of Kara whilst an interpreter was sought[1].
Start of the Bitter Spring
- 14.II.1730: Orders issued for the Surenid 7th Cavalry Division to be recalled from its deployment. Directed towards Surenshahr where the Divan had been alarmed by a sudden spate of protests.
- 20.II.1730: The withdrawal of Surenid troops is mirrored by reduced logistical and aerial support from Constancia, as it too grapples with the growing unrest within its borders. The ripple effects of these developments are felt immediately on the ground, with Oportian forces facing increased pressure from Dispossessed and Azad Eura insurgents exploiting the thinning lines.
Operation Steadfast Shield
- 22.II.1730:
- In response to the evolving situation, the Oportian command initiates "Operation Steadfast Shield," a strategic reorganization of their forces to consolidate control over key Alexandrium sites and fortify positions against potential insurgent offensives. The operation focuses on maximizing the efficiency of remaining troops and leveraging advanced surveillance technologies to compensate for reduced manpower.
- Bitter Spring: In an attempt to wrestle with the Bitter Spring, an Autokratorial Decree is unusually published in Constancian print media, notifying all and sundry that migrations to Oportia of Constancian nationals, particularly in areas to be governed by the future Southeastern Eura Provisional Administration would not be opposed by organs of the Imperial State, nor by the State Protection Authority. This triggers a rush of migrants. A Consulate-General of the Imperial State is likewise announced to be established in Port Félix.
- Oportia formally protests to the Constancian government, accusing it of exacerbating the regional refugee crisis without prior consultation with its Raspur Pact allies. In a public statement, the Federal Representative, Celine Beaumont, expresses dismay over the unilateral Constancian Autokratorial Decree, which led to an influx of migrants across Oportian borders, straining resources amid ongoing military operations in Operation Verdant Reach.
Operation Secure Haven
- 24.II.1730: Bitter Spring: The Oportian government, facing an escalating refugee crisis, launches Operation Secure Haven, repurposing its contingent from the Joint Border Forces to bolster the mission. The operation's aim is to effectively manage the sudden surge of migrants from Constancia, the Suren Confederacy, and Zeed, while ensuring the stability and security of Oportia's borders. In response to the immediate needs of the refugees who have already crossed into Oportia, temporary accommodations are swiftly erected along the border areas. These facilities aim to provide a semblance of stability and safety for the displaced, with the Red Sun Society and the Red Lion and Sun Society of Eura stepping in to offer vital services, including medical care, food supplies, and security. Recognizing the need to maintain order and facilitate the care of the existing refugees, the Oportian government also decides to prevent further crossings into its territory.
- 25.II.1730: A surprise raid by Azad Eura forces on an Oportian supply depot near the town of Al-Zahra results in significant losses of ammunition and supplies. The raid demonstrates the insurgents' adaptability and raises concerns about the security of Oportian logistics lines.
Southeastern Eura Provisional Administration
- 28.II.1730: The Oportian government announces the formation of the "Southeastern Eura Provisional Administration" (Administration Provisoire du Sud-Est Eurani), comprising Oportian officials and selected local leaders such as Ahmed Al-Sayed and Hossein Mizrahi. This initiative aims to lay the groundwork for integrating the region into Oportia's governance structure.
- 1.III.1730: A critical communication link between Oportian headquarters and forward operating bases is severed by a well-executed cyber attack attributed to Dispossessed hackers. The attack disrupts operational planning and coordination for several days.
Operation Silent Hawk
- 3.III.1730:
- The Oportian Security Forces launch a series of counter-insurgency raids, dubbed "Operation Silent Hawk," targeting insurgent leaders and communication hubs in a bid to destabilize the Dispossessed and Azad Eura command structures. Despite achieving tactical successes, the operation fails to stem the tide of increasing insurgent activities across the Euran Green.
- Bitter Spring: Oportian Security Forces deployed along Oportia's borders with Constancia violently clash with a large and armed caravan of Constancian refugees at the Al-Said border crossing, as desperate migrants seeking refuge confront the newly strengthened border security measures. The incident underscores the challenges faced by Oportia as it navigates the dual imperatives of humanitarian assistance and national security in the midst of the developing regional crisis and Operation Verdant Reach in the east.
- 4.III.1730: In a significant step towards establishing a stable governance framework, the Southeastern Eura Provisional Administration Council holds its inaugural meeting in Port Félix. The meeting's agenda focuses on urgent humanitarian needs, infrastructure repair, and the development of a local police force to ensure security and order in the transition period.
Operation New Dawn
- 12.III.1730: The Southeastern Eura Provisional Administration Council announces the launch of "Operation New Dawn," a comprehensive development program designed to revitalize the region's economy, rebuild critical infrastructure, and restore essential services. The program includes initiatives for Alexandrium mining regulation, agricultural revitalization, and educational reform.
- 13.III.1730:
- Bitter Spring: The Southeastern Eura Provisional Administration, recognizing the urgent need to address the refugee crisis within its jurisdiction, begins collaborating with Oportian federal authorities and international NGOs. Together, they launch community integration programs designed to facilitate the processing, investigation, and possible resettlement of migrants into local communities, focusing on employment opportunities, language courses, and cultural courses.
- 18.III.1730:As tensions in the region escalate, the Oportian Navy begins mobilizing its forces in anticipation of a confrontation with the Confederacy of the Dispossessed. Intelligence chatter received by the Oportian Security Forces alerted to an assembling fleet off the city-state of Baroque, where the strategically important military base and port Port Baroque is located.
- 20.III.1730: Intelligence reports from the Natopian Spacefleet further confirm a large assembly of the Dispossessed Navy moving towards the city of Baroque (31 armed merchantmen and 278 other assorted craft, including skiffs, dhows, and other coastal trade boats). Questions of how this armada could have assembled without the Surenid navy having raised the alarm were set to one side for the moment. Instead the Oportia's Navy quickly dispatches ships, a mix of frigates and littoral combat ships, to the area, aiming to secure Port Baroque and prevent any blockade or incursion.
- 25.III.1730: Skirmishes between Oportian protector-class frigate and advance scouting vessels of the Dispossessed Navy are reported. In spite of sinking a half-dozen skiffs, the Oportian vessel would suffer unexpected battle damage after being swarmed by ex-Bassarid pattern UAVs. Unwilling to risk further damage to the frigate's electronic communications and sensor arrays, the Oportian commander disengaged, allowing the surviving enemy scout craft to retire. The ambiguous outcome of the first engagement increased the tension and lead to a military standoff developing at Baroque.
- 2.IV.1730: The main fleet of Dispossessed Navy launches a surprise pre-dawn assault on Oportian naval forces assembling near Baroque. The battle begins with intense naval gunfire and missile exchanges. Oportia's Navy faces significant challenges due to the Dispossessed's unexpected tactical maneuvers and the numerical superiority of their forces. Attempts to break-up the enemy armada were hampered by hitherto unknown electronic countermeasures and point defence systems aboard the hostile merchantmen causing malfunctions amongst the salvos of S-2 missiles fired off by the Oportian side. Similarly, as the frigates attempted to close with the enemy in order to engage with their main guns, they were obliged to engage in evasive manoeuvres as further UAV swarms began to converge upon their positions and course.
Natopian intervention
- 5.IV.1730: With Oportia's Navy sustaining heavy damage and facing possible defeat, the unexpected arrival of the Natopian Defense Force's Raynor Fleet turns the tide. The 2nd Carrier Group, 3rd Home Group, and 1st Submarine Group launch a coordinated counterattack, delivering a crushing blow to the Dispossessed Navy.
- 7.IV.1730: The Battle of Port Baroque reaches its climax as Natopian and Oportian forces continue their relentless assault, significantly depleting the Dispossessed Navy's capabilities. Despite their strategic victory, Oportia's Navy suffers heavy casualties and damage to its fleet, marking the victory as pyrrhic.
- 10.IV.1730:
- In the aftermath of the battle, both Oportia and the Confederacy of the Dispossessed assess the heavy toll the engagement has taken on their naval forces. The Oportian government publicly acknowledges the crucial role of the Natopian Defense Force in the battle's outcome, while grappling with the significant losses incurred. Recovery and repair efforts for the damaged vessels commence immediately, as the Oportian Navy prepares for the possibility of future confrontations.
- Bitter Spring: A security alert is issued by the Oportian Security Forces after intelligence reports indicate potential infiltrations by agents of the Confederacy of the Dispossessed and Azad Eura among the migrant populations. Enhanced vetting procedures are immediately implemented at all points of entry, coupled with increased surveillance and intelligence-sharing with Raspur Pact allies.
- 11.IV.1730: Operation Butterworth commences as the Natopian Defense Force announces the deployment of 100,000 troops to assist Oportia; 50,000 are assigned to bolster the Southeastern Eura Provisional Administration's efforts to stabilize the region, and another 50,000 to support Operation Secure Haven in managing the migrant crisis.
- 14.IV.1730: The first contingent of Natopian troops arrives in the Southeastern Eura Provisional Administration territory. They immediately begin operations to reinforce local security measures, repair critical infrastructure, and provide humanitarian aid alongside Oportian forces and NGOs.
- 16.IV.1730: Joint Oportian-Natopian patrols commence along the border areas as part of Operation Secure Haven's mandate to secure the border and prevent unauthorized crossings, while also ensuring the safety and well-being of the refugees within the temporary accommodation facilities.
- 20.IV.1730: A series of coordinated cyberattacks target key infrastructure and government institutions in Oportia, including the Department of Defense and the Border Security and Migration Task Force. The attacks are traced back to hacker groups affiliated with the Confederacy of the Dispossessed, raising concerns about the growing sophistication and reach of the organization's cyber capabilities.
- 25.IV.1730: In response to the debilitating cyberattacks, Oportia launches Operation Iron Resolve, a comprehensive initiative to bolster its cybersecurity defenses and counter the Confederacy of the Dispossessed's digital offensive. The operation involves close collaboration with Natopian cybersecurity experts to develop advanced firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and enhanced encryption protocols.
- 30.IV.1730: Joint Oportian-Natopian task forces conduct a series of targeted raids on suspected Dispossessed and Azad Eura hideouts within the Southeastern Eura Provisional Administration territory. The raids yield valuable intelligence on the insurgent groups' organizational structure and supply networks.
- 5.V.1730: Utilizing the intelligence gathered from the raids, Oportia and Natopia launch coordinated airstrikes against key insurgent command and control centers, weapons caches, and training camps. The strikes significantly degrade the operational capabilities of the Dispossessed and Azad Eura.
Operation Shattered Crescent
- 20.V.1730: Oportia, Natopia, and the Suren Confederacy launch Operation Shattered Crescent, targeting key insurgent infrastructure, bases of operation, and supply chains. The operation, characterized by a massive synchronized ground and aerial assaults, marks the beginning of an intensified campaign against the Dispossessed and Azad Eura across the Euran Green aimed at decisively ending the conflict and break the resistance. Over time, despite encountering fierce resistance, Oportian and Natopian troops achieve early crucial victories quickly. The guerrilla tactics of the insurgents, while initially effective, are gradually overcome by superior strategy and firepower from the allied forces.
- 22.V.1730: Surenid columns, pushing out of Kapavia, re-enter their designated zone of occupation, supported by large scale airstrikes against villages, fortified compounds, and nomad encampments along the lines of advance into the Euran interior. The operation showcases a significant enhancement in intelligence-sharing and coordination in the Trans-Euran Command.
- 30.V.1730: The capture of key Dispossessed leaders in a high-stakes operation in Parestan seriously disrupts the command structure of the insurgency in Eura, significantly lowering morale and operational capability among the insurgent ranks in both the Confederacy of the Dispossessed and Azad Eura. Disposessed Field Marshal Hakeem Faris is captured by Raspur Pact forces, a moment of triumph broadcast across Euran TV that showed Surenid forces in Parestan capturing and interrogating Faris. Federal Representative Celine Beaumont addressed the nation soon after, saying "Oportia is safer, stronger, and better with Faris and the Dispossessed broken and beaten."
- 5.VI.1730: Since the capture of Faris, combat intensifies around strategic locations and passes in the Euran interior as Azad Eura and the Dispossessed up the ante with an immediate counteroffensive to avenge the capture of Faris. Despite a steep uptick of ambushes and shelling across the theatre by the insurgent forces, Raspur Pact forces manage to secure vital logistics routes in the interior, further isolating insurgent forces and hampering their mobility.
- 10.VI.1730: A strategic communication outpost of the Confederacy of the Dispossessed is captured by Oportian forces near the ruins of Elaion, revealing plans for counterattacks and the locations of several hidden weapon caches. The outpost also served as a smuggling site and was the last port the insurgency held in their grasp, cutting them off from the Corsair Fleets of the Confederacy and cutting off any further possibility of external support or reinforcement. The information obtained leads to a deluge of preemptive strikes by the Suren Confederacy and Oportia, further demoralizing the insurgent forces.
Political Shift in Oportia
- 11.VI.1730: Amid rising populist and nationalist sentiment, Galilea Montijo's Liberty Now! Movement begins to gain significant political momentum, criticizing the existing administration's handling of the ongoing conflict and promising a swift and decisive end to the insurgency. Public rallies and speeches by Montijo draw large crowds, highlighting widespread public dissatisfaction with the status quo and a yearning for change. Her speeches and rallies come to be known for violent incidents and clashes with protestors. Throughout the campaign she employs blistering criticisms of her opponents with great effect, especially the outgoing Federal Representative Celine Beaumont (LPP) and the FCU's Lawrence Marchelier.
- 15.VII.1730: After a vicious and contentious political campaign, Oportia's general election results in a victory for the Liberty Now! Movement and Galilea Montijo. Montijo's platform, emphasizing libertarian principles, a free-market economy, and populist rhetoric, resonates with the Oportian populace, leading to a significant political shift. Her new administration vows to continue the fight against the Confederacy of the Dispossessed but with a renewed focus on economic development and leveraging private military companies to reduce the burden on state forces.
- 18.VII.1730: In the weeks following the election, Montijo assembles a transition team composed of military strategists, economic advisors, and foreign policy experts to prepare for a smooth handover of power. This team immediately begins consultations with the Trans-Euran Command and Natopia to reassess military strategies and ensure continuity in the allied effort against the Dispossessed and Azad Eura.
- 15.VIII.1730: The Liberty Now! Movement, capitalizing on its electoral mandate, outlines a 100-day plan focusing on security, economy, and governance reforms. Key proposals include an overhaul of the defense procurement process to prioritize efficiency and accountability, incentives for foreign investment in Oportia's Alexandrium sectors, and a national infrastructure initiative to create jobs and improve transportation and communications networks.
- 24.VIII.1730: Inauguration of Galilea Montijo: Galilea Montijo is sworn in as Federal Representative of Oportia. In her inaugural address, she vows to use "unprecedented measures" to ensure victory against the Dispossessed and Azad Eura, signaling a potential shift in military strategy. Montijo's speech highlights plans for increased collaboration with private defense contractors, enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect Oportia's digital infrastructure, and a significant boost in funding for the Oportian Armed Forces to acquire advanced weaponry and equipment. The address concludes with a call for national unity and resilience, emphasizing that the path to peace and prosperity requires sacrifice and collaboration across all sectors of Oportian society.
Operation Liberty's Shield
- 1.IX.1730: Under Montijo's leadership, Oportia initiates Operation Liberty's Shield, an ambitious campaign that intertwines economic warfare, information dominance, and the strategic use of private military companies (PMCs) to reinforce national defense efforts. This multifaceted approach aims to destabilize the insurgents economically, cripple their communication networks, and enhance the military's operational capabilities through private sector efficiency and innovation.
- 5.IX.1730: Oportian and Surenid forces, bolstered by technological and intelligence support from Natopia and Nouvelle Alexandrie, executes a series of sophisticated cyber operations targeted at the digital infrastructure of the Dispossessed and Azad Eura. These operations successfully infiltrate and dismantle critical command, control, and communications systems, severely disrupting the insurgents' coordination and response capabilities. The cyberattacks are so effective that they lead to widespread confusion and mistrust within insurgent ranks, as orders fail to be communicated, and reports of phantom attacks create a climate of paranoia.
- 10.IX.1730: Exploiting the chaos sown by cyber warfare, Oportian forces, in conjunction with PMCs, initiate a series of precision strikes against known insurgent supply lines and ammunition depots. The strikes are based on intelligence gathered through the cyber operations, demonstrating the lethal synergy between cyber and conventional military strategies. The result is a significant depletion of the insurgents' logistical capabilities, leaving their front-line units under-equipped and demoralized.
- 15.IX.1730: The culmination of these efforts is the decisive battle in Parestan, where a combined force of Oportian and Surenid forces, supported by elements of the Oportian Private Defense Consortium, successfully encircles and neutralizes the last significant stronghold of the Dispossessed. The battle, marked by intense urban combat and the strategic use of drone surveillance and airstrikes, represents a major turning point in Operation Verdant Reach. The fall of Parestan, once a bastion of insurgent resistance, signals the imminent collapse of organized insurgent operations in the region.
- 18.IX.1730: In the aftermath of Parestan's fall, key figures within the Dispossessed and Azad Eura make several critical errors, including fragmented attempts to regroup in areas heavily monitored by Oportian intelligence. Miscommunications and mistrust lead to several accidental engagements between insurgent cells, further depleting their strength. One particularly devastating blunder involves a failed attempt to ambush an Oportian convoy, which instead leads to the ambushers walking into a trap set by Oportian Special Forces, resulting in the capture of several high-value insurgents.
- 20.IX.1730: In a bold and controversial move, Montijo extends an olive branch to moderate factions within the Dispossessed and Azad Eura, offering amnesty and integration into Oportian society in exchange for laying down arms and sharing intelligence on remaining insurgent elements. The initiative, part of a broader strategy to sow discord among insurgent ranks and encourage defections, receives mixed reactions domestically. While it successfully leads to the surrender and cooperation of a significant number of insurgents, it also sparks intense debate and criticism from various factions within Oportia, including Montijo's own base of support. Critics argue that offering amnesty to former insurgents could undermine the rule of law and justice for their victims, while proponents highlight the pragmatic necessity of ending the conflict and fostering national reconciliation.
Public Discontent in Natopia
- 25.IX.1730: Public discontent in Natopia reaches a new peak following the release of a distressing video by Azad Eura, showcasing two Natopian soldiers captured during an ill-fated reconnaissance mission in the southeastern Eura. The video, which rapidly circulates on social media platforms and news outlets, ignites a firestorm of backlash among the Natopian public. Critics of the military intervention in Oportia seize upon the incident as evidence of the operation's high human cost and questionable strategic value, sparking widespread debates across various forums, from the halls of the Frenzy to the streets of its cities.
- 27.IX.1730: The emotional impact of the video galvanizes anti-war groups and concerned citizens, leading to organized protests in major Natopian cities. Protesters decry the government's foreign policy, emphasizing the need to prioritize Natopian lives and resources on solving domestic issues rather than engaging in foreign conflicts. The protests, while mostly peaceful, underscore a growing divide within Natopia over its role on the international stage and its involvement in Oportia's conflict.
- 30.IX.1730: In a televised address, Natopian Chancellor Arjuna Dhritarashtra announces that the two Natopian soldiers captured by Azad Eura were rescued by an allied rescue mission earlier that day. In the address, he acknowledges the public's concerns and announces the initiation of a comprehensive strategic review of Natopia's military involvement in Oportia. He expresses his empathy for the families of the captured soldiers and reaffirms Natopia's unwavering commitment to the Raspur Pact. Chancellor Dhritarashtra stresses that while Natopia remains dedicated to regional stability and the eradication of threats posed by the Confederacy of the Dispossessed and Azad Eura, it must also "weigh the costs of its engagements abroad with the interests and well-being of its citizens".
- 5.X.1730: The strategic review culminates in Chancellor Dhritarashtra's announcement of a phased withdrawal plan for all ground troops deployed in Oportia, to be executed over the coming months. However, he clarifies that Natopia will maintain its naval deployment in the region to secure key maritime routes and continue providing air and space support to Oportian forces. This decision aims to balance Natopia's commitment to its allies and regional security with the growing demand from its citizens for a recalibration of its foreign policy priorities. The Chancellor's announcement is met with mixed reactions; relief and approval from anti-war advocates and concern from those who fear that the withdrawal might embolden insurgent forces.
The Beginning of the End
- 5.X.1730: A daring raid conducted by joint Oportian-Surenid special forces in Parestan, near the Surenid border, results in the capture of the top leadership of the Dispossessed and significant members of Azad Eura. The operation, hailed as a strategic masterstroke, significantly disrupts the insurgents' operational capabilities in southeastern Eura. The raid is such a crushing success that the remaining pockets of resistance begin to slowly crumble or surrender. This action marks a pivotal moment, severely undermining the insurgency's command structure and morale.
- 6.X.1730: In the wake of the successful raid, Oportian forces launch a targeted campaign to seize control of critical supply lines and communication networks previously held by the insurgents. These efforts effectively isolate the remaining pockets of resistance, cutting them off from any potential reinforcements or resources.
- 7.X.1730: Oportian intelligence services, leveraging information obtained from the raid, direct precision strikes against hidden weapon caches and logistical hubs across the region. These strikes further deplete the insurgents' dwindling resources, leaving them ill-equipped to mount effective defenses or counterattacks.
- 8.X.1730: Reports begin to surface in social media of significant desertions within the ranks of the Dispossessed and Azad Eura. Many fighters, demoralized by the recent defeats and the loss of their leaders, begin to surrender to Oportian forces or attempt to flee the region. This wave of desertions accelerates the disintegration of insurgent capabilities.
- 9.X.1730: Amidst the backdrop of military successes, Federal Representative Galilea Montijo, seeking to bolster morale and demonstrate solidarity, makes an unannounced visit to Camp Reze. Surrounded by the arid landscapes of southeastern Eura, Montijo delivers a stirring oration commending the troops on their unwavering dedication and sacrifice. The visit, kept secret for security reasons until its successful conclusion, is broadcast later the same day, capturing the hearts of the Oportian public and reaffirming the national resolve to support the military efforts.
- 10.X.1730:
- A major insurgent hideout in the mountainous terrain near Parestan is overrun by Oportian ground forces, supported by Natopian aerial reconnaissance. The operation results in the capture of key insurgent commanders and a trove of intelligence data, further crippling the already weakened insurgent factions.
- Following the raids, a series of quick, decisive battles near the remaining insurgent strongholds in Parestan lead to further victories for Oportian and Surenid forces. The remnants of the Dispossessed and Azad Eura are pushed further into isolated pockets of resistance, with many choosing to surrender in the face of overwhelming odds.
- 11.X.1730: In a symbolic gesture of their dwindling power, the last known operational base of the Dispossessed in southeastern Eura is captured by Oportian forces without a fight. The base, found abandoned but stocked with plans for future operations that will never come to fruition, represents the final nail in the coffin for the insurgency.
- 12.X.1730: Capitalizing on the wave of public support following the Federal Representative's visit, Oportian forces initiate a relentless pursuit of the remaining insurgent cells. Ground units, emboldened by the high morale and backed by superior intelligence, dismantle several minor hideouts, further constricting the insurgents' room to maneuver.
- 13.X.1730: Oportian media outlets, in conjunction with state announcements, report the near-total collapse of the Dispossessed's and Azad Eura's territorial hold in the region. Images and footage of captured insurgents, along with caches of surrendered weapons, underscore the decisive turn in the conflict.
- 14.X.1730: The Oportian military command, in a move to consolidate control over the region, establishes a series of fortified forward bases along critical junctions, ensuring any resurgence of insurgent activity can be swiftly addressed. These bases also serve as hubs for reconstruction and stabilization efforts.
Operation Verdant Peace
- 15.X.1730: In a landmark announcement, Federal Representative Galilea Montijo declares the shift to Operation Verdant Peace, marking a transition from intensive military engagement to a sustainable peacekeeping and reconstruction initiative across the conflict zones in southeastern Eura. Montijo asserts that the main goal of Operation Verdant Peace is to facilitate the healing of war-torn communities, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure rebuilding, the revival of local governance, and economic revitalization. This mission is designated to be carried out under the auspices of the Southeastern Eura Provisional Administration, with the dual mandate of maintaining order and spearheading development efforts.
- 20.X.1730: Montijo elaborates on the logistical nuances of the drawdown strategy, announcing a phased rotation plan of the Natopian expeditionary forces. She details that the rotation will involve a systematic replacement of Natopian troops with a multinational peacekeeping contingent drawn from the Trans-Euran Command, ensuring a steady transition that prioritizes regional stability and peace enforcement. The reduction of Natopian forces is also accompanied by the establishment of joint logistics hubs to support the incoming Trans-Euran Command troops, and the redeployment of Natopian military assets to strategic reserves for rapid response if necessary.
- 1.XI.1730: Although large-scale hostilities have ceased, intelligence reports confirm ongoing low-intensity engagements with residual insurgent cells. Oportian security forces, in collaboration with the incoming Trans-Euran Command peacekeepers, are conducting counter-insurgency operations to address the lingering threat. Local commanders report logistical hurdles, such as the integration of varied military doctrines and the challenges of coordinating between multiple national contingents within the peacekeeping force. Despite these difficulties, morale remains cautiously optimistic, with commanders expressing confidence in the ultimate success of Operation Verdant Peace.
Gallery
Scenes from the Battle of Al-Zuhur, 1730 AN.
Operation Verdant Reach by III.1730 AN.
Operation Verdant Reach by IX.1730 AN.
See also
- Alexandrium
- Alexandrium Wars
- Bitter Spring
- Confederacy of the Dispossessed
- Azad Eura
- Southeastern Eura Provisional Administration
- Raspur Pact
- Committee of Euran Salvation
- Euran Economic Union
Notes
- ^ The initial expedient, of punching them until one in their company elected to remember how to converse in Babkhi or Istvanistani proved unsuccessful – to the disappointment of the naval ratings and the petty officer who oversaw the boarding action and arrests.
