1731 Sanaman police mission in Cybwlach

The 1731 Sanaman police mission in Cybwlach began on 20.I.1731 when four Independence-class landing docks, six Terhiya-class logistics support vessels and two Semisa-class light aircraft carriers, escorted by six Halimpan-class escort frigates, two Nakita-class destroyers and one Sanilla-class guided missile cruiser, departed Sanaman waters for Aran in Cybwlach. The task force carried three full Marine Expeditionary Regiments, about 6,600 Marines, plus a reduced provost batallion of about 400 soldiers. The police mission was a response to the political upheaval in Calbion, increased offensive posturing by the Benacian Union, crisis in the Suren Confederacy and a potential war between the Benacian Union and Shireroth. Sanama felt a need to establish a presence on Cibola to guarantee access to the Sanaman Antarctic Territory, as well as deny access to foreign powers to Cybwlach. The first stage of the mission was to establish control over Aran, and to prepare for a second stage where military and security control was to be extended to the entire principality. On 29.I.1731, the task force arrived at Aran and unloaded both personnel and cargo.

Establishment

With the turmoil in Calbion, the authorities in Cybwlach could hardly put up any resistance, instead opting for harsh criticism in public and no opposition on the ground. The Sanaman contigent quickly established control over the harbor and airport, allowing Sanama to bring in more personnel and equipment by both air and auxiliary ships. Recognizing the inevitability of surrender, the Iron Company engaged in negotiations with the Sanaman forces, securing permission for their senior leadership to depart for Pentyre aboard their vessels, while relinquishing control over the mining and harbor infrastructure. The Sanaman takeover of Cybwlach had extensive ramifications for both the region and its populace. While it temporarily subdued internal discord by averting immediate foreign intervention, it also signified a loss of self-governance and independence for Cybwlach. Initially framed as a policing endeavor, the Sanaman presence prompted concerns regarding the territory's future governance and trajectory.

In the aftermath of the Fall of Calbion, Cybwlach grappled with the looming threat of foreign dominion, casting a pall over its once-thriving landscape. The events unfolding in Cybwlach mirrored the broader collapse of Calbion, illustrating the complex interplay of political instability, economic exploitation, and external interference that precipitated the nation's demise. Workers in Cybwlach, already marginalized by the dominance of these conglomerates and the absence of robust labor regulations, found their rights further undermined. Exploitative labor practices, such as prolonged working hours, diminished holiday entitlements, and suppression of union activities, became increasingly widespread. Empowered by the lax oversight, the conglomerates prioritized their profit margins over the welfare of their workforce, exacerbating social disparities and fueling tensions within the territory. Amidst this backdrop of internal strife and economic oppression, the arrival of a Sanaman police mission in Cybwlach marked a significant juncture in the region's trajectory. This made the unions and workers of Cybwlach welcome intervention by the Toshaist Sanama, seeing the police mission as a chance to regain rights and privileges previously enjoyed. Sanama, acknowledging this development, guaranteed workers in territories controlled by Sanaman forces that Sanaman labor law would apply.

Extension of control

Following the successful establishment of authority in Aran, the Sanaman police mission in Cybwlach transitioned into a phase of expanding its control across the principality. With the harbor and airport secured, logistical operations were streamlined to facilitate the influx of personnel and equipment necessary for broader governance objectives. Strategic deployments of Marine Expeditionary Regiments and accompanying support units allowed for the gradual extension of military and security control throughout Cybwlach. Concurrently, diplomatic channels were utilized to garner support from local communities and key stakeholders, fostering a semblance of legitimacy for Sanaman oversight.

As Sanaman forces consolidated their presence, efforts were made to address underlying socio-economic grievances exacerbated by previous neglect and exploitation. Initiatives aimed at enhancing labor rights, promoting equitable access to resources, and fostering local autonomy were implemented to mitigate discontent and build trust among the populace. The expansion of Sanaman control in Cybwlach encountered pockets of resistance from entrenched interests and dissenting factions. However, through a combination of strategic diplomacy, targeted security operations, and socio-economic reforms, these challenges were gradually overcome, paving the way for a more stable and inclusive governance framework.

Response

In VII.1731, Prince Deiniol dispatched diplomats to Semisa City to coordinate the occupation and gauge the intentions of the Sanaman government. It quickly became clear that the Sanaman authorities intended to remain in Cybwlach, as it was considered a strategic foothold on Cibola and an important connection to the Sanaman Antarctic Territory. While the delegation sensed a certain degree of pragmatism and possibility for negotation, it was apparent that full withdrawal of Sanaman forces would be very difficult to attain.