Sathrati Emergency
| Sathrati Emergency | |||||||
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| Part of Shiro-Benacian conflict | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Sathrati
|  Shireroth
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| Units involved | |||||||
| See also: Order of battle for Combined Sathrati Forces, 1730 |
1730 - 1731 AN: Department of MASS: From 1731 and onwards:
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| Strength | |||||||
| 452,519 soldiers | |||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| Catastrophic | Heavy | ||||||
The Sathrati Emergency was an invasion scare in the Emirate of Sathrati when an intervention by the Imperial Forces to overturn the Protocols of Erudition and depose the Council of Sathrati was expected. None of the Khaz Modanese island groups (So-Sara being the largest) except for Zy-Rodun, took the side of the Council of Sathrati. This being accounted for by the main So-Sara islands having fallen under the sway of Drak-Modan and thus outside the bounds of the Protocols of Erudition, although the presence of Imperial Legions undoubtedly helped in this regard.
The crisis would see the Honourable Company go to considerable lengths to protect its long established investments in the region.
Strategically, in the context of the Shiro-Benacian Cold War, the advantage enjoyed by the Imperial Navy of Shireroth over the Maritime Forces of the Benacian Union inhibited the Union-State from directly intervening on behalf of its clients in the Emirate, but nonetheless it was heavily commited to providing logistical and technical support to the Jaysh al-Sathrati and was further suspected, once the Imperial blockade of the islands took effect, of continuing covert resupply operations from Sabatini Isle to Mirioth via an obscure island controlled by various pirate groups and smuggler gangs.
Overview of Sathrati preparations
In Laemill (VIII) of 1730 AN, rising tensions with the Imperial government in Raynor's Keep led the Council of Sathrati to issue a "Declaration of Preparedness" amid fears of an imminent Shirerithian intervention to overturn the Protocols of Erudition and depose the Council. This directive set in motion a series of defensive measures across the Sathrati islands.
The paramilitary and militia forces present in the islands were temporarily integrated into a unified "Combined Sathrati Forces" built around the command structure and hierarchy of the Jaysh al-Sathrati. Zurvanudin Miran al-Osman, an experienced military leader, was appointed overall commander of these forces which fell under the strategic control of the Southern Banner Group of Benacia Command.
To better coordinate the defence, each of the major islands - Amity, Mirioth, Yardistan, and Zy-Rodun - was designated as its own "Defence Sector" led by an appointed commandant. The two corps of the Jaysh al-Sathrati divided responsibilities, with the I Corps overseeing Yardistan and the II Corps managing the other three sectors.
Available military assets of the Jaysh were assigned to reinforce each of the sectors based on assessments by the high command. This included significant numbers of infantry, armoured cavalry, artillery, and air support units fanning out across strategic locations on the islands.
Civil defence measures were also implemented. All airports and ports were closed except those granted specific exemptions. The Sathrati Vanguard Corps, a paramilitary wing of a major political party, mobilised defence volunteer units in each local bailiwick to assist with patrols, static defence, and security missions.
Infernal machines were spotted being laid in the waters near Novi Nigrad, suggesting preparations for coastal defense as well. Meanwhile, a "peace camp" was established in the capital, Novi Nigrad, by anti-war centenarians, though authorities allowed this protest to proceed.
With forces moving into defensive positions and the islands effectively in lockdown, the Combined Sathrati Forces waited tensely through 1730.
Shirerithian preparations
From the outset it was apparent that the campaign to retake Sathrati would be on a scale unlike anything hitherto undertaken during compliance operations undertaken in Guttuli or against the nobles of Kildare. The build up to Thuylemans' offensive would see the resources of the Imperial Republic marshalled on a scale unseen since the height of the Sxiro-Jingdaoese Confrontation, with the difference being that now the combined resources of both halves of the Imperium would be brought to bear upon the restive isles.
Until the Sathrati situation was dealt with, Shireroth would not be able to bring the full force of its might down upon the Benacian Union. To leave some of the most populous Imperial dominions, on the southern islands astride the maritime routes of the Shire Sea, in the hands of a rogue regime aligned to the northern foe would be unconscionable.
However, the extent of the defensive preparations undertaken by the Council of Sathrati, the logistical and economic support provided to Sathrati by blockade-runners sponsored by the Honourable Company, and the altered political dynamics of the Emirate in the aftermath of the Articles of Just Secession, all meant that the rapid successes of the conquest of Zy-Rodun were unlikely to be repeated on Amity, Mirioth, or Yardistan. Yet it would also be intolerable for the status quo, punctuated only by periodic blockade enforcement actions, to continue into 1731 AN. A demonstration of overwhelming Imperial might would have to be given.
Preparing Operation Thuylemans' Wave
The assembled invasion force, which took shape over the first four months of 1732 AN, consisted of a formidable armada comprising over 8,600 vessels, totaling nearly 10 million gross tons. These vessels included requisitioned commercial ships and a multitude of hastily constructed small craft, essential for the ambitious amphibious assault planned by Shireroth.
This armada was tasked with transporting an initial force of over 450,000 auxiliary troops, supported by 2,000 horses, 1,200 armored vehicles and tanks, and 1,500 artillery pieces. Such a massive deployment necessitated vast quantities of supplies, including over 2.5 million tons of ammunition, construction materials, fuel, and provisions. To manage potential casualties, over 100 hospital ships were prepared to evacuate up to 25,000 wounded soldiers from the beachheads (with the aerial transport ships ready to aid in the endeavor once the army cleared the coastal surroundings of anti-aircraft batteries).
Supporting the invasion force were 1,550 gunboats, artillery barges, and coastal defense craft, crucial for providing offshore fire support during the landings and subsequent operations.
However, the monumental task of assembling and equipping this armada came at a considerable cost to Shireroth. The endeavor required unprecedented economic disruption and the mobilization of national resources on a scale not seen before. It strained raw material stockpiles, industrial capacity, and diverted labor from other critical sectors of the economy. To meet the aggressive production schedule, Shireroth implemented drastic measures akin to totalitarian management techniques, reminiscent of the Tegong system. These measures aimed to quadruple production rates but inevitably led to compromises in quality, significant inefficiencies, and high human costs. Despite these challenges, the Steward and leadership of Shireroth remained resolute in their commitment to the operation, viewing it as a necessary investment in securing national interests and restoring stability to the Imperial Republic. The 1732 Malak Stadium massacre and 1732 Shirekeep rocket attacks would later underline the importance of the draconic and totalitarian measures to the general public and strengthen the position of the government.
While Operation Thuylemans' Wave represented a monumental feat of logistical and military planning, its execution underscored the profound sacrifices and strategic imperatives driving the Imperial Republic towards a costly campaign, worrying several financial experts of the consequences of a long-standing conflict in the future.
Timeline
1730
- 1730.VII.2: The Second Thuylemans Cabinet signs Imperial Decree 1226, banning the influence of foreign organisations and companies in Shirerithian government institutions. While Sathrati isn't named even once, the Decree is clearly meant to undermine the Council of Sathrati and Protocols of Erudition.
- 1730.VII.13–1730.VIII.12: ESB-Jagdverbände began to arrive in Sathrati, taking over primary responsibility for the security of the Council of Sathrati headquarters in Novi Nigrad, the members of the council resident in the isles, and Novi Nigrad International Airport.
- 1730.VIII.19: Following reports from the political officer paid to attend upon the Chamber of Petitions and Pleas and represent the interests of the Council at the Imperial Court in Raynor's Keep, alongside similar concerning diplomatic cables from the legation of the Benacian Union to the Commission for Foreign Affairs, a "Declaration of Preparedness" was issued by the Council of Sathrati, formalising the temporary integration of paramilitary and militia formations present in the Emirate into the Combined Sathrati Forces, the establishment of defence sectors, and certain measures of preparedness to be undertaken across each of the sectors.
- 1730.VIII.20: Inshore craft observed to be engaged in the setting of infernal machines in the roadstead of Novi Nigrad and the adjoining bay areas.
- 1730.VIII.21:
- A peace camp was established in Novi Nigrad. Bemused authorities allowed the initiative, dreamt up by a group of centenarians belonging to the Order of the Holy Lakes to proceed unopposed.
- The Imperial Marshals, assisted by the Pxepcetxežyreho, 8re Dekošyre Ġuseš, started arresting politicians and nobles aligned with ESB on charges of corruptions and bribery, across the Khaz Modanese isles. While successful on So-Sara and most minor isles, police actions in Zy-Rodun were thwarted by armed resistance of the United Free Company.
- 1730.VIII.22:
- Directive on Anti-Invasion Measures and Coastal Defence issued by the Council of Sathrati.
- As a response to the unlawful arrest and detention of ESB employees on the islands of So-Sara, the Jaysh al-Sathrati detained Daniel Mortis du Grifos, Lord Mortis du Grifos and Lord Lieutenant for Amity, and removed him along with his family and staff to an undisclosed location.
1731
- 1731.I.1: With the execution of Abner Shas, the flow of Benacian reports from Shirekeep to the Council of Sathrati is ended.
- 1731.I.24: Reports of significant Shirerithian forces "in transit". Circulars issued to defence sectors restating the importance of adherence to directive 1730-002 on anti-invasion measures and coastal defences.
- 1731.V.11: Despairing of a negotiated accomodation, the Council of Sathrati published the Articles of Just Secession, severing ties with the Imperial Republic until such time as it would declare its own willingness to recognise the Protocols of Erudition.
- 1731.V.13: The Luchtmobiele Brigade secures the Chel Modan Airfield with its paratroopers on the Isle of Zy-Rodun and establishes a forward operating base, enabling further reinforcements and supplies to be brought in from So-Sara Island. They begin to advance towards Zy-Rodun, facing sporadic resistance from Sathrati loyalists and the mercenaries of the United Free Company.
- 1731.V.14: The Luchtmobiele Brigade reaches the outskirts of Zy-Rodun town, where they are met with heavy resistance from Sathrati loyalist forces and the United Free Company. Despite this, they manage to break through the city's defenses, partly aided by superior air support coming in from Arg-e-Isabella.
- 1731.V.16:
- The 40th Inspectorate Regiment surrenders the island of Zy-Rodun to Shiro-Batavian Tribune (Mid Grade) Mark Konincksberg after the last resistance is destroyed near the outskirts of the town of Zy-Rodun. In the aftermath of a surprise attack on the island, a small force of survivors from the United Free Company melted into the jungle rather than participate in the surrender of the 40th Inspectorate Regiment.
- Making use of the diversion and lack of Benacian naval support, the Shirerithian Navy blockades the ports of Amity, Mirioth and Yardistan, preventing resupply or reinforcement from reaching the region by sea. This significantly threatened the opportunity of the Sathrati forces to enjoy further resupply by sea. Novi Nigrad International Airport is shelled by a shore bombardment of the Shirerithian ships in the Novi Nigrad Bay but with little success. It was further assessed that RAS Panopticon Blimps operating in international waters from Sabatini Isle gave the main island defence sectors sufficient warning to disperse to their assigned positions.
- 1731.V.17:
- Combat air patrols by N&H Expeditionary Air Wing and Jaysh al-Sathrati resume over Amity, Mirioth, and Yardistan.
- Patrol patterns of RAS Panopticon Blimps in international waters strongly indicated active ISR surveillance of 4th Fleet assets in theatre, including passive monitoring of electronic communications and emissions.
- A Floret AWACs aircraft, escorted by four F-9 Ashavan III fighter jets attached to the Southern Banner Group of also passed back and forth on a course between Sabatini Isle and Neridia. Further indicating that realtime tactical information was being relayed to the defence sectors on the island. Notably, these aircraft remained scrupulously outside of Sathrati airspace whilst on station, even to the extent of requiring air to air refuelling from allied assets in theatre.
- 1731.V.18: School children and pensioners from working class neighbourhoods paraded through Novi Nigrad carrying anti-war banners and singing Cedrist hymns to the goddess Viviantia. Stewarded by guards from the Sathrati Vanguard Corps, the marchers listened to speeches by the organisers of the centenarian peace camp before being led away to the buses that would convey them to the airfields at Fesanasja, Lunasja, and Vjemajnstaan, as well as to Novi Nigrad International Airport. Once in place at these secure and garrisoned facilities, the carefully selected and vetted volunteer activists would serve as peace observers, ready to document and bear witness to any Shirerithian war crimes against the sites which would house their auxiliary peace camps. Shireroth briefly halted bombing actions and threw out flyers to warn for incoming of bombardments of key facilities: those remaining would be responsible for their own demise.
- 1731.VI.5: The Shiro-Sathrati Expeditionary Force is created to merge auxiliaries and well-trained professional personnel into larger, combat-ready divisions. Command over all troops was given to Lucas Brutun, Master of Soldiers and distant cousin (from mother's side) of Kaiseress Salome.
- 1731.VI.23: The Shirerithian General Staff discusses two potential ways to achieve victory. The choice falls on the Simultaneous Invasion of the three remaining main isles of Sathrati.
1732
- 1733.I.01:
- Louis Thuylemans broadcasts to the nation the speech which gives the start shot to Operation Thuylemans' Wave.
Operation Thuylemans' Wave is unleashed upon the islands after months of preparatory bombardment. The coordinated use of large scale amphibious landings on each of the three main islands, and lighting fast air assault attacks against the remaining dispersal airfields operated by the Sathrati Combined Forces disoriented and overwhelmed the defenders at the point of engagement, allowing for viable bridgeheads and lodgements to be established. In spite of some successes, such as a spirited counterattack by the ESB-Jagdverbande on Yardistan, the Imperial Forces finished the day in possession of the majority of their initial objectives, heavy losses amongst landing craft notwithstanding, and were able to continuously ferry ashore reinforcements and supplies in the ensuing days.
