Liquidation of the Free Zone

The Liquidation of the Free Zone was an action undertaken by Benacia Command in Kalgachia during the final months of 1730 AN. The objective of the significant deployment was to bring the lieutenancies of Bergberg and Katarsis into full compliance with the ruling Protectorate Council and to introduce forces from the "Central" and "Tiny" banner groups of Benacia Command onto the surface strata therein. The occupation had been long anticipated, as it would remove the last gap in coverage between Benacian and Shirerithian forces on the western front which would be formed along the land border of Batavia.

Background

The "Free Zone" was the informal term applied to that area of the surface of Kalgachia left unoccupied by the forces of the Raspur Pact following Operation Penitent (1717 AN – 1718 AN). Whilst the writ of the newly established protectorate also ran in the two western lieutenancies of Bergberg and Katarsis, this had not been followed up by the introduction of any garrison of the protecting powers, these being the Benacian Union and Northbloom. As such the region had become a haven for those members of the Kalgachi Defence Force who refused to accept their integration into the successor militaries.