NationStates Jolt Archive

Reports of unsettled attacks on the southern region came to Emir Jalal as he was enjoyed the scenery of Alexandria. The advisor came up and informed him most privately:

"The Nubians are rising, and they've started attacking our borders."

Jalal seemed confused. "They are too weak to organize into a strong force. What's the report?"

"General Aziz says that as many as 10000 riotous folk are harassing the border. They demand that we return the Darfur and Sina regions to Sudan."

"They don't even have a standing government."

"Sire, I suggest a plan." With those words entered General Qadir as-Salah, a noted commander at the General Staff in Cairo. He presented the Emir with a document on his desk and explained the plan. "Our southern neighbor has had no effective government to insure protections of their people - the Muslims are under oppression by noted minorities, and I believe that the Emirate has the duty to establish order in a region that is otherwise inhospitable to civilized people."

"Invade Sudan? We had some problems last time, didn't we?" Emir Jalal replied.

"No, sire. That was the British. We have a more advanced army now, and our forces in Aswan are ready to move farther south and occupy the territories there. General Aziz has but to hear your authority to confirm the advance, and we will secure the territory."

"The Army of Aswan has a small force. If we are to invade to restore order, we will need a larger force."

"It might be well to invite our allies?"

"No. This is an affair of the Emirate - we ought not to burden them with our affairs."

"Very well," General as-Salah said. "I presume that you approve of the actions?"

"If only to protect the citizens of the Emirate and to institute order in a state of anarchy - yes. Do what is necessary. And Aswan is too small to invade alone. Call up forces from Suez - an attachment of 20000 troops. That ought to provide enough support for the first stages."

"Of course, Emir. As-Salaam Alaikum."

OOC: I would get involved but I dont have a military thanks to the new rule. And I'm still waiting for a reply from Shaina.

Prime Minister Nasir sat in his office reading the newspaper. Reports were saying that there was some unrest in the Sudan. Nasir felt it hard to believe, the people of Sudan may not be..civilized, but they were no means violent. Nasir's fears sprung up when he saw the news report.

"Thousands raise arms in Sudan....violent warlords ascend....chaos runs rampant..."

Nasir only could shut his eyes. He rubbed his temples in hopes to ease the headache that his responsibilities had brought on. Attempting to advance Arabicia was proving difficult. The door of the office burst open and the guard standing in the corner of the room quickly jerked ahead of Nasir to see what the disturbance was. The door had been opened by Ben Heitz, whom was in the middle of upbraiding Kahled Hosseini.

"We aren't anywhere NEAR ready to intervene! You'd be crazy," Heitz roared

Khaled Hosseini was a man of patience however, that's why he was a diplomat and not a soldier. He slowly closed his eyes and responded softly, "It is our responsibility."

Nasir interrupted their conversation, "What is this about? I don't expect to see my Defense Minister and Foreign Relations Adviser arguing so soon."

"It's the Sudan,sir. Your foreign minister thinks we need to offer aid to our allies." Heitz stared right at Hosseini throughout his statement

The Foreign minister was not as easily flustered and said clearly, "Sir, The Emirate of Alif Laam Miim is having difficulty in the southern border. We, as their allies msut respond in their support at a minimum."

Nasir paused for, but a moment, giving Heitz his moment of thought and then replied, "Of course. I'll have a statement draft immeadiatly. Thank you both." With that both Heitz and Hosseini were dismissed.

A statement was soon issued by the Prime Minister


To: The great, Emir Jalal of Alif Laam Miim
From: The Riyadh Office of Abdul al Nasir, Prime Minister of The People's Republic of Arabicia
Re: The Sudanese Conflict

Emir Jalal,
While it is my displeasure to be unable to speak to you in person I would like to say how happy we are to consider ourselves an ally of the Emirate. We only wish that this message were sent in better times. I have heard that there are conflicts arising in the Sudan area. While we respect your right to deal with the issue accordingly and in your way, we would like to offer you any form of assistance possible. Know that the tools Arabicia has to use are available for the Emirate to use as well.

Prime Minister Abdul al Nasir
Abdul al Nasir

Aziz looked at the reports coming. The early attacks had been repulsed, but at unusually high costs - almost 100 dead and 50 casualties. He halted the advance, about 50 miles south of the border, and awaited for his additional 20000 support coming from the Suez. His subordinate commanders tended to disagree.

"We have routed the enemy. We should press on toward Khartoum!"

Aziz kept a level head as he heard their opinions. "Our forces will soon be over-stretched if we continue. We must remember to maintain our support lines or else risk losing contact with our parent forces."

"That's way we have border guards!" one of the commmander said. "They can hold our rear while we press forward. In fact, they should be helping us, since all of the territory is soon to become part of the Emirate."

"I want to agree, but the Emir has not authorized it yet. I have the feeling that he is more reluctant than most to continue this operation."

"Well, sitting in the middle of the Sudan is not going to get anywhere farther. In fact, it makes our men stand out like target practice for the rebels. We should press on."

"We will advance only when we have adequate support," Aziz said. "Until then, we will bombard enemy positions to drive them away and reduce their ability to organize an effective attack."

"This is preposterous! We outnumber them, out-support them, and outgun them! I'm surprised that we're not already ini Khartoum!"

"Keep your head cool. Hasty invasions never go well for the attackers. I want Sudan pacified when we're through here."

-Sir, look at this satellite photo! Lieutenant Eriksson ran into General Andersson's office.
-Hmm... WTF! What are they doing? Why the heck are they making so large troop movements? said General Andersson.

He was worried. Last time there was a big military activity in the Suez area was when Egypt and Israel were at war about the Sinai peninsula, and of course, The Suez Canal. What were they up to this time?

-We have good relations with the Emirate nowadays, but I'm still concerned. Thank you Eriksson, you may dismiss.

When Eriksson closed the door behind him, General Andersson were already in the phone. He talked to the Supreme Commander.

-Yes, I can see large troop movements. And I don't like this. told Andersson.
-OK, I'm not going to be caught with my pants down. We're going to Defcon 3 immediately! Andersson, make sure you have planes in the air in half an hour. They must circulate the southern parts of Israel 24/7 from now. I'll talk to the Strategic Command and the Air Defense Network. You can arrange the Magav (Israeli Border Guards).

-Yes sir, right away! answered General Andersson.

When they hang up the Supreme Commander walked into the secretary of defense's room. The door closed behind him...


Encrypted Telegram to Emirate of Alif Laam Miim

Our intelligence service Mossad (The Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations) has detected an increased military activity and large troop movements in the Suez area.

We're very concerned about this, you know our history...

If you have something you want to tell us, please respond to this telegram within 2 hours. We have put our whole military service at highest alert, and I don't want them to make a mistake.

General Carl Hamilton
Secretary of Defense
Kingdom of Kopparbergs


20 minutes after the telegram was sent to the Emirate, a large amount of planes begun to circulate in the southern parts of the Israeli airspace.

Prime Minister Abdul al Nasir,

We are grateful to hear your willingness to support our operations. We do not require any assistance at the moment, but we will consider your offers with much thought. As Salaam Alaikum, dear friend!

Prime Minister Yusuf Hassan

===

Secretary of Defense General Carl Hamilton,

We are deeply sorry that our troops movement from the Suez region caused your people distress. Our troops are being moved south to the Sudan region, where the ALM Army is busy fighting off a rebellion in an anarchic region. WE give you our sincere assertions that we have no hostile intentions with our troop movements. If you require proof, we shall allow one military attache from your Kingdom to accompany our troops there, in an act of good faith and one of calming reassurances. We hope that you are content with this response.

Minister of Defense Salil as-Salah Ibn-Ibrahim

[ooc: I see you've read my history :D]

To: Minister of Defense Salil as-Salah Ibn-Ibrahim

Thank you very much! That was very good news to us, as we wish to continue the good relations between our two nations.
There's no need to send a military attaché to Sudan as we trust your word. We'll just confirm it with a new satellite photo within a couple of hours.
We wish you all luck with your Sudan campaign. We have no possibility to help you with reinforcements in Sudan at the moment, but please tell us if there's anything we can do for you!

General Carl Hamilton
Secretary of Defense
Kingdom of Kopparbergs

The 20000 troops had arrived near the main force, where fighting was somewhat dulled to the artillery attacks. With the extra security at hand, General Aziz continued his move south. During the offensive break, he spent some time gathering grunt intel and wiring coordinates for the ALM Air Force to strike, so that the ground offensive could continue more unihibited to rallying attacks by the Sudanese.

The original force of 10000 was long gone, but somewhere in the neighborhood of 25000 was spotted, a massive riot sprawling north. The intel suggested civilians on trucks, but General Aziz knew better. This was a remnant of the the Sudanese army, and though he outnumbered them, he couldn't afford anymore heaevy casualties. Stopping the offensive another 24 km from the original position, he gathered his commanders again, and they discussed what should be done.

"It's just a mass of insane people - blow them with artillery and tanks, and we'll solve half the problem."

"I had thought this, but that would be reckless and unnecessary," General Aziz replied.

"General, you have been too apprehensive to try the full might of the ALM Army. I have better confidence in my troops, and I suggest we shoot them down like the ducks they are!"

"That is also unnecessary. We need something to disperse that army before it reaches us, so the loss of life is minimized."

"That's the stupidest thing I've heard yet! If we don't kill them, they will rally and try again, when we're not so ready. If we kill them now, there won't be anything to worry about."

"Our objective is to acquire the Sudan, not destroy it. The people have not felt the order of government for the longest time, and it seems pointless to enforce more chaos by killing them as they oppose us. We need to show them that we are beneficient and merciful."

"May I suggest that we use propoganda? It's often worked in the past."

"When there was time! General, if we blast them to Hell, we can convince the people by force that the better way is with us than with them. If we face a battle, we will likely destroy half of the opposition before it reaches us. We need to prove to them that we will not lose."

General Aziz pondered the options. This commander had a sound opinion, but he felt that the loss in life would prove to work against the army, instead of for it. On the other hand, tacit repulsion would only help to convince the enemy that there was nothing to fear from them. It seemed that only battle would bring the results he desired - which meant dead bodies. He needed to prepare.

"At the rate that the enemy approaches, we will have about 6 hours to arrange in battle. I want all units to stand ready for combat. Let them exhaust themselves and run them onto us. There are numerous ridges in this territory as well - it will be difficult for an advance, so we will let them show themselves to us."

"6 hours? It will take me 2 hours to get back to my lines!"

"That is what Allah has given us - let us use it wisely then."

And the battle would come...

The battle came... and it wasn't exactly as General Aziz had anticipated. The attack was more disorganized and incomprehensive. The ALM lines held steadfastly and the Sudanese militants quickly routed. Casualties were minimal on both sides - 300 dead and 500 injured on the ALM side. The Sudanese supposedly had 4000 casualties, but they wouldn't report it - they were too busy to retreat.

Nonetheless, General Aziz was at least pleased that his troops held their place and the army advanced another 56 km. They were on the outskirts of Khartoum, ready to assault the city. Despite the victory, General Aziz remained hesitant to order an attack. Instead, he called the air force to bombard the city, given the key locations obtained from local intel. And while he waited for the resistance in Khartoum to subside, he consulted Major Ghazi, a former student at the Academy in Benghazi.

"We're doing this thing wrong," he remarked.

"We're doing it exactly as our superiors had authorized," Ghazi replied. "You are doing a wonderful job."

"Yes, but we could be doing a better job. We have a limited special forces unit to interact with the people in Sudan - what we need is more civilian support, so I don't have to lead this army into the heart of Sudan to conquer it. That will take years, given our current forces."

"I've already consulted the High Command in Al Qahirah; they've approved sending commando units into equitorial regions to convince and rally the people in that part of the country. Trust me - we're doing out job, and it's not like everyone hates the ALM coalition. There are people who realize what kind of life awaits them under the reign of the Emir."

"Well, there still remain the elements that oppose us."

"And we will root them out."

"We need more men."

"The Emir has been generous in giving us what we need. 50,000 men will suffice for the task at hand. After all, we aren't fighting any particular enemy in the Sudan - only people discontented with the world."

"You are very convincing, Ghazi."

"I aim to please, sir."

"How long do you anticipate this conflict to run?"

"Well, given our current status, three months at the least."

"Do you think we are well-staffed to finish this in two months?"

"Considering we've spent the past two days marching and we're already at Khartoum - although it wasn't that far anyway - we could if we wanted to do things recklessly. But three months will do fine, General."

"We need more men," Aziz said, content at Ghazi's response. He was honest at least.

While Khartoum rolled under the thunder of air strikes and artillery, Captain Sharif began leading his unit through the semi-dense forests of Sudan. If any resistance was to arise, it would come from these desolate stretches, where armies faced against vegetation that hid dangers of all sorts. He led an elite platoon of somee 30 men, all trained for subsistence survival and rural guerilla combat. They were tasked to rally the people of the country to support the ALM forces, and their weapons were a generous supply of food. They fed the hungry and helped them turn against the anarchic forces that stood to keep Sudan in terror and chaos.

Food wasn't their only weapon - they also brought luxuries of the city. Clean water, clothes, tools, medicine, even some maps of the area - anything that could convince the people that their life was better in the Emirate than outside of it. And it didn't take much to convince them - the thought of clean water was a liberating experience for many of them, who had suffered so long from debilitating illness of the area - dysentry and malaria. And the idea of being able to clear the vegetation and harnessing the power of the land to sow the seeds for a morer prosperous harvest was also enlightening - most of the villages realize the potential for modern technology to affect their lives in beneficial ways.

The Sudanese forces couldn't really convince the people that their lives were better in a dump than alive at all, as Captain Sharif heard of reports that some of the villages had been massacred by Sudanese forces. His mission date - post 13 - was nearing its termination of phase 1 and its progress into phase 2. And he delighted at hearing the massacres - although he did mourn the loss of valuable human friends in this mess.

Then began phase 2: he began to arm the villages. He would go from village to village, yelling out a rally to them: "The Sudanese prove themselves to be cowardly goats! They are trying to terrorize you into submission, but we have given you fruits of the Emirate that will help your people prosper! You have put two choices - join them or join us! If you choose neither, they will kill you regardless! We have weapons for your defense, but we need you to devote yourselves to defending yourselves while we bring the news to other villages! Will you help us?"

And the reply was nearly a resounding affirmation throughout the villages - very few opted to go against the ALM forces. But rather than show spite for their choices, Captain Sharif decided to leave them in peace. He didn't want to leave the impression that the ALM was just as bad as the Sudanese, so he would leave them alone. Some of his soldiers felt that it was foolhardy, because that only helped the enemy gather more support. But as the events unfolded, it was quite apparent that Sharif's ploy had worked - more of those who had chosen against the ALM reverted to his side, after witnessing and testifying to the harsh truths of the Sudanese guerillas.

Now mission date - post 34 - he began phase 3.

Two months into the conflict, General Aziz was content on the progress, however burdensome it had been. Khartoum had been sealed, although pitched fights still echoed in the streets occassionally. The southern country was rallying to the ALM cause - what remained was the center of the country, which was a vast domain. Sudanese forces perhaps numbered over 100,000 in all, after all of their losses and the desertion of anarchic forces. They were gathering in massive numbers around the city of Rabak, some hundreds of kilometers away, and Aziz knew that even with the massive logistical issues with the Sudanese army, his own army was not going to survive much an attack while Khartoum was under fire. As he had said so many times before, he needed more men.

He sent out units to rally the Sudanese residents to fire for the ALM, but he couldn't count on them to last long. He needed fresh troops from Egypt or Libya. Maybe even one of its allies - but of course, the only ally with an established military was the Sixth Reich, and the Emir would never want to trouble them over it. Arabicia was not as organized as it should be, so he couldn't count too much on them to provide adequate support. What he needed was the brute strength of the ALM Emirate.

He began to draft a letter to the Emir directly, hoping to persuade him to send more men, considering that many of the other regions in the Emirate did not require so much attention, especially in Benghazi:

My Lord Emir Jalal,

It is with good news that I send you this message from Khartoum. The city is nearly completely ours, and the majority of the population has been receptive to our promises of better life. However, in the massive resistance against our forces, the Sudanese have inflicted heavy casualties. Of our force of 50,000, 1000 have been confirmed killed, 4000 have been injured, and a small number are missing in action. While our special forces in Istiwaiyah have made a marked progress in the jungle country, we have yet to subdue an army that has gathered south of Khartoum. Their forces currently number over 100,000, and despite their lack of organization and support, in the current state of our force in Sudan, we might be forced to give up our advances to avoid any major operations. It has been of the greatest fortunate that the Sudanese have not conspired to take the fighting into remote locations where we cannot patrol so easily, for in the field, our forces are technologically and logistically superior. But in terms of numerical superiority, we clearly lack any distinct advantage. Hence, I must request that portions of the Army in Benghazi be reduced to 20,000, and the remaining 30,000 be transferred to the Army of Aswan, where we can certainly use the extra support at the moment. If it is possible, I would also ask to institute a recruitment for 10,000 more soldiers in the next 3 months, to assist in whatever operations remain for us in the Sudan, and a longterm commitment of at least 60,000 troops to the Sudan, to maintain order and the security of our new brethren.

Whatever your decision is, I will accept it as the gracious and most wise decision of the Emir of the Alif Laam Miim Coalition. I anxiously await your reply.


General Abd-Allah Aziz,
Commander 3rd Army Group Aswan

In connection to the Royal Mission in Khartoum, His Excellency Emir Jalal authorizes the mobilization of the 2nd Army Group in Benghazi, to assist in combat operations with the 3rd Army Group in Khartoum. 30,000 troops are to be transferred within one week to Aswan, where they will mobilize for combat. The remaining 20,000 troops are to remain in the Benghazi garrison, to provide support and training for officers at the Alif Laam Miim Military Academy, and furthermore to supplement defense duties there. His Excellency is also preparing to mobilizing 10,000 troops from the Suez garrison, to join the 30,000 reinforcements from Benghazi. In addition, 10,000 troops freshly graduated from military training camps around the country have been selected for the formation of a special combat arms unit to support the operations in and around Khartoum. The troops havev been granted two months additional training for this plan.

Minister of Defense Salil as-Salah Ibn-Ibrahim

[ooc: original post: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11505964&postcount=14]

With this report came the Emir's reply:

As-Salaam Alaikum, General Aziz.

I am glad to hear great news of progress from Khartoum, and it is even more pleasing to hear that combat operations are proving more efficient than expected. Hearing your requests, I have consulted with the military advisors who confirm that your suggestions are viable and necessary solutions to the conflict in the Sudan. Therefore, I have decreed and permitted the Coalition Forces to allot the said number of troops to your specific command. In addition, I have brought additional forces from the Sinai, where our relaxing relations with Israel and the Kopparbergs Kingdom permit a more relaxed military presence on the border. I am hoping that these troops will prove to serve their purpose in the coming weeks and months. While these orders are being carried out, I havev ordered a selection of 10,000 recruits to be trained in auxiliary combat circumstances, to prepare them for joining your unit. These are fresh recruits, out of basic training, hence there will be no need to squander too much time worrying about training new soldiers. This will take about two months to complete and mobilize in Aswan.

I would have rather preferred to have these provisions resolved two months ago, when hostilities began on their part. But as is Allah's will, we shall vanquish them by the means provided. There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is His Prophet - As-Salaam Alaikum, General.

His Most Esteemed Majesty Emir Jalal Ibn Abbas Ibn Mahmud al Misri

Happy to hear this news, General Aziz returned to his even more distressing reports, after hearing that the Sudanese force had grown to an overwhelming 150,000 enemy forces. It was time to start shelling them - he turned to his adjutant and wrote an order for air strikes on the city of Rabak.

The Battle was gearing up for a full fight, as the Sudanese army was moving out from Rabak. Intel suggested that the Sudanese militias couldn't stand the artillery and air strikes, and despite claims of severe collateral damage, the strikes continued to pour in. General Aziz noted the advance and saw that the enemy was moving out in scattered directions north ot Khartoum, now firmly in ALM hands. The south had successfully cleansed the jungles of most Sudanese resistance, and the reinforcements from Benghazi and Suez were well in place to support an attack. With the Sudanese forces numbering around 120,000 [due to desertion, propoganda, and whatever other reason a militiaman would flee the army, in addition to casualties], General Aziz felt that now was the time to strike this force - disorganized, unwieldy, and unable to resist attack.

BATTLE - ALM (General Aziz) / Sudanese Army

http://www.freewebs.com/ducdesaintlazare/sudan%20battle.jpg

Aziz received reports from his right wing and the Sudanese forces were attemptinig to cut them off, swarming in numbers around 40,000. Aziz was somewhat happy at this development - the terrain there was relatively open, and his forces could easily picked out the enemy forces. The battle started lightly, and he could easily watch many of the developments on his western flank from his position across the Nile. They were attacking an entire armored division head-on while numerous infantry units stood nearby to assist. For the moment, the position seemed solid, and he had much of the enemy positions visible to his position on the east bank. Reports of another Sudanese force on the east bank were being investigated at the time, but satelliet images wouldn't be able to confirm this until later - the meantime, he had his air support scouting out down the river.

BATTLE - ALM (General Aziz) / Sudanese Army

http://www.freewebs.com/ducdesaintlazare/sudan%20battle_2.jpg

The battle had been raging for nearly three days, as the Sudanese forces tried to kill their way to the ALM lines. However, against entrenched troops on broad terrain without artillery or armored support, it was plain suicide, and the Sudanese failed to penetrate anywhere. Their casualties numbered around 10,000 in the attacks, mostly due to ineffective charges that disintegrated as soon as they appeared.

General Aziz noted the low statistics of his casualties - 457 dead, and 912 injured. He was extremely pleased, especially considering the majority of the casualties were due to random enemy attacks that never achieved anything. The number of RPG attacks was too low to count - perhaps the Sudanese Army was lacking munition supplies? Still, it seemed too early to make any daring strikes. He continued to pound the enemy positions with artillery.

Just hours later, the Sudanese had remassed south of a tree line and began pushing in semi-armored trucks armed with RPGs and heavy machine guns. This was the big push that Aziz had been expecting - and it seemed that the Sudanese would bank all of their hope into this lone charge. 60,000 organized for the attack, against a weak spot on his left flank, although his troops were safely footed on the east bank.

His commanders begged for an attack to counter this advance, and he willing obliged. He turned to the map and drew up the lines crudely. He then drew out advances and counters, grouping his units carefully. And then he gave his orders.

"General Hamza is turn out half his division to the south and wrap around the attacking lines. General Yasir and General Malaki are to cross the river and meet the enemy advance near General Hamza's lines. I want armored vehicles at the lead with infantry supporting. Artillery will clear the enemy in advance of the clash between our two sides. All other units will hold, even if the enemy routs before them - I will give orders to pursue or hold at the time it should occur."

"For once, General - your voice is very optimistic."

"That is because I have seen this battle before, and Allah has given it to me."

BATTLE - ALM (General Aziz) / Sudanese Army

http://www.freewebs.com/ducdesaintlazare/sudan%20battle_3.jpg

The advance led by armor nearly trashed the entire front line of the attacking Sudanese lines. Casualties began to stack - 25,000 estimated for the Sudanese, while General Aziz suffered a total 1782 deaths and 1959 injuries. It was a surprisingly heavily favored battle, with ALM casualties to an extreme minimum. By surveying the prisoner reports, the Sudanese Army was only banded by the collective will of its soldiers, and whatever left remained didn't seem much to last after this battle. Munitions were limited, and food was scarce. The Sudanese Army was basically ripe for rout. Even if the majority of the army survived the battle, the army itself would kill itself because of its large and unsustainable numbers. Morale wouldn't be enough to keep the collective will of the average soldier to resist the ALM forces. As Aziz had said, Allah had given him this battle.

"Captain Latifi - order General Malaki's armored division to advance and push back the Sudanese. If he makes a goodd push, we'll split the Sudanese in half. Given the horrible state of that army, I'd imagine that only a good push is necessary."

"Yes, sir. Any other orders?"

As he sat there, he surveyed his western flanks and saw elements of the Sudanese withdraw. It had already begun. "Tell Generals Husayn and Hamza that they are to hold their lines, even if the enemy is out of sight. They are my anchor right now, and they must now pursue the enemy."

"Yes, sir. I shall relay all of the orders."

BATTLE - ALM (General Aziz) / Sudanese Army

http://www.freewebs.com/ducdesaintlazare/sudan%20battle_4.jpg

Aziz heard the reports late the afternoon began to settle. An entire day's worth of fighting had seen half of the Sudanese fleeing the field, but there was still the other half.

"General, the enemy has overturned our positions to the south."

"Overturned? Please explain."

"General Yasir and General Karimi were attacked suddenly through the trees and nearly breached Karimi's lines. There's probably at least 30,000 enemy combatants following this attack."

"What's the casualty count from this attack?"

"Overall, our forces have suffered 2314 dead and 3185 injured. In the recent attack, we lost about 4000 men - mostly in the initial shock."

"I presume that your overall statistics didn't include the recent attack?"

"Of course, General Aziz. It will take some time after the battle to fully assess the situation there."

"Very well." General Aziz sighed and paused. The battle had turned to a shaky equilibrium. But he still had a great advantage - his units were disciplined. "Yasir and Karimi must find a common line to hold. I'm sending General Husayn to counter this attack. General Hamza will pursue the enemy about 15 kilometers away from the field, while Malaki will secure our central position. If need be, he will turn east and crash upon the flanks of the enemy."

"Yes sir."

The fifth day of engagements, and the fighting finally turned completely in favor of the ALM forces, with a drive by Malaki's armored units - it was the vital push that routed the enemy forces from the field. In all, the ALM forces suffered 2184 dead, 24 damaged armored vehicles, and 3029 injured. The Sudanese lost over 30,000 men, out of 120,000 that orginally attacked. The remaining forces soon thereafter dissipated into the deserts and the jungles, where they lacked any effective organization to mount any more serious attacks.

With Sudan under effective military control in under 5 months, General Aziz happily relayed the message to Emir Jalal, who had returned to Cairo from his honeymoon in Alexandria:

My Lord Emir Jalal,

The 3rd Army Group has declared victory in the Sudan, and with minimal casualties, we are pleased to report that Sudan has been pacified - to say the least. Our efforts in the countryside to root out lingering enemy forces continues, but I believe any man can walk safely out into the streets once more without fear from random attacks.

Though the Sudan has been militarily acquired, it will be another two years before the Emirate can expect to socially and governmentally register the people of the Sudan under its ascribed protection and benefits. We have yet to repair the infrastructure from the previous civil wars and the recent conflict, and furthermore governmental services have not been yet applied in each governate. My original recommendation for 60,000 troops in maintaining the Sudan is a gross underestimate - we will need at least 100,000 troops to maintain the country.

I hear of disturbing news across the sea, and I pray for our brethren, but we need to secure the Sudan first before we allow the Army of Aswan to leave its post. If need be, we should reorganize the Army of Aswan into two new units - with the effective military command of the Army of Khartoum creating a new Army Group, and the Army of Aswan returning and demobilizing [for the moment] in the Aswan District.

I begin my tasks to manage the Sudan, my liege. I pray that Allah gives you much health and wisdom.

General Abd-Allah Aziz,
Commander 3rd Army Group Aswan

Government services have returned to Khartoum, as General Aziz begins the program to modernize Sudan. His request for a standing army of 100,000 went unanswered, but a reply was due as soon as the General Staff decided and gave their advice to the Emir. The Prime Minister expressed his support, having been a military soldier in the ALM coalition, during the war against Britain. He knew what kind of trouble an anarchic society could store, and it gave Aziz some comfort to know this country didn't have stupid idiots running it around. The Emir was wise and confident - the General Staff was knowledgeable and often delicate - and the Ministries had every intuition to give support where it direly needed it.

The Ministry of Domestic Affairs had just installed a new center to aid in the reconstruction of Khartoum, to coordinate residential and industrial zoning. The Ministry of Defense installed forts around Khartoum, to house the soldiers, and likewise built recruitment centers to address the future requirement of the Sudanese people to serve in the ALM coalition. The Ministry of Justice refinished the courts in Khartoum, to address the judicial needs of the people, to ascertain the rights and properties of the citizens, and to make certain that the laws are known in a land that knew no laws. It was all going well and according to plan.

News from the Sudan suggest massive reforms and integration projects have been largely successful in improving the living conditions in the Sudan. Furthermore, the remnant forces of the former Sudanese military have surrendered in large part to the Emirate, where many of those deemed "fit for service" have been reintegrated into the Emirate's armed forces. They have undergone training in Benghazi and Khartoum, although their numbers are only so insignificant that records in the Emirate only suggest a modest increase, only enough to cover those who died in the Sudanese conflict. Integration in whole has not been completed, but areas east of Khartoum see a vastly integrated network of social, governmental, and miliary support structures and organizations. The western provinces have yet to become fully integrated, in part to their desolate terrain and somewhat underfunded infrastructure system in place. Once the Sudan becomes integrated, General Aziz says that the Emirate will receive the full authority in the Sudan, rather than the military, as it stands.

here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11702426&postcount=515)