NationStates Jolt Archive

For some time, the United Netherlands Government had been watching the deteriorating situation in the former countries of Spain, Portugal and Morocco. It was hoped that the government of those countries would settle their problems, but with the recent collapse of their governments that seems highly unlikly now given the current situation. Those countries have now descend into anarchy and created an unstable element at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea and the vital trade routes of the world. Its hand having been forced the United Netherlands government now decided to fill the power vacuum created by the collapse. The mission was simple, to turn chaos into order.

Months before the official collapse had happen, the United Netherlands had been planing for an operation to bring order back to the Iberian Peninsula, if the nations of the Iberian Peninsula collasped into chaos. It was hoped the operation wouldn’t have to be carried out, but now all that was a mute point as the plan was put into full scale use.

Phase 1: Without the support of the people, this operation would be fought with risks and result in unnecessary deaths. As such, during the preceding months local officials, government agents and key military commanders had been recruited through various means to support the operation, Now Called “Operation Restore Order”. Most of the effort to gather support had been directed in Portugal where it was easier to communicate with the local populace in their native tongue. For the most part, the support of Portugal had been gained. Spain however, was a different matter. Limited success had been meet and how much was left to been seen, it could only be hoped it was enough to secure the country quickly and peacefully. Phase 1 also involved the relocation of forces from across the various dominions that the United Netherlands called home. To ensure a quick takeover, the majority of the United Netherlands forces were to be directed to this operation.

Phase 2: To gain a quick foot-hole, the following forces were to be used a night before the main operation was to take place. The Van Campen Parachute Regiment would seize the small country of Andorra to allow the ground forces a easy access into the heart of the Iberian Peninsula. The Janson Oost-Vlaanderen Parachute Regiment would seize the Spanish Agoncillo/Logroño and Zaragoza airfields to provide an airfield for the Air Forces of the United Netherlands. The Willem Jansz Special Forces Battalion would be divided into its teams and sent to make sure that the Spanish officials supported the Royal Netherlands forces. A viable lessen learned during the Malagasy campaign not long ago. The IJzertoren Special Forces Battalion would do the same but in Portugal.

Phase 3: With the above objectives secured the following forces would move in. Via Andorra the Huzaren Prins van Oranje Armored Division, Johan Willem Friso Infantry Division, Huzaren Grenadiers en Jagers Armored Division, Huzaren Rogier Armored Division and the Vandervelde Infantry Division. In all 70,822 combat personnel plus their support units would move through the Andorra passage to seize the vital areas of Northern Spain.

Phase 4: While phase three was being implemented at the same time, the Prins Frederick Henry Marine Battalion and the Yser Marine Battalion would land near the City of Cadiz and seize the Rota airfield.

Phase 5: While both phase three and four were being implemented, phase five would kick in and the assault of Portugal would begin. The Tovar Marine Battalion, Juan Pablo Rojas Paúl Marine Battalion, Angarita Marine Battalion would be the main forces heading the advance. Support was to be provide by the Falcon Jagers Infantry Division. The following were to be the forces assigned to the Portugal theater of operations.

Their was no current plan to deal with Morocco but, a contingency plan was being worked out should the Morocco question remain unresolved.

Edit: I'm including a map of Spain, Portugal and Andorra for reference for me and others. Spain (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Spain), Portugal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Portugal) and Andorra (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Andorra).

ooc: Spain used to be an old Vineyardian provence. Seeing how Sistan has decided to ignore my participation in the Red Sea war, and for that matter in Earth V, Vineyard's attentions may be turned elsewhere. That is, if Sistan continues his ...ban... of me.

ooc: Spain used to be an old Vineyardian provence. Seeing how Sistan has decided to ignore my participation in the Red Sea war, and for that matter in Earth V, Vineyard's attentions may be turned elsewhere. That is, if Sistan continues his ...ban... of me.

OOC: If any actions are taken on United Netherlands, the BRazilian Empire will defend its ally.

ooc: Spain used to be an old Vineyardian provence. Seeing how Sistan has decided to ignore my participation in the Red Sea war, and for that matter in Earth V, Vineyard's attentions may be turned elsewhere. That is, if Sistan continues his ...ban... of me.

That was a long time ago, just keep that in mind. Alot has changed since it was once part of your empire. Anyway, whats going on with the Red Sea War? Last I saw, it just died and sistan hasn't been on in awhile. Have you guys worked anything out yet or is it pretty much dead?

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OOC: If any actions are taken on United Netherlands, the BRazilian Empire will defend its ally.

OCC: Thanks, for the support. But, hopefully it won't be needed. This operation was started to restore order not start a major war. But, if we are attacked we are well prepared to defend ourselves. You have my support on the Cyprus issue though. If any actions are taken against you or Military Command, were ready to lend a hand.

That was a long time ago, just keep that in mind. Alot has changed since it was once part of your empire. Anyway, whats going on with the Red Sea War? Last I saw, it just died and sistan hasn't been on in awhile. Have you guys worked anything out yet or is it pretty much dead?

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OCC: Thanks, for the support. But, hopefully it won't be needed. This operation was started to restore order not start a major war. But, if we are attacked we are well prepared to defend ourselves. You have my support on the Cyprus issue though. If any actions are taken against you or Military Command, were ready to lend a hand.


OOC: I am willing to help out in anyway possiable. At the moment we annexed Monaco and have invade Cote d'Ivoire right now. We have three brigades in the country right now. We can also lend support right now to your operations in Spain.

The Night Drop:

Through various means such as Parachuting and disguising themselves as tourist- the men and women of the Special Forces Battalions had slipped into the formal countries of Spain and Portugal below the radar. This Phase of the operation was the most risky, but at the same time the most important. Dropping in as large squads and as small as two to three individuals, all this was to take place a few days before the start of the official operation. Their assignment was simple, link up with the local officials within the provinces and cities; as that’s all what was left of any semblance of order in the countries, if any local governments did indeed exist to support the righteous cause of the United Netherlands. Gaining the support of the people and the leaders of these local communities was crucial. The battles would have to be fought one town, one city, one province at a time.

With the clocking ticking and no order restored to the countries, the go ahead was given by High Command. All available transports would be loaded with the men and women of the Air Core for the drop.

The easiest drop was of course going to be the first one, but for very different reasons this time around. The country of Andorra had no military to speak of with defense either being provided by Spain or France. With the collapse of the Spanish Government, the nation of Andorra was defenseless, but not for long.

Hours after the drop had been completed, the nation of Andorra had been officially secured. The land forces were now posed, to move into the heart of Spain once the dawn sun rose. Meanwhile, things were not going so well at the second drop point. Brief firefights erupted as the Spanish and Royal Forces battled in the fog of war. With Causalities being taken on both sides, but for the most part the night battles had been brief. The key it had turned out to be was to contact the soldiers in their native tongue and inform them what was going on. After, that most of the firefights quieted down in and around the airfields. All of the aircraft and the airfields had been taken for the most part intact. These would be used to support the Spanish Forces that joined in this operation to restore order to their country and for the Royal Air Forces. The Operation that had taken place before Restore Order was now beginning to pay off. The Royal Forces could only hope that this support continued.

The Assault

With the Para's and Special Forces committed, their was no turning back now. The United Netherlands would in no way abandon their brothers in arms. Nor, would they abandon their sisters and cousins.

At exactly dawn, the Marines hit the beaches or should we say- ports. The enemy had been caught off guard by the two most practical methods. Gaining the support of the locals and by hitting the enemy where they did not expect it, in the Major residential areas. The Marines would in due time secure the cities of Lisbon, Porto and Cadiz. But, for right now- the object was to move as fast as humanly possible, gain allies and minimize the damage done. All ground forces were order not to fire unless fired upon and then only to return fire if civilians were clear in a certain radius. The Royal Forces were here to restore order and bring stability, not kill everyone in sight. This might prolong the operation or it might shorten it. The cities and towns were to be left intact in working condition as much as possible and only targets with military capabilities attacked.

As the Marines moved into Lisbon, Porto, and Cadiz this idea seem to be working well. To maintain order, law enforcement was coordinated with the local officials within the Police, Fire, and Medical services. Any assistance that the Royal Forces could provide would be provided.

The Catalan Crisis

The inability to understand and speak the official languages of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia was beginning to take its tole. As the Main Force came across the Spanish Border through the narrow valleys of Andorra, major resistance was beginning to pick up. For the first time, Air Support had to be called in. To gain the support of the locals the Royal Forces quickly recruited people from Andorra to act as translators as the Royal Forces lacked any who fluently spoke the Catalan language (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalan_language). Until then, the Royal Forces would engage this new enemy as carefully as possible to minimum the loss of life on both sides.

The Results- All in all the start off to the operation had for the most part gone according to plan. It still remain to be seen, whether all that planning would payoff. The Troops and politicians of the United Netherlands could only hope so.

OOC: I didn't saw a link to this thread in the IC EV thread? It was just luck that I found it now...

FYI, Morocco is under invasion by The Kingdom of Kopparbergs right now. I've posted a link to the thread yesterday.

OOC: I didn't saw a link to this thread in the IC EV thread? It was just luck that I found it now...

FYI, Morocco is under invasion by The Kingdom of Kopparbergs right now. I've posted a link to the thread yesterday.

OCC: Forget about posting the link in Earth V. As for the Morocco invasion, if you need any help let me know. I was going to send a small force to invade Morocco to support you.

The Government of United Federation of Military Command would like to say that the Invasion of Andorra is not going to be allowed because that would be that your military would have to be allowed to pass thought the French Empire. United Netherlands didn't ask permission to pass thought the French Empire lands. So, the French Empire will be sending in a unit from the French Army.

..Opening secure line..
..Enabling encryption..
..Secure line OK. Encryption enabled..

To The United Netherlands

Our Intelligence Service, MOSSAD, has reported that you're invading the nations of Spain and Portugal.

We want to inform you that, at the moment when you read this, Morocco is under invasion by The Kingdom of Kopparbergs and we want to make a deal with you.

We will not cross the Gibraltar Strait, our troops will not continue to Spain. But we will take the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, both surrounded by Morocco at the Moroccian coastline.

If you agree to these terms, we will support the transfer of Spain and Portugal to the United Netherlands government.

King Carl Gustaf XXI
Kingdom of Kopparbergs

..Disabling encryption..
..Closing secure line..
..Line closed..

The Government of United Federation of Military Command would like to say that the Invasion of Andorra is not going to be allowed because that would be that your military would have to be allowed to pass thought the French Empire. United Netherlands didn't ask permission to pass thought the French Empire lands. So, the French Empire will be sending in a unit from the French Army.

OCC: I meant to ask, I based my invasion force from your Southern border as stated in our alliance, were allowed to base forces in each other countries. So, now I officially request permission- of course I'm asking in past tense since the invasion has already begun. As for the invasion of Andorra, I got a special plan for it- I'll be sending you a telegram to let you know. But, you may send forces into Andorra. However, we ask you not to intervene in Spain or Portugal, the people of those countries were not informed of any French involvement and we wish to keep the people on our side to minimum losses on both sides. Thank you.

..Opening secure line..
..Enabling encryption..
..Secure line OK. Encryption enabled..

To The United Netherlands

Our Intelligence Service, MOSSAD, has reported that you're invading the nations of Spain and Portugal.

We want to inform you that, at the moment when you read this, Morocco is under invasion by The Kingdom of Kopparbergs and we want to make a deal with you.

We will not cross the Gibraltar Strait, our troops will not continue to Spain. But we will take the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, both surrounded by Morocco at the Moroccian coastline.

If you agree to these terms, we will support the transfer of Spain and Portugal to the United Netherlands government.

King Carl Gustaf XXI
Kingdom of Kopparbergs

..Disabling encryption..
..Closing secure line..
..Line closed..

Our government agrees to the above terms, however if you need assistance from us we are standing by. If assistance is provided we will not annex or seize any territory permanently, all territory required by us if a force was sent would be turned over to your control as soon as humanly possible. The United Netherlands Government does not wish to see the Morocco people and its country in disorder and want to see the drug trade ended. As such, we fully support your operation- we wish you the best.

Sincerely, Willem Drees;Prime Minister

OCC: I meant to ask, I based my invasion force from your Southern border as stated in our alliance, were allowed to base forces in each other countries. So, now I officially request permission- of course I'm asking in past tense since the invasion has already begun. As for the invasion of Andorra, I got a special plan for it- I'll be sending you a telegram to let you know. But, you may send forces into Andorra. However, we ask you not to intervene in Spain or Portugal, the people of those countries were not informed of any French involvement and we wish to keep the people on our side to minimum losses on both sides. Thank you.

The French Government is allowing you to use are counrty to pass thought. We next time ask that you just inform us of your troops movements inside my nation. We are going to be keeping our forces in the nation of Andorra. We are not going to send troops into Spain of Portugal until you need help but if any Spainish or Portugese Forces attack my military I will have not problem with sending a military force to deal with this problem.

The Outcome of Day 1: By the end of the first day, a number of key provinces had been restored to order, for the moment anyway. Using a shock and awe tactic, the Royal Forces would move into a area, gather the local commanders who had been recruited earlier by the Special Forces to maintain the peace once the Royal Forces moved on and then when everything seem secured move on to the next area. This rapid advance while working was running into problems. Sooner or later reinforcements would be needed either through the militaries left over from Spain or Portugal or from the United Netherlands’s own forces. However, in the meantime the following provinces of Spain had been restored to order- Lleida, Huesca, Zaragoza and Cádiz. In Portugal the number restored to order was less, but due to operating among major cities this was to be expected. Both the District of Lisbon and the District of Porto had been deemed secured enough for the marines/infantry to move on.

Again, gaining the support of the administers of the cities and provinces was key. In the Spanish and Portuguese speaking provinces the plan was working better then hoped. However, as in all plans their were glitches and these had been showed in the first stage of the operation to seize the Catalan speaking areas. So far, force was having to be used to pacify the area. But, against a disorganized and under equipped force any resistance that was encountered was quickly brushed aside. A foothold had been establish, all that was left was to race to the capitals and install new national governments. In Portugal, with the capture of Lisbon in the first stage of the operation. The process of bring new order to this formal great country was beginning. While far from certain it was a start. That start however, was not certain in Spain; the Royal Forces with what allies they could gather had a long way to go to achieving their objective.

The French Government is allowing you to use are counrty to pass thought. We next time ask that you just inform us of your troops movements inside my nation. We are going to be keeping our forces in the nation of Andorra. We are not going to send troops into Spain of Portugal until you need help but if any Spainish or Portugese Forces attack my military I will have not problem with sending a military force to deal with this problem.

OCC: Sorry about not informing you sooner, won't happen again. You shouldn't have a problem, since I launched my invasion through Andorra, so if they attack any country it will be it. So, if you send troops their just be aware of that. As, of right now I have a Para regiment their guarding the country into a EATO force is placed their.

I also sent you the telegram letting you know what I intend to do with Andorra.

OCC: Sorry about not informing you sooner, won't happen again. You shouldn't have a problem, since I launched my invasion through Andorra, so if they attack any country it will be it. So, if you send troops their just be aware of that. As, of right now I have a Para regiment their guarding the country into a EATO force is placed their.

I also sent you the telegram letting you know what I intend to do with Andorra.

OOC: I have not had a problem with your invasion. I also understand what we agreed too in the alliance. We agreed to inform each other if we were going to use each others country to launch a invasion of another nation. I have also sent you a TG too. I am going to be sending a Para Regiment to the nation of Andorra as part of the EATO Alliance Forces.

The 11ème Brigade Parachutiste (11th Parachutist Brigade) got orders to move and cross into the nation of Andorra and to hold the nation at any cost. The people of Andorra are not be harmed unless it is in the line of duty. We are to show the people of Andorra that we here to help them out and bring them in to the EATO Alliance.

Day 2-3: In Portugal, rapid progress was being made. The Lisboa region had been secured and most of the Norte region. The heart of the country was in the hands of the United Netherlands and their Portugal allies.

With gathering support, soon the entire nation of Portugal would be in the hands of the United Netherlands and order would be restored. To unite the country was the objective throughout the second and third day of the invasion, the main assault was being directed at the Centro Region to bring the main country together and to unite the fronts into one. Resistence if it was encountered was almost always civilians and they were usually armed with pistols and shotguns. To spare their lives and keep public opinion on their side, even the armed civilians were still treated as civilians and not an armed militia. Non-lethals were used to great effect to disperse the civilians and let the local police and army handle the problem. As, word of the United Netherlands concern about civilians and local infrastructure spread throughout the country. Resistence died down to where it was just local crimes. Law and order during these times was to be expected, hard to enforce but, the United Netherlands army while not exactly trained for the job as a police force. They Found themselves in this role more and more as they progressed further into the country.

Spain was an entirely different matter altogether. In the south, like Portugal the resistence was light and this made the Marines job all that easier. the Prins Frederick Henry Marine Battalion was order to advance on the province of Seville and secure it. The Yser Marine Battalion was order to advance on the province of Málaga and secure it. The marines were assisted by elements of the Spanish Army. During the night on the third day, a small company of Marines from the Prins Frederick Henry Battalion assaulted Gibraltar via helicopters. Within a matter of hours, Gibraltar had been secured and the process of returning Gibraltar to the Spanish people and its government was being started. After all these years, Gibraltar was being return to its original owners after having been taken all those years ago by the British.

The Battle for the Autonomous Community of Catalonia was not going as planned. To solve the Catalonia question once and for all, a massive three prong invasion was planned. The Prins Van Oranje division would lead the assault, followed up by elements of the Johan Willem Friso Infantry Division. Heavy resistence was encountered by the enemy as the Royal Forces moved through the Barcelona province. The enemy had even attacked lead elements of the Huzaren Prins van Oranje Armored Division with a tank company of their own. Though the United Netherlands emerged victorious from the tank battle, five Leopard II's had been knocked out. Though not destroyed, they were heavily damaged. No crews had been killed though. After a series of small battles and skirmishes, by the end of the third day the community of Catalonia had been reduced to the capital city of Barcelona. It had been heavy fighting and losses had been taken on both sides. While not over, the battle for Catalonia had cost the United Netherlands seventy-seven people. The wounded was three times that amount. The KIA of the enemy so far was reported as less then five hundred and the amount wounded was unknown. Civilian losses were also unknown, but estimated to be in the hundreds.

The Autonomous Community of Aragon had been officially secured by the end of day 3 and the Royal Forces were closing in on the Capital. Reported to be less then fifty miles from the front lines. Through the use of rapid advances using the Armored divisions, the provinces of Soria, Segovia and Guadalajara had been brought under control. All that was left was for the final assault on the Capital province and city.

Meanwhile, in Andorra the Van Campen Parachute Regiment was being prepared for a new drop. Their job having been completed their use was needed elsewhere. Maintaining order in Andorra would be done by 11ème Brigade Parachutiste and the Second Falcon Jagers Infantry Battalion.

Reinforcements were to be provided by the following units. The Second Falcon Jagers Infantry Battalion- assigned to Andorra. The Second Guarico Jagers Infantry Battalion was assigned to maintain order in the Community of Catalonia and the Third Bolivar Jagers Infantry Battalion was assigned to assist the Marines in the South of Spain. No Reinforcements were deemed needed for the Portugal theater of operations.

The outcome of this war would be decided in the next few days. Whether peace could be maintain after combat operations had come to an end was no doubt in the minds of all.

-Encrypted telegram to UE-

Time is short.

An ally of yours threatens to invade a part of Europe. Although we have always prided ourselves in diversity, we cannot, and will not allow DP, which is an Americain nation, to enter the Medeteranian. As such we find it prudent to inform you that our marines will be on the Spainish coast within a few days to seize the southern part of Spain to seize Cadiz and Gibralter. and all land between and south of these cities.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

-Dragomir Ljubomir Zlatan
High Admiral, Empire of Vineyard

-Encrypted telegram to UE-

Time is short.

An ally of yours threatens to invade a part of Europe. Although we have always prided ourselves in diversity, we cannot, and will not allow DP, which is an Americain nation, to enter the Medeteranian. As such we find it prudent to inform you that our marines will be on the Spainish coast within a few days to seize the southern part of Spain to seize Cadiz and Gibralter. and all land between and south of these cities.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

-Dragomir Ljubomir Zlatan
High Admiral, Empire of Vineyard

OCC: Wait, so let me get this straight your attacking me so you can prevent one of my allies from entering the Med. LMAO, that’s not nice. Besides you blockading the Southern coast of Spain will cause you to run into three problems. One, DP already entered the Mediterranean a few days ago and two has already started his invasion of Cyprus already. Three, I don't expect you to read through all my posts but, I already have control of Cadiz, Gibralter and the surrounding area. You landing there would be an act of war. Now’s not a good time for that, for me or you. Most of my forces are deployed in Spain and near the French-Spanish Border. Days away from your border in Italy. France is a nuclear power and he borders you. The inconvenience would be all yours not mine. I'm in Spain-Portugal to restore order, please don't start a major war. If, you have a problem with DP then you need to work it out. I'm willing to help you talk some sense into him. But, remember he's my ally and their's only so much I can do. The ball's in your court, I suggest you don't put it in mine. Now for the IC post.

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IC: To: The Empire of Vineyard

Any forces of the empire of vineyard stepping onto any land of the Spanish or Portuguese coasts will be meet with hostile force. We suggest you turn back your forces now, we do not wish to go to war with you. But, if we must defend the rights of the Spanish people and our people we will.

Again, we advise you- turn your forces back. This will be your only warning. Any hostile ships approaching the Spanish coast will be fired upon without warning.

ooc: Wait, you are that far south already!? I didn't think you were.. Otherwise I wouldn't carry out such an action. I don't want war, i just want to prevent DP from gaining a foothold in Europe. Sort of like Sharina not wanting European nations to gain a foot-hold in America, I am the exact opposite.

ooc: Wait, you are that far south already!? I didn't think you were.. Otherwise I wouldn't carry out such an action. I don't want war, i just want to prevent DP from gaining a foothold in Europe. Sort of like Sharina not wanting European nations to gain a foot-hold in America, I am the exact opposite.

OCC: Yeah, as I said in my first post. This was a massive undertaking, alot of my forces are comminted to this operation. I landed two Marine Battalions in Cadiz and moved out from there. I've also been using my Special Forces to gather the support of the local people. Speaking to them and letting them know, if they need anything don't be afraid to ask. Were hear to help you. I can understand you wanting to prevent DP from gaining a foothold. Thats, why I said I'd being willing to talk to him and give you my support. I don't want a major war. As my operation was called. "Restore Order"

Day 4 and 5:

The final assault for Spain was on. The battle for Madrid would begin with a four prong assault. From the North, South and East of the Province the Huzaren Grenadiers en Jagers Armored Division would attack the capital province while at the same time an Airborne drop around key areas in the Capital City and Province would be made by the Janson Oost-Vlaanderen Parachute Regiment.

Meanwhile, the Huzaren Prins van Oranje Armored Division after finishing subduing the town of Barcelona would continue its drive south into the Region of Valencia and subdue the area into a peaceful state. After the assault on Madrid has begin and the air transports return from their drop, the Van Campen Parachute Regiment would be prepared and loaded onto those same transports to be dropped onto the Balearic Islands and secure them. From Portugal a small support force assisted by the Portuguese army would drive into the Spanish communities of Western Spain.
On the high seas, the Drebbel Marine Battalion aboard a single Rotterdam Class LPD supported by a small fleet was sent to secure the Canary Islands.

In Portugal, the operation had turned from bringing order to maintaining order in the towns and cities throughout Portugal. Units from the Portuguese army were sent in first into a new town or city, to assure the locals that the Royal Forces were on their side. Gradually, the Royal Forces with their allies secured the remaining regions of Portugal.

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The Battles of Day 4 and 5:

The operation to gain control of the Capital City and Province turned out to be one of the toughest battle fought during the liberation of Spain. The battle waged on for three days not ending until the middle of the sixth. The toughest fighting happening inside the city limits. Like most battles, this one was a contest of wills. Though the outcome was certain, the Royal Forces with elements of the Spanish Army loyal to them had suffered heavy losses as had the enemy combatants. Large parts of the Capital had been badly damaged or destroyed. Thousands had been made homeless and utilities were at a premium. The Royal Forces had suffered some 2,600 dead and three times that wounded while the Spanish Forces both loyal and enemy had suffered in the high thousands for dead. The amount of wounded for the Spanish Forces were in the high tens of thousands. Though at a heavy cost, the objective had been secured. Equipment also had been heavily damage or at worse destroyed in most cases. Tanks, Armed Personnel Carriers, and other military equipment littered the roads and avenues of Madrid. It would be months before all this debris would be able to be cleared away. With the fall of Madrid, the remaining Spanish Forces soon began surrounding in masse to the Royal Forces and their allies. By the end of the sixth day, the entire Iberian Peninsula had been brought under control of the Royal Forces.

The other skirmishes were just that, small battles taking place between no more then companies of soldiers. Even the Region of Valencia surrounded without much of a fight. The battle fo the Islands was brief and without much combat being seen by either side. The islands being secured by the end of the week. The Balearic Islands having been secured on day 4 and the Canary Islands on day 5.

With officially combat operations coming to an end, Operation "Restore Order" was about over and the transition from a military dictatorship to a democracy was under way for all three nations. All that remained was to wrap up a few loose ends..

Day 5 and 6

As combat operations were winding down, new problems were arising. That of supporting a massive population that rivaled anything a Dutch citizen could call home. Over Forty million people were now free again. What was to be done for them, how was it to done. These questions couldn't be answered by the military. So, to secure peace now and forever for the Iberian Peninsula and its people. The United Netherlands turned away from the military answers and back to those of its civilian leaders. Throughout the countries that made up the Iberian Peninsula, new elections were being discussed. Until elections could be held, marital law was in force for all regions in the Iberian Peninsula. The amount of troops station in the region would remain the same for some time.

In time, Spain and Portugal would once again be nations worthy of respect.

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All that was left of combat operations was to evacuate the Spanish Citizens in the enclaves of North Africa and return order to the Atlantic archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira. In that effect, the United Netherlands would complete that assignment in a few days.

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A month later

With official elections having been called for all nations of the Iberian Peninsula. The results would soon be coming in on the new leaders who would lead their countries to greatness and peace. With law and order restored throughout the countries that made up the Iberian Peninsula and new leaders soon to be in power to lead their people. The United Netherlands government to the world officially welcoming the nations of the Iberian Peninsula into the Kingdom as officially members.

In a move that shocked many, the seat of government of the United Netherlands had been moved from Amsterdam to Madrid. Though Madrid was still being rebuilt, a new beginning was in the making.

The Kingdom of Iberia was born, the Kingdom of Iberia was to be made up of the formal nations of Spain, Portugal, Andorra and Gibraltar. The United Netherlands were still to play a formal role in the new kingdom. Amsterdam was to remain the Capital of the Benelux nations. While, Madrid would become the Capital of the Hispanian nations.

The formal nations of the United Netherlands and the new Kingdom of Iberia were to be equal partners. The nations of the Iberian Peninsula were not colonies of the United Netherlands and the nations of the Benelux league were not colonies of the Kingdom of Iberia.

The formal title of the new nation was to be the Kingdom of the Iberian Netherlands.