NationStates Jolt Archive

UCNN: United Caucasus National News
Over the last 4 weeks, there has been a slow build-up of soldiers and armaments along the UCR-Former Sistani Border. As of now, there are approximately 350,000 UCR soldiers, 700 Merkava MK IV Tanks, 500 Namera APCs, and a whole host of other equipment ranging from Self-Propelled Artillert and MRLS to Humvee type vehicles. Also the UCR Air-Force has been put on High Alert Status. During the build-up the Vineyardian goverment sent the UCR 25,000 troops to be used in any way. Currently they are being used as guards along with other 100,000 Reserve troops in the rest of the UCR.

Reports are pointing to another invasion of Sistani Iran. This comes nearly a year and a half after the first one. Much Iranian Azerbaijan, Zanjan, and Kurdistan have quieted down. Even during the build-up there hasn't been much protesting. If another invasion is imminent, the UCR will be heading towards the Former Capitol and Largest city in Sistani Iran, Tehran. Also this area is considered to among the most strongly defended by the Fanatical Former-Sistani troops. These troops, unlike the ones we fought in Operation: Thunderstrike, are Fanatical and won't surrended unless they are beginning to crack.

Well we can only sit down and pray to whatever gods we pray to and hope that this will all work out in the end.

The Emirate pledges its support for UCR operations, as we have already begun our own operations in Hormozgan.

UCNN: United Caucasus National News
Special Report: OPERATION LIGHTNING BOLT IS A GO!

This morning the force of UCR Troops that was amassing at the Former Sistani border began what officials are calling Operation: Lightning Bolt to coincide with the naming of Operation Thunderstrike. We are also told this is more of a completion of Thunderstrike then anything. The official numbers of troops along the border was anywhere from 350,000 to 360,000. Also among those numbers were around 800 Merkava MK IV Tanks, 800 Namera APCs, and a host of indirect fire and support vehicles. This force is widely considered to be the strongest UCR force to date.

What little information we have to far is that the Invasions Objectives are Tehran and the Provinces to the south and east of Kurdistan. As of now, there are no reports of casualties or engagesments. We will report these as they come.

UCNN: United Caucasus National News.
Operation Lightning Bolt: Week 3

The first major breakthrough happened today. Courageous UCR Soldiers entered and began to clean-up the City of Qazvin, about 60 Miles from the Zanjan Border. The City is considered to be the Western Life-line to Tehran so it's capture is a boon for UCR Soldiers. It's capture was slow in coming compared to Operation Thunderstrike. It took the UCR forces approximately 1 and 1/2 weeks to capture Ardabil. This is the first major capture is all of the Operation so far.

From Kurdistan reports are streaming in of minor, yet growing resistance. The forces in south are taking it slow as they don't want to find themselves suddenly in the view of a greater enemy force.

Again Casualtie Reports are Limited and are not very accurate. We will report more later.

UCNN: United Caucasus National News
Operation: Lightning Bolt: Week 6

After their Heroic capture of Qazvin, the UCR Northern Detachment broke into two different Groups. Group A is currently moving Northward to move into posistion to attack Tehran. The expect to be extremely close the UARCA. UCR troops are under strict orders not to make any conflicts with UARCA troops nor are they to be ungrateful for any help rendered. Already they are facing Moderate resistance from the troops in the northern part of Tehran. The General of the Force is Opptomistic that this fight will not turn out Qazvin.

Group B on the other hand went south of Tehran. Reports are that they are after the Provinces of Qom, and Markazi. Resistance is expected to fierce and casualties are expected to reach well over 10,000. As of now Group B is nearing Arak, the capitol of Markazi. The Fighting there is expected to almost as fierce as Qazvin. But, as with Group A, the Officers are confindent that they will succeed.

The Kurdistan forces have taken Hamadān with Minor Resistance. Most of the Provinces Kurds were for the UCR. Now the Kurdistan Army is moving west to occupy the Province of Kermanshah. After accomplishing that, portions of the Kurdistan force could be sent to the Northern Detachment to assist there.

Casualty Reports:
UCR: 5,103 (Dead, Wounded, MIA)
Sistani: 13,000 (Dead, Wounded, MIA)

[OOC- I already control the province of Mazandaran. Sorry for any confusion! How about this- I'll tell you what I control, based on this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_of_Iran) website. I've basically got 25, 26, 27, 28, and 29. Parts of 1- like the mountainous regions around the capital near my territory. Not Tehran itself- little strategic chunks of the mounatins within the Tehran province.

Oh, and assume my troops will help in blasting apart any concentrations of Sistani troops near their lines- can't be too cautious and we would like to see more Sistani and less Granatian dead, so expect some help. Artillery, airstrikes, that sort of thing. Maybe some local counterattacks and the like. My troops will withdraw to their lines again if necessary.]

(OOC: Well that makes my job alittle easier. I'll edit it later)

UCNN: United Caucasus National News
Operation Lightning Bolt: Week 9

UCR Troops are still fighting hard north of Tehran in preparation for a Seige. Military officials are stating that an Assault Tehran without proper preparation would result in thousands of UCR Deaths. Many members of the Goverment also applauded the Military's prudent choice in a Seige. The Seige will also be assisted by portions of UARCA Military. As of now, numbers of which will be assisting are not known. Right now UCR and UARCA Generals are meeting to discuss the Northern Portion of the Seige.

Also in Preparation for the Seige the forces south of Tehran are still moving slowly across the provinces of Qom and Markazi. The Batte of Arak was nearly as long and hard as Qazvin. Now the Army is moving out into the country-side to comb out any remaining Sistani Force. Officials state this could take weeks if not months and Casualties could range from the high hundred to the upper thousands.

The Kurdistan Army met a major Obstacle this week when they went up against a Former Sistani Armored Battalion that was miraculously still in Comission and working order. It was located near Kermanshah, the capital of the province of Kermanshah. A large tank battle ensued with Merkava MK IV tanks showing their mettle by taking out 48 enemy tanks while losing only 14 themselves. Also during the battle Infantry fought with nearly two Sistani Regiments in the City itself. The fight still rages on there.

Casualty Report
UCR: 8,673 (Dead, Wounded, MIA)
Sistani: 23,000 (Dead, Wounded, Captured)

UCNN: United Caucasus National News
Operation Lightning Bolt: Week 12

The Southern Detachment of the Tehran Encirclement force has begun operations in capturing Qom, in the province of Qom. The City is very large and in some respects is as big as Tehran. The Fighting will considered a Opening act to the Tehran Seige which will begin within the month officials say. The fighting in the Merkazi province is slowing down but the Resistance isn't giving up. South of Arak a weapons Cache was found and quickly disposed of. Within the Cache were Ak-47s, RPG-7s, and a whole host of other weapons. Officials are saying that the Clean-up in the Region is ahead of schedule.

The Kurdistan Force today is still in heavy fighting in the city of Kermanshah. The two regiments were augmented by Locals who were loyal to the Former Sistani Goverment. A city-wide urban fire-fight is now in effect nearly 24/7. The Armored Units of Kurdistan force were also engaged by the Remnants of the Armored Battalion again and again, slowing down the Process of getting armored units into the city.

And some good news today. Engineering Battalions are being moved into the Province of Qazvin early, due to good behavior and lack of resistance members. The Engineers will work to repair Bridges, Roads, Houses, and other buildings as a token of Good will.

Casualty Report
UCR: 10,349 (Dead, Wounded, MIA)
Sistani: 28,000 (Dead, Wounded, Captured)

*OOC: To those who think I'm taking to few casualties, wait until the Tehran offensive. It's going to atleast double.

UCNN: United Caucasus National News
Operation Lightning Bolt: Week 16

Last week the Northern Tehran forces began their Bombardment of the City. Periodically throughout the day and night, Artillery Shells, Rockets, and other forms of munitinions will be lobbed into the City at strategic locations to weaken the Sistani Fanatics hold on the city. Progress will be slow according to some Officials, who say the Bombardment could last another 2 months. The Commander of the Bombardment has made no comment as of this time.

Theres been increasingly heavy fighting in Southern part of Tehran Forces. Sistani forces are moving from Tehran itself and the other nearby provinces. This has made fighting in the Region go from moderately difficult to Very Difficult. Reports of Reservists being called to the region are coming larger and largers numbers. As of now the Goverment hasn't commented on the supposed call-ups.

The Kurdistan Forces finally captured Kermanshah, yesterday. The city has been home to some of the most un-holy fighting this Operation has seen yet. Much of the city lies in ruins and Sistani dead and wounded are littered all around the city. Derelict and blown-up tanks are also not uncommon. Now that most of the Resistance has been eliminated from the city, the force will begin the hard job of cleaning of the city. Officials say removing the bodies will be a week long job at least.

Casualty Reports:
UCR: 14,192 (Dead, Wounded, Missing)
Sistani: 45,000 (Dead, Wounded, Captured)

SIC - The Emirate is willing to coordinate an air strike to help your offensive go along. We can organize one strike in a targeted location in Tehran, to eliminate their artillery presence and stir up some problems among their organization. Does your government accept this proposal?

SIC:
Our Goverment is more then willingly to accept the Emirates Proposal. Infact, the Tehran offensive could be a united RSA effort. I will have to talk this over with the other RSA Members.

UARCA forces, moving with great rapidity after months of staying in their positions, struck Sistani forces to great effect and linked up weith some of the forard elements of the UCR armed forces. Meeting near the city of Qom, troops from both sides shared rations and company before the UCR troops turned towards Tehran and the city's pacification and UARCA troops turned towards the business of soldifying control over the flanks in the operational area.

In that regard, UARCA armored divisions began probing deeper into Iran, a move some political analysts say means something must have changed politically. "It's a completely new position," one senior policy analyst at the Molotov Fellowship Center said. "When there are major troop movements to support foreign forces and what appears to be more forward movement into old Sistani territories, something changed drastically in the political spectrum."

He noted that the continuing inability of the RSA to pacify vast swaths of old Sistani territory appears to be the primary reason for UARCA actions. "It's got to be disconcerting to their leadership," he said. "The front has remained stable, forces have even worked in tandem with RSA units, but is anything happening? Not on their side."

An official government statement, released at the beginning of this latest puch, reaffirmed the goal of the UARCA leadership for peace in the region. "We act only in the interests of the people of that area and for the safety of our citizens," Premier Navarbayevs said. "In view of the military, the best method for achieving that is to work with Granatian and other RSA forces that are actually in the region to pacify areas still under unrest, still under anarchy, and still under despotic rule of the Sistani fascists." The Premier had no comment on any of the underlying political aspects of the operation, but stated that "militarily, it's gone well. Sistani forces were completely unprepared with UCR forces at their rear, and we smashed throguh and linked up with ease. I can now wish nothing but the best for our friends in the UCR as they seek to pacify both Qom and Tehran- UARCA support in both mind and military are available should it be needed."

SIC: Declaration from the Ministry of Defense to UARCA

The Emirate sees your forces, having tolerated a long period of hostility from Sistani neighbors, and while yours do not represent the RSA, we are welcome to see advances from your troops. Whereas we are still waiting for support from our allies in Rome, we are wondering your offensives could be better coordinated with Emirate and UCR advances. If we managed to attack inn three directions at different points, we could manage to over-manuever the enemy positions and rout them in place. The Sistani lines are nearing breaking point and we need perhaps a significant push in the right direction to topple this static front to our advantage. If the UARCA cooperates with the Emirate and the UCR, we could see your introduction into the RSA, as perhaps a vital and mutually beneficial eastern neighbor in the Middle East. Does your government accept this?

MoD Salil as-Salah Ibn-Ibrahim


SIC: Emirate planes [newly acquired Lavi aircraft], based in Manama, have commenced an aerial strike on Tehran, to knock-out artillery and other heavily fortified positions in the city. The strike - a distance of 1000km - will be the longest made strike in Emirate history. To insure the safety of the pilots, they will fly out to Baku for refueling, where they will continue operations assisting the UCR forces in Tehran.

To: Minister Ibn-Ibrahim
From: Premier Navarbayevs
CC: UCR Military Command
Regarding: Iranian Cooperation

Minister,

The request you submitted recently to us could in no way be better timed. While our forcfes have indeed penetrated through the lines in our section of the front, it grieves me to see that chaos and disorder continue to reign in areas not occupied by either your troops, those of the UCR, or my nation's. I think that you and I stand aligned on the issue- mutual cooperation can be of nothing but benefit to both the peoples of the area and the safety and sanctity of our own citizens.

Your proposal is cordially accepted. I've already detailed orders to a number of military adjuncts who have been dispatched to both UCR and ALM ground forces, with communications ability back to UARCA Command structure and I invite both your and the UCR's sending of officers of your own nations so we might better coordinate certain actions. I've enclosed a map of expected movements of our troops in the upcoming days- as you can tyell, we're planning to strike down the middle of the country. If you and the Caucasians can forcxe at roughly the same moment we commit to the attack in full, Sistani forces will be spread so thin in all three areas that my planning staff expect large and rapid gains.

Further, regarding the political situation and the issue of the RSA, my government also stands in accordance with your own. Joining the RSA would go a long way to assuring stability and peace in this region of the world and would allow for a more full development of both the United Republics and all nations within the RSA. In essence, should you wish to put forward the UARCA, we will quickly assent to any offered membership.

I hope that our dialogue can be continued in the future!

Yours,
Tamur Navarbayevs


[OOC- The map enclosed can be viewed here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:IranNumbered.png). Right now, UARCA forces have basdically linked up with UCR forces in 2, pushed south quite a bit into 24, and have started to move throguh the biggish desert in 23 and 30 with the intent of trying to draw some forces off the ALM ground forces. The plan included is basically a four-front plan. UARCA forces will split into two, one branching into 13 and 14 to draw forces off UCR's flanks, while the other prong goes south into the 15-18 area. UCR forces are to continue their operation against Tehran, with less problems from Sistani forces attacking from the side, while ALM can break out with Sistani forces pinned from behind with UARCA forces pushing against them.]

With the go-ahead from command, the offensive began again. By now, the reserve divisions taht were still active had replaced regular army units in maintaining the line in defensive areas, replaced regular army units in some more peaceful areas of the UARCA, and were being shuffled in as needed. This meant, in all practical terms, that UARCA forces were battle-tested regulars with the best equipment in the country going up against a stunned and demoralized foe.

Of course, this meant that the spearheads were maknig tremendous progress. After being pent up in mountains by a tenacious foe, the units were loving every moment they could get of flatter land, easier roads, and an enemy who didn't always fight to the death. The offensive began to slow, in fact, because the supply line was beginning to thin and the flanks of the advance were starting to get less protected. But with very little time, the offensive had already reached its branching point and was splitting into two distinct columns- one headed almost directly towards the Iraqi border, the other veering even further south towards areas that were close to ALM control. And the moment UCR and ALM forces began their operations, the offensive would continue. But the pause was both necessary and beneficial, as supplies and replacemetns began flowing freely again and lines were shored up.

OCC: I will update after ALM begins his operations. I want to plan everything I am gonna do for the Assault very through like.

Emirate forces have begun a new offensive in Iran, targeting the city of Shiraz - a vital target to control the movement of Sistani remnants. In conjunction with numerous other attacks, including the recent air raids overe Tehran, the Emirate began very smoothly, after having secured Hormozgan Province. The major attack is being routed through Fars Province, although a secondary attack has targeted the Province of Sistan and Baluchistan, perhaps as a diversion intended to stretch the defensive capabilities of the Sistani remnants.

The first day of the offensive was considered a great success, although official reports have yet to be received.

"The Plan for Operation: Final Justice"

The Plan was simple. The Forces coming from the north would move under the cover of darkness and begin to assault Tehran. They would be splitting up into 5 groups. Each group will be Spearheaded by 40 Merkava MK IV Tanks and 70 Namera APCs. Each group will comprise roughly the same amount of troops, around 15,000 with most of them being combat. They were ordered to enter the city and begin to clear it of resistance, using whatever force they deemed necessary. During their movement to the city, the bombardment by Artillery and Aircraft was to increase ten-fold. Sorties would be flown over it at all manner of times, if only to keep the forces awake and on edge.

The Southern forces were split into 3 groups. Each of them being spearheaded by 50 Merkava MK IV tanks and 50 Namera APCs. The Groups had 10,000 soldiers each with most being combat as with the Northern forces. Their orders were slightly different. They were to move into the city at noon the next day after the beginning of the assault. This was to throw off the defenders into beleiving the Assault was coming from the north only. The south's job was smashed into the rear of the city and hopefully dissasemble the defenses of the city.

The remaining 75,000 Troops around the city were to protect the rear and move in to the help the assaulting troops if need be. Most of these troops are the support troops, like Engineers, Quartermasters, ect, ect. There orders were to send in 5,000 troops 3 days after the assault began to clear out any obstacles and provide supplies for the troops.

OOC: Next post to begin the Assault, just laying the groundwork here.

Esfahan, Sistani Remnant Territories
Burning automobiles had been a constant sight for the advancing column, as the area around the military advance degraded even further into lawlessness and anarchy than it had been even after Sistani central governance had collapsed. Retreating and destroyed Sistani forces often were turning their guns on civilians who also attmepted to flee and advancing armored columns often had to hold fire or send sabots into masses of panicked neutrals.

But even with strictures of that nature imposed upon them, the advance was going well. Advancing forces simply bypassed Esfahan, allowing the infantry and motor rifle divisions behind to do the messy business of occupying a major city. Instead, armored columns with motor rifle and armored divisions alike pushed around and then away from Esfahan, confidant that the rapidly diasppearing Sistani forces would be brought to heel and supplies could continue uninterrupted. The advancing force had split into two prongs- one headed northwest towards Khorramabad and points further away with the other headed south, with its final destination the Busheher province.

Already in the campaign, losses had been incurred but nowhere near the number tat had plaagued earlier actions against Sistani troops. The cdontinued UCR offensive and a renewed attack by ALM forces had effectively distracted Sistani rmenants and, after months of inactivity, they were falling apart before the onslaught that the well-trained and equipped troops of the UARCA had prepared after their months of inactivity. The entire operation was coming about marvelously- in both UARCA, UCR, and ALM sectors.

[OOC- Total losses incurred: 1 Armored Division (Active Duty) damaged; 1 Motor Rifle Division (Active Duty) destroyed; 2 Infantry Divisions (Reserve) damaged; 1 Motor Rifle Division (Reserve) destroyed.]

*The Beginning of Operation: Final Justice*

The Bombardment was still in full swing. Artillery Shells were being lobbed into the city at a almost constant rate. The light that emitted from the tips of the Guns themselves produced a light show that would of been lovely, if it hadn't been so deadly. Air-Craft rocket over their heads, blazing at speeds unknown to most men. They watched as the planes dropped their cargo and were dazzled by the light of the Explosion. Another Apartment complex or Neighborhood was now in flames. Men were saddened at the notion of dead civilians, but it was a necessary evil in this war. The men stood together for a few more moments, watching the lights that sprung up in Tehran everynow and then.

Suddenly, it all stopped. The only light that was emmited was from the fires in Tehran. It added a glow to the landscape. The men waited for a few more minutes. Suddenly, a Flare was sent up that was seen all across the line. Merkava Tanks, Namera APCs, and Jeeps were uncovered and started. Men ran to and fro working fast. Within 5 minutes of the Flares Shotting, an entire line of tanks began to move down towards the flaming city. The City that would become the graves of many, and the place for many to lose all innocence. As the line moved, a small group of Planes flew overhead. They dropped their payload over the area that the soldiers were march over. The playload was made up of cluster bombs. They were using them to dislodge and explode any mines that were in the area. With that done the force was now open to enter the city.

(OOC: Slowly but surely I will get this done.)

*Noon --- 8 Hours Since Zero-Hour: the Beginning of Operation: Final Justice*

The intial fighting had been sporadic and far between. All five groups entered the city with little to no interference. This all changed within minutes of their entering the city. RPG fire suddenly flew from everywhere. The Mekava Tanks withstood their ground while a few of the APCs were hit. The Battle for Tehran had begun.

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In the eight hours since the fighting began, nary a single lull in the battle was seen by both sides. Machine gun ripped through alleyways and roads. Beeing out on the street was suicide for both sides. Men huddled behind APCs or Tanks. Then with precision borne of training and experiance, the UCR Forces began to systematically clear the buildings. Commanders shouted orders over Radios and directed assaults on Sistani Hard-Points. Men raced across an area littered with trucks and debris on fire. Machine gun ripped across the area in an attempt to kill them. UCR men started to fall like flies as it began to pick them off. It was soon silenced by a Tank Shell and the men moved on.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
South of Tehran.

The final preparations were being made. Tanks were fueled and loaded with AP Shells. Soldiers locked and loaded their guns, whilst trying to keep calm. Calm before the storm. As Z+12 was fast approaching, they worked ever harder to prepare. Suddenly a call went across the radios and flares were sent up along the line. The order to move out had arrived. Men raced to their designated spots and began to move out, slowly, but surely.

40,000 troops were heading north along well-organized roads and relatively flat terrain. The momentum from the drive, in coordination with attacks by the UARCA and UCR forces, has led to substantial gains with minimal costs. In addition, ALM aircraft were demonstrating efficient supremacy over Sistani territories, assisting the drive to Shiraz. 20,000 other troops were headed for the eastern provinces, in an effort to dislodge the Sistani positions with minimal costs and maximum efficiency. So far, the operations seem to be well-coordinated and are progressing fine.

OOC: This is a crappy post, but I'm pressed for time at the moment, and I don't want to keep you guys waiting...

As the fighting for Tehran continued to build, UARCA troops were still on the move. Already having linked up with UCR troops in a number of areas, divisions now began to encounter mroe and more as they roared along the border of the UCR towards their target points. The fighting, moderate at most, was continuing in the northern arc of attack at fairly regular intervals.

Meanwhile, in the south, units were nearing their ALM counterparts with growing rapidity. Fighting here was more intense, as troops were not yet being drawn off too much to defend larger cities against ALM Advances. Nonetheless, a number of field armies had completely penetrated the main Sistani liners and were rolling up enemy forces.

[OOC- Crappy, but I'm not in the mood to post. This at least keeps everything moving.]

Note: This will probably be the end of the Operation for me at least. I am running out of ideas on how to keep this going. I'll probably end it with a Casualty Report for the Battle and the Operation Overall.

* 72 Hours since Z-Hour.

In the three days since it's beginning, Operation: Final Justice has forced the Former Sistani forces in Tehran to relinquish large amounts of Tehran. Already UCR Forces control the City Hall and much of the Goverment Buildings. Most of the remaining resistance was centered around the Poorer Districts of the City. There the fighting is the most fierce. Sistani Forces employ numerous amounts of Booby-Traps and Ambushes to try and weaken our hold on the City. But only now, has their resolve begun to falter, and only minutly.

Due to the number of Sistani dead and wounded and the amount of troops thought within the city, it is reasonable to beleive that the Sistani forces are down to their last men. It shouldn't be more then a week before the City is fully under UCR Control. Then the UCR will begin the job of cleaning up the Region.

Casualties for the Battle of Tehran:
UCR: 15,471 and 131 Armored Vehicles.
Sistani: 75,000 and unknown amount of Amored Vehicles.

Total Casualties:
UCR: 29,000
Sistani: 120,000

- Imperial Satilite "Communications" Office, UCR-loaned Vineyardian Reservist Divisional HQ-

He felt negleted, almoast as if he was the lost little boy in the Streets of Kinsasha before the Empire took over. Since then, he had a job, a beautiful wife, and a house. And he was now stuck out here in the desert wastes.

He glanced outside. Two reservists stood guard at the enterence to the building, the center for the Vineyardian protection of the UCR heartlands. 25,000 Brave men one and all. He looked back to his desk.

Satiltie imagry. He ginned. Right smack dab in front of him he had all the access to a certain satilite 'loaned' to the UCR government (with him attached of course), as all RSA members were 'loaned' a Vineyardian Military Satilite for their operations. Unfortunately, the UCR either didn't care, or didn't know that he existed. As far as they probably knew, he was just another officer with a bunch of funny equiptment.

He panned over to Tehran, bored. He had been watching the battle for days on end. He took satilite images of the city every day, to watch the destruction being wreked on the city. Small flags represented units on the ground, from what he could see UCR and ALM forces were relentlessly attacking they city. Another unidentified force, probably the UARCA, also battled in the city. He panned over and watched as a small patrol of theirs was ambushed. The men rapidly fell back, a few from both sides literally 'biting the dust'. He griminaced as blood literally spewed from a Sistani Fighter.

"Whatcha looking at?" Khamana wipped around, and saw that the Divisional Commander has been watching him over his shoulder. How long had he been there?

"Sir, I am observing the Battle for tehran, sir! I just figured to do something remotly product..."

The Divisional commander laughed. "At ease soldier. We are all bored. Auctually.." The divisional commander squinted at the screen. "Are those UARCA troops!?"

"Intel believes so."

"Fucking.. God damn it! God damn Sharina, god damn those damn serbs and their warmongering! We should have stopped them months ago, should've bottled them up! Those should be our boys!'

Khamana looked down. International politics. Damn it all.

The commander sighed, regaining his composture. He gestured to the screen. "Can you pan it back a bit?"

"Aye sir." Khamana panned back the screen to show the entire city. Intelegence had already gone through the network and was streaming live data as to where they believed current lines were. The Sistanis were bottled up in the slums of the city.

The commander grunted. "Perhaps we can help after all.." He pulled up a chair and sat down next to Khamana, entering a code into a control pannel next to Khamana.

"Sir!?"

"Oh, no. Not nukes. Conventional."

"Isn't that over-kill?"

"Ya-huh" The commander said with a tiny smile. He punched in the coordinates for the center of the slum-stronghold. A small pannel lit up, listing missle types. The commander selected one of the the smallest ICBMs available, just enough to level a little more than a block in radius. He picked out three missles, and had them target roughly the same area, behind enemy lines.

The general hit a few keys and pulled out a cigar, deftly liting it. He chuckeled. "Boom, baby."

A few minutes later, 3 missles slammed into Tehran, the satilite recording 3 entire blocks crumbling beneath the blast. An entire sky-scrapper in one block tottered to one side, objects and people falling out of the 'down' side. The sky-scraper then slowly tumbled onto a neighboring block, as soldiers holed up in that block sprinted outside, and into the street. A machine gun at the other end of the street mowed down most of them, as they continued to flee the sky-scrappers path. The sky-scrapper impacted, leaving a huge multitude of dust. The Commander wistled. Soldiers scrambled to the area, looking for survivors. One man was pulled out of the wrekage... that is, one half a man. The lower-half was missing, and as a Sistani soldier pulled him out, a long think smear of blood preceeded the mortally wounded soldier, who was apparently screaming from the head movements and opened mouth.

The commander winced. "That was a bit extravagent. Lets pray to whatever you believe in that those were not allied soldiers in that last block..."

ooc: As apparently ignored, I made this post to hopefully remind RSA members that they DO have access to the Empire's Satilite system through a Satilite-controller on loan to each nation. The satilites can call in missle strikes, coordinate operations, fins enemy soldiers through infared at night, watch them during the day, and serve as a form of advanced recon.

OOC: My nation would not like this one bit, considering I had around 3,000 (Estimate) troops in that region of the City. Be prepared for a whiplashing from us.

UCNN: United Caucasus Nation News
SPECIAL NEWS BULLETIN: Rockets Blast Tehran!

Earlier today, 3 Rockets entered Tehran. The rockets as of now are from an unknown source and the Goverment and Military are readily looking into it. The Rockets which from reports available appear to be ICBM in design or atleast function. The Rockets have totally demolished the Poorer District of Tehran and have toppled many nearby Skyscrapers. Current damage reports are not pretty to say the least.

Sources tell us that atleast 3,000 UCR troops were in the region when the rockets hit. As of now, only 3,500 have been found. The rest are either in the rubble of the Buildings or they are just seperated from contact. We will keep you posted as this story unfolds.

Note: This News Cast happened around a day later then the first

UCNN: United Caucasus National News
Special Bulletin: Rockets are of Vineyardian Origin!

It was determined that the Rockets that entered Tehran yesterday were from the Revived Empire of Vineyard. It appears that they were trying to assist us in taking the city by launching their ICBMs. The Goverment now is currently rounding up the Commander of the Vineyard Troops in the UCR. While most of the Vineyard troops will be free to do as they were originally put here to do, the leaders will be detained for an unknown period of time. It is not known as of this time how many of the leaders are in UCR Custody.

Casualty reports from the Rockets point to the deaths of a little over 500 UCR soldiers. While there is still alot of rubble to be cleared, most of the troops have been found slightly wounded. Sistani remnant forces have also been found, but in very large numbers compared to the UCR. A sort-of truce is also in act after the Attack, to clear the rubble and heal the wounded. Now word yet on how long the truce will last.

Kan Tau Operations Center, Khan Tengri Military Sector, Kazakhstan
Equipment that had only been proven in tests was now being utilized for the first time, as klaxons began wailing inside the almost brand-new military command base. Alerts had gone out within seconds of the signature blooms of ICBM launches detected. "Launch detected. Missile launches have been detected." droned the voice of an operations officer, sounding almost completely detached from the chaos that had griped the command.

The trails of the missiles were hurriedly examined as forces across the UARCA suddenly stood ready to leap to an alert phase that no one ever would wish for- but the trails began to drop off, away from UARCA cities. "Impact point Tehran or points near!" yelled one officer, spinning around from his computer monitor. "Impact has been achieved!"

"Launch location verified- these were Vineyardian objects." The commanding officer of the complex swore to himself as he picked up the phone to UARSTRATCOM, a line immediately answered. "Status, general!" the officer on the other end of the line barked. They were receiving the data almost as soon as Kan Tau. "We have verification that those were Vineyardian missiles. No evidence of nuclear detonations. Recommend cessation of DEFCON RED prep."

"Got it. Recommendation noted." The phone was hung up almost immediately on both ends.

"Still no nuclear signatures?" asked the commander, hurrying back into the central command room.

"No sir. These are almost certainly conventional."

UARSTRATCOM Headquarters, Kara-Köl, Kyrgyzstan
Reports of advances in the lines were being pushed aside by the launch alert, some in mid-delivery. "Forces have successfully linked with ALM advances near Shiraz. Army Group Central reports that it is approaching Iraqi territorial border along axis of advance, while-"

The briefing was interrupted by the klaxons suggesting an impending nuclear attack. Every officer in the room scrambled wildly out the door to their assigned posts, as warnings began pealing over the complex's speaker system. A few moments later, the situation had calmed as the direction and target of the missiles were verified, but the fear and anger of many did not subside. "Over two hundred fucking troops!" roared General Marvander, slamming his fist on a table. "Over four hundred also wounded! Another fifty still unaccounted for! And these are just preliminary reports from the field!"

An aide attempted to calm him down. "Sir, these reports are fresh out of the field. We have no idea how many units are just cut off from contact or lost in their sectors. Casualty estimates take time to make accurately."

The commander of STRATCOM was not to be reasoned with. "I don't give a damn! One trooper lost is too many! I want an immediate report prepared for the Premier! Heads will roll for this!"
'It was unfortunate,' thought the aide as he began the arduous task of preparing a full-length report, 'that this had to happen on a day with so much good news in Iran. UARCA forces had made major advances and were in spitting distance of control of the majority of the areas they had undertaken to pacify, while ALM forces were pacifying almost every sector outside the Shiraz one. And now.... this.'

ooc: This should certainly spice things up a bit! I launched them at Sistan's 'poor' sector, but I have no protest in the intrests of... well... an interesting RP!

IC:

-Imparial Palace-

"Sir!"

"Unnngh" Regent Windsor moaned as he picked his head off of his desk. 1:00 AM. And still so many damn agricultural progress reports to read on the Congo project. He adjusted his spectacles and looked up.

"Unnh, what the hell do you want?"

"Looks like those missles hit allied troops in the region, friendly casuilty rates are astounding..."

"What missles...?"

The officer froze, puzzled. "The ICBM's launched on Tehran. Wasn't your authori.."

Regent Windsor glared at the man. "I was not talking in my sleep again, was I?"

"I dont know sir. The order was given to launch 3 conventional ICBMs on Tehran's Sistani-held sector. Apparently they hit a sky-scraper or two, causing it to collapse on an allied-held block. It does not look good sir."

Regent Windsor blinked.

"Initial communications traces suggest that the order was relayed through the UCR Reservist station..."

Regent Windsor moaned and put his head in his hands.

"What was the commander's name?"

"Hmmm, lesse..." The officer said while rifling through a clip-board he was carrying. He muttered to himself as he tore through the pages. "Commander... oh god im going to pronounce this wrong.. Commander Enrique Manuloto. Member of a family of Cuban loyalists who fled Cuba during the 'incident' with Sharina. Family currently resides in Italy, while he is deploied with the UCR-loaned reservists forces."

Regent Windsor opened a drawer and pulled out a black telephone. He pulled out a manual, and went through a list of names. Spotting a few names listed under "Division 41" he dialed one's number.

He shooed the Officer away and began to speak into the phone, then hung up. Protocol 105. Clean-up time.



-Reservist HQ, Somewhere in UCR Homelands-

Commander Enrique had his feet on his desk and was busily filing his nails. One might not say Busily, as he was clearly trying to pass time. There was a knock at the door.
"Come in" the commander growled. A reservist poked his head in the door.

"Sir, UCR soldiers are outside the compount. Lt. Khamana made us form a line and we are blocking their entry. They pulled their weapons on us, and we pulled ours on them. Now we are... erm... kinda screaming at each side ointing guns towards the other. I think they want to arrest you, but im not sure. Our translator went out with the last patrol."

Enrique just stared at the reservist. He was in a bit of shock, not knowing weather or not to believe the man poking his head through his door, or to believe that he was having a dream - a good dream for that matter. Something to do finally!

Enrique kicked his feet off of his desk and went outside. The reservist backed away, a sad look on his face. Commander Enrique looked at him puzzled then turned to go down the hall-way.

"Sorry sir."

3 Reservists stood before him, in combat gear. One swung his gun up, and emptied the entire clip into the Commander's Body. Enrique staggered backwards, and grabbed his chest. Pulling his hand away, he saw blood. Lots of blood. He collapsed, and his conciousness faded into obscurity.

The soldier who shot Enrique looked up at the quivvering reservist. "Its ok son, you did right." The man said as he and his two collegues pulled out their badges. The reservist gasped. The men were Secret Police.


-In the front Lobby-

"BACK THE FUCK AWAY!"

"PUT DOWN YOUR WEAPONS!"

"DONT MOVE!"

Khamana had his sword pulled out, as well as his machine-pistol, as he and his men were screaming commands and obcenities at the UCR troops. What the hell was going on!? Why did they come in here with guns drawn!? Khamana was not about to let any forign troops, no matter who they were, arrest his commander. Three men came out behind them, and went to his desk. One of them pulled out an incendiary explosive and wired it to the top of the desk. His companions proceeded to take papers out of the desks scattered around the room and lit them on fire.

Khamana gasped. "YOU MEN! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING!?" One of the men looked up and flashed Khamana a badge. Secret police. A few of these cold-calculating bastards were in every damn Brigade in the army. Enrique made Khamana auctually interview all the men to try to find the secret police amungst them, but these guys were manipulitive bastards. Never in the history of the army had one been found if that man did not want to be found. These guys were toe back-bone of the Lord Regent's Command, as they were the Lords Vineyard before him. Khamana twitched.

The police-man smiled. "Keep those bastards right where they are. We are busy." and with that, he went back to work. Everyone was still pointing their weapons at eachother, although they were now watching silently as the 3 men turned the lobby into a powder-keg. Two police-men left as one stayed behind, and pulled out a small trigger, wired to a weird-looking radio. He winked. Khamana knew exactly what was going on. He had heard stories about this sort of thing done in the past. If any attempt was made to take this facility, he would blow them all to hell.

Sweat beaded down Khamana's forehead. The other police-men were probably finishing wiring this place. He gulped and looked at the UCR troops. They were looking kind of edgy and were glancing at eachother as if trying to make some sort of decision. Khamana only hoped they would make the right one.

-Patrols in the UCR-
'I don' know man. That doesn't sound right to me."

'Its true! The Norwegians build a hotel out of ice every-year! Ive been there!"

"Ya-huh. Sure private. And Santa-clause is real."

"Ahh, thats who was with your wife, I was wondering who that was..."

The soldier who made the remark was smacked on the back of the head, as everyone laughed. The APC carrying the patrol ground to a halt in a UCR street while they were on their regular patrol. The radio crackled, silencing the soldiers.

::Protocol 105! Protocol 105! Return to base! All units return to base!::

"Jesus man. Hope thats not another god damn..."

::This is NOT a drill! All UCR personnel are to be treated with suspicion!:: The radio crackeled again. The driver looked at the officer who was riding in front. The officer looked back at the driver. A UCR traffic cop had just walked into the middle of the road and held up a stop-sign. They never did that to Vineyardian military vehicules.

A soldier opened an armored slit in the side of the APC and gasped. The Machine gunner on top said in a muffled voice "Oh, god..."


ooc: Leave ya hanging, eh? Granate's turn.

- The Patrol -
"Oh God..." One of the patrol officers said.

A nearby UCR Namera APC opened up and a troops filed out in military fashion. They then proceeded to surround the Vineyard APC with the Namera APC acting as back-up. A few orders were spoken in Azeri to the UCR soldiers by the Commanding officer who was just now walking from the APC. The Soldiers laughed at the obvious joke against the Vineyard Soldiers.

"Gentlemen, I would recommend that you please exit the vehicle and march to the awaiting Truck" The Officer said in English. He pointed to a nearby UCR Military Truck used to haul Supplies. He then spoke to his soldiers in Azeri.

'I have been ordered to use discretionary force, should they refuse to agree with our terms' He said 'Should they prove to much to handle, rough them up a bit, but make sure they are still alive'. With that he walked back to the Namera to await their answer.

-Front Lobby, Vineyard Division H.Q.-

The Troops were restless and edgy. They had just seen three men exit the Officer's Quarters of the H.Q. These men were oddly dressed compared to the Average Vineyard Soldier. The UCR Commander assesed the situation quickly. With three quick motions of his hand, the UCR soldiers filed out of the Lobby out into the Roadway where the rest of them were. The Commander turned his head back to the line of Vineyardian Soldiers and spoke, in English, to no one in general.

"We'll be back, and next time we won't be so lenient" He said. With that he walked out to his men. They quickly formulated a plan of action to keep the Vineyardian troops that were already in the Compound in and the ones outside of it out. It was basically a seige, but with a few differences. Food and water would be allowed into the Compound.

'Get ahold of H.Q. We've got a major situation on our hands here!' He said to his com-officer in Azeri.

OOC: Good? Vineyard your turn.

-The Patrol-

The officer muttered 'Fuck' under his breath. He tapped the Machine-gunner's leg, and then noded at his men. "ORZANE!" he belted out. The Machine gunner let his legs give way underneath him, as he dragged the machine gun in after him. As one soldier helped him down, another slammed the hatch close, and sealed it. The armored flaps above the windows were released electronically, and the soldier's gun slots were closed and sealed. The APC went pitch black. The officer felt his way around the control-board and found the Auxiliary lights switch. A light built into the ceiling of the APC came on. The officer leaned back into the main-space of the APC.

"So. Anyone here speak English?"

(ooc: Croatian is the main-stream language of the Empire, with English being taught to the merchants and scientists of the Empire.)

-The HQ-

The soldiers fell back as well. Khamana waved his sword around while shouting orders in Croatian. A few soldiers went into the rear area, then brought out armored riot-style barricades. They erected them at every enterence and the soldiers manned them.

Accross the URC, patrols were being stopped and their surrenders demanded. According to protocol, the only unharmful way to react is to 'bottle up' if the patrol was by APC. If the patrol was by foot, the soldiers either dived into buildings at the first indication of trouble, surrendered, or even killed themselves rather than become a captive.


Typical scenes accross the URC:

"Freeze!"

"Drop your weapons!"

The small Vineyardian patrol was surrounded by URC soldiers. The officer looked around and, knowing the situation to be hopeless, pulled out his sword and tried to rush a URC soldier. Another Vineyardian soldier pulled out a hand-gun on himself and swiftly blew out his brains.

A dual-patrol, rarely instated unless in a hostile enviornment, was undergoing excersize when URC soldiers surrounded one group a mile away. Constant observation of both groups by eachother led the other to believe that the URC was kidnapping their comerades. As unarmed Vineyardian soldiers were being beaten senseless, The other Vineyardian patrol had closed the gap between the groups, and opened fire on the URC soldiers.

The situation was rapidly declining. Army doctorine encouraged soldiers to fight to the last, and soldiers captured in previous wars were typically executed (And their families cast into the lowest economic-bracket) in the past when they were returned.

Regent Windsor sighed in his office. The days had grown dark indeed. He just got off the line with his aviation divisional commander, and had ordered fighters (In the bases built north of the URC border pre-Sistani/Granate war, which I had RPed) to fly in formation above the skies of the URC. Regent Windsor knew this had gone too far. The URC was acting erratically and agressivly. The Empire's Political and Diplomatic fate had been sealed. Never before had the Empire backed down from situations like this. Never before had the Empire been cowed by a nation as small as the URC. The Empire was forced to act, and act with its strong and heavy hand. Regent Windsor for the first time did not know what to do. He had given the order for Imperial Soldiers to stand their ground until the URC made its intentions clear. He didnt even have any available Ospreys to ferry them out, as they were just launching the initial Division of the 3ed Battlegroup to Iraq. And he would be damned if he allowed Vineyardian Soldiers to be hauled into captivity. Damned if he did, damned if he didn't. He smirked. Oh, the bitter irony.

- UCR Presidential Estate, Baku -

Andrei Johnson, President of the UCR, folded his hands in front of his face is thought and anger. The events of the past few days was weighing heavily on his already burdened mind. Someone had launched ICBMs into Tehran, killing 500 UCR soldiers and wounded about a thousand others. Intial reports pointed towards the Sistani Rebels, but then again they took more damage then the UCR did in the blast. No, it had to be from someone else, but who? Intell provided by the UARCA and other sources pointed towards the Vineyardians.

In response, Andrei had allowed the order for the Detaination of the Vineyardian Officers. But, it would seem that fate played him a cruel hand. The Vineyardians didn't want to go and wouldn't go without a fight. This had caused more then 50 or so Vineyardian deaths and about 10 UCR deaths. Currently the UCR and Vineyard were in a standoff and the situation was rapidly deteorating. Andrei decided the only way to stop this before it escalated into a full war was to go to the top. Regent Windsor.

Dear, Regent Windsor

I am deeply sorry for the trouble you must think we have caused. While it may have been rash of me to allow for your officers detaination, I felt at the time it was best to get information. With that information we could accurately figure out who in the world launched those ICBMs.

I will allow the regular reservists to leave the UCR without any fuss. They may take their weapons, ammo, ect, ect. There is only one condition that I ask. We request that you work with us, to figure out who launched that missle. We'd rather not lose a friend over some stupid technicians blunder.

Sincerely
Andrei Johnson
President of the UCR

- The Patrol -

The Commander heard them quietly conversing in the APC. He cursed himself, he just remembered that the average Vineyardian Soldier doesn't speak English and he didn't know any of the Vineyardian languages. 'Blasts' He thought. He looked back over at the APC and hoped that the men inside were conversing over something that wasn't going to risk UCR lives.

*I couldn't think of anything else to write*

-IC-

-The Patrol-

Their radio crackled to life. ::This is Lt. Khamana, Satilite Communications Officer. I have assumed command of the Division, and I am ordering all troops to hunker down and to, if possible, congregate in designated check-points. Best of luck soldiers!::

The officer pulled out a map of Azerbaijan. He swore. All the check-points were URC government buildings. Khamana must know this... so be it.

He crawled into the back, and pushed a russian-speaking soldier to the front. The two forward Armored flaps opened up. The driver ducked. The Russian-speaking soldier nervously asked (In russian) "Anyone speak Russian?"

The driver pulled out an ignition key and slid it into the ignition. He closed his eyes. An armored pannel swung close behind the two in the front, and those in the 'hold' as it was called. It was ment for combat operations, for if they driver and the officer of the patrol (Who is to sit next to him in front) somehow are shot at through the driving and command windows, only they will die instead of the entire crew!

-Imperial Palace-

Regent Windsor personally ran a thick-black highlighter through critical information in a missle-launch documentation of the event. it recorded the division commander authorizing non-nuclear ICBM's (Only Regent Windsor can launch nukes) to be launched at satilite-directed coordinates. He immediately forwarded it to the President of the UCR. Attached he scribbled a short note:

It was no mistake, it was a launch-order from a now deceased general in support of your campaign in Tehran. We used coordinates based on your own reports regarding your troop positions.

As to your offer of allowing the Reservists to withdraw, we demand the oppertunity to withdraw EVERYONE and EVERYTHING of, and belonging to, the Empire.

-Regent Windsor

[ooc: The Emirate's official response to the UCR-Vineyard incident is in the RSA thread...]

Emirate forces had reached Shiraz by the third week of campaigning, and the continuing siege of the city has led to confidence the city is either reap for capture or surrender. After meeting with UARCA troops at the borders of Fars Province and Sistan and Baluchistan, the Emirate has laid peace to the majority of its mandate. Additional troops from UAE/Qatar [nominally 5000] have aided in the return of peace to the region with minimal casualties. As a result of the numerous pronged attacks, the majority of Sistan is considered under military occupation, save a few hot spots. In the Emirate zone, Shiraz is the only noted hot spot, and unfortunately the largest and most significant of those outside Tehran and Isfahan.

With the recent missile launches set against Tehran, the Emirate has mobilized air defense crews to be a peak-vigilance against surprise strikes by Sistani scuds, almost invariably under-appreciated and unused during the entire conflict. Furthermore, Emirate air force crews have specifically targeted such sites in difficult terrain to prevent their use against Emirate forces. Of those Sistani forces that did surrender [numbering only at 10,000 of the forces directly within the Emirate mandate], the majority were reported as being extremely calm in their confinement and interrogation seemed to be slow. Those who did cooperate with Emirate Intelligence officers were granted amnesty in the name of the Emir and were permitted to make residence in Bandar Abbas, under the pretensions that their presence was to be non-hostile and non-interfering.

In the places where Emirate control was firm, Emirate government officials were busy returning services to the community, to avoid creating a political and social void that the extremists could use to perpetuate an armed resistance against the occupation. The Governor in Manama was granted limited autonomy to institute Emirate order in Sistani territories, and thusfar, his progress has been significantly helpful to maintaining the peace. These events mirror similar progress being made in Asherton.

Dear, Regent Windsor

Although we wish to know more of the variables involved with the Launching of the ICBMs, we are willing to listen to your terms and we will allow any and all troops to leave. Their officers will be formally apoligized to and any families we may have injured by killing their Husbands, Fathers, or Son's we will pay to them the equivalent of $150,000 USD Per Death. We hope this will be more then adequate.

We would also wish that in the future, you keep a tighter leash on who has acess to launch procedures of the ICBMs you control. We would like to inform you that we will still be launching a Formal investigation into this matter. We hope that you will work with us and hopefully iron-out any problems that may remain between our nations.

Sincerely
Andrei Johnson

- The Patrol -

The standoff had gone on long enough and it was too long for the Commanders feelings. He was about to order the Troops to get them out when the Radio began to talk to him.

'Commander Khaivov' He said in Azeri. He listened to his Commanding officer from H.Q.

'Is that so?' He said slightly bewildered. 'Right, I'll move out immediately'. He hung up the radio and said in English to the soldiers in the ACP, even they couldn't understand it.

"We will be leaving you know. It would appear our goverments have reached an agreement. Safe Travels" And with two quick motions of his hand the troops filed back into the APC and rode off toward the Command center some ways away.

OOC: I am still gonna be wary of you. For now we will refrain from using or trying to use Vineyard Satellittes. Instead we will be working with the UARCA for Satelittes. We are still considered allies, just ones with strained relations.

OOC: UARCA has satilites!? :eek:


IC:
-The HQ-

A red telephone started to ring like mad. Khamana gulped. Regent Windsor's Phone. He picked it up.

"Your orders are to Consolidate your forces and to go to each URC prision individually. Free all VIneyardian Captives. if the URC guards do not oblige, slaughter them all. The Empire is at a ZERO tolerance level. Is this understood?"

"Yes commander!"

The other end of the line hung up. Khamana slowly placed down the telephone, then began a totoal recall of all units, which were currently en-route to the various check-points.

-1 day later-

About 20,000 troops repained. 5,000 were still locked up in the obscure URC prision. As the convoy moved out of the central base with everything it could carry, a massive explosion erupted, reducing the base to rubble and dust. Khamana barely even looked back. He nodded to the Secret Policeman next to him, as he put away the detonation trigger.

The convoy broke up into 4 groups, each with 5,000 troops. Each group was going to go toits assigned URC prisions to free their comerades. Weather or not the URC would oblige was yet to be seen.

OOC: Umm dude. I never put any large amount of troops into prisons. Maybe 100 men. Most were sent to Open-Air Camps that were used for POWs or Criminals. As of now I am letting your men go. I dunno, what I am gonna do now. Since you seem dead-set on conquering me now.

OOC: Umm dude. I never put any large amount of troops into prisons. Maybe 100 men. Most were sent to Open-Air Camps that were used for POWs or Criminals. As of now I am letting your men go. I dunno, what I am gonna do now. Since you seem dead-set on conquering me now.

ooc: With 25,000 troops against your 100,000? I couldn't if I tried honestly.

I had no idea that you didn't concentrate them. I assumed so because it would have been more effecient to have done so.

Also, how are they being 'let go'? Will they be dropped off in Russia via transport, or forced to walk the distance?

[ooc: let's stop being hostile with each other - we're supposed to be allies...]

OOC: I was gonna allow you to Air-Lift them out of there with the more heavier supplies being sent to Russia to be shipped out. From there it's up to you how it goes. Walking from the Caucasus to Croatia would be a torture in itself and the UCR prides itself on it's fair, if not very smart under very intense pressure, goverment.

UARCA News Bullet

After weeks of intense fighting across much of Iran, UARCA forces have finally brought under military control the last Sistani positions in its mandated zone. With the regular Sistani army almost totally destroyed, partisan elements continue to fight on but with decreasing success as Ministry of State Security officials begin to move in, aided by a greatly expanded satellite network. Fighting in Tehran continues, but UARCA troops are gradually being rotated out as UCR elements continue to flow into the city in large numbers.


[OOC- Fast and dirty. There'll be probably one nice long post that goes over consolodation and one nice long post for casualties and the like.]

* 2 Weeks after Z-Hour*

The fighting had died down since the weeks after the beginning of Operation: Final Justice. Most of the fighting had ended and all that was left now, were sporadic skirmishes with the few troops who were fanatical enough to believe that Tehran or even Iran could be retaken. After the Vineyardian missle-crisis fighting erupted again but it wasn't as strong nor as dangerous as first perceived.

Most generals were calling the Operation Over and others were calling for a general state of Victory to be called, seeing as this was the end of Operation: Lightning Bolt, as least for the UCR it was. Many soldiers were happy that it was nearly over and others were exstatic to be able to return to their loved ones soon. It would be over in a matter of days.

*Two Days Later*

A Cheer went up over the city. The end of Operation: Final Justice and with it Operation: Lightning Bolt. It was being hailed as the end of Sistan once and for all, after so many years since the Red Sea War. The cheer lasted for almost 2 whole minutes. After it was done many of them were directed to nearby trucks that would take them to bases in nearby Qom province. From there they would spend two weeks in Tabriz helping supply workers there. Then it was on to the UCR. A good 1/3 were being sent to Markazi so that could be used to protect the new UCR land and assist the UARCA and ALM forces.

*I know it's not really good, but I couldn't think of anything else to do*

Casualty Reports:
UCR: 34,239
Sistani: 145,000

Ahvaz, Iran, UARCA Sector
Smoke wafted over one of the poorer areas of the city, sounds of the riot echoing across the city. This was one of the flare-ups that was becoming more and more seldom in Iran, as UARCA forces solidified control and restored law and order to the areas of the country that they had pacified. Riots had happened, as the change from Sistani governance to a democratic society was a major one, but were abating.

Major Kahmenov took a drag on his cigarette as he handed the binoculars he had just been using to study the city back to Colonel Ahmady, one of the Ministry of State Security troops who were being sent throughout newly liberated areas. The two men, appearing to be lounging on a rooftop of a major hotel, were in reality both on edge. "Pass me that vodka again, Khamenov." Well, one of them was.

Handing Ahmady the bottle of vodka, Kahmenov shook his head. "How the hell are you so relaxed? There's a major riot taking place! And aren 't you not supposed to drink?"

The MSS Colonel snorted as he took a pull from the bottle. "I'll drink what I want. No one around to see. You should calm down yourself- this is quality stuff. The sun is shining. Everything's all well and good."

Khameniov goggled at him. "How can you say that? There's fighting mere blocks from us! Hundreds of people in the street! I'm sure this is going on all across Iran!"

"Nah. MSS has broken up all riots that have occurred and they don't happen again- propaganda and actual improvements in quality of life soften any blow. And it's not like we just sit around and wait for riots to spread- this one will shortly be under control." Almost as he finished, a number of helicopters flew almost directly overhead, rotors stirring up dust from the hotel roof as they headed towards the market square ahead. "Here. Take the binoculars back. You'll want to see what happens."

Staring through the binoculars, Khamenov saw the helicopters circle the market square, move over it and the surrounding area where there were rioters and then fly away. "What the hell?" As he began to look away, Khamenov then saw someone slump down. Another began tearing his clothes off. Within a few minutes, everyone in the square had, it seemed, lost their minds and were extremely easy to take into custody. Truck after truck of the rioters were taken away and the entire area was soon quiet again. "What the fuck just happened?"

The MSS officer smiled. "Classified, needless to say. So don't spread this. With some help from a certain overseas power, we figured out a variant of BZ. Their data lines were most helpful in that regard and working with both our and their information, we shortened the effects time considerably. Effects don't last as long, but as you saw, it's now almost instantaneous for them to happen. And it's as safe as the normal lines."

"So I'm guessing that resistance is collapsing?"

"It's actually almost entirely gone. This is one of the final riots that we expect and we've already got informants working for us across the country. You can tell your unit that you saw what was probably the last stage of the pacification effort."

Tashkent, Uzbekistan, UARCA
"Well?" The Minister of Defense gave the approaching military officer a long stare as he saluted. The two were meeting inside one of the gardens scattered throughout Tashkent- this one was inside the Ministry itself, providing a most secure location indeed.

"The final reports are here. Totals look high, but remember that every division hurt has been updated with modern equipment by now. I'd actually put our strength in the area higher now than it was before, mainly because of the fact that with reorganization and modernization we have extremely increased capabilities."

The Minister smiled. "Then it's all gone as planned? Splendid. I'd like that report now, if you you'd be so kind." And with that, the brief meeting was over as the Minister began to peruse the lengthy document. The military phase of the operation was now complete. Iran was pacified once again.


TOP SECRET: RED-1 CLEARANCE REQUIRED
SECTION C: TOTAL UARCA LOSSES

1 Armored Division (Active Duty) damaged
1 Motor Rifle Division (Active Duty) destroyed
2 Motor Rifle Divisions (Active Duty) damaged
2 Infantry Divisions (Active Duty) damaged
2 Infantry Divisions (Reserve) damaged
1 Motor Rifle Division (Reserve) destroyed
3 Motor Rifle Divisions (Reserve) damaged