Lodamun

[imperialpearl]

As Kalopia’s position in Solentia deteriorates amidst a rallying of the various warring factions against its intervention into the nation’s bloody internal conflict, Commander of the Lodamese Armed Forces’ Majatran Command (MAJCOM) and Director of National Assessments William Pittman met in Helios with top officials within the Kalopian Government and defence establishment, with the intention of reaffirming Lodamun’s support for the nation’s intervention alongside acting on earlier recommendations towards establishing clear lines of communication. Although the nation had seen initial success in the early stages of its “limited military intervention” having captured numerous towns and cities on the Kalopia-Solentian border alongside a bold raid which captured the nation’s capital, much of the steam/momentum generated during said early stages has been largely lost as Kalopian forces becoming increasingly bogged down as they face tougher resistance. 

It had been reported in both Solentian and Kalopian media that both the Hezb-e Ahmadi and the Mutahad Kargar Gond (MKG) had formed an unlikely alliance, unifying their forces against the Kalopian intervention. This united front, coined “the Ahmadi Union” has since made significant progress in halting the expansion of the Kalopian “safe zone.” The Special Directorate for Solentia (SDS), the entity which has been overseeing Kalopia’s intervention into Solentia noted that the formation of the Ahmadi Union was “deeply ironic” adding that “the very factions who initiated this devastating civil war for power among themselves have now united against Kalopia, a nation that came to stop the bloodshed and restore stability.” It has also been reported that since Kalopia’s intervention, ASIM (Ahmadi State in Majatra) forces have had the unintended effect of “super-charing” the terrorist organisation’s extremist sentiments. From suicide bombings in the safe zone to the proclamation of a “jihad” against Kalopia, Helios’ worst nightmare, a protracted conflict is gradually being realised.

In meeting with key officials within the Kalopian Government and the SDS, General Gerrard Stedman reaffirmed Lodamun’s support for Kalopia’s intervention, offering that the nation [Kalopia] stands as a bulwark against the rise of extremism in the Majatran continent. He noted that with Associate Secretary of Defence for Majatra Phineas Gorley having affirmed Lodamun’s support for Kalopia and proposed the creation of clear lines of communication between the two states recognising their shared interests in the region, there was now a need for such lines of communication to be established. The expansion of King Bassam Naval Air Base to host the Lodamese Armed Forces Command and Control Centre/Forward operations base for MAJCOM is likely to play a major role in the coming years, even as the Kalopian intervention begins to lose momentum. In speaking with Kalopian the respective heads of SDS, including Vice-President Melis Sahin, Minister of Defense Theodoros Dervishi and Minister of Internal Affairs Herolinda Jakupi, General Stedman stated that broad airstrikes against ASIM targets were an option which was currently being considered by the Haney Administration in Kensington. 

At an impromptu press conference following his meetings with Kalopian officials, both General Stedman and Pittman noted that the Haney Administration has considered its options, noting that recognising the ever-changing dynamic in the nation. “President Haney continues to monitor the situation in Solentia, Kalopia and Kafuristan. I can note that he has had numerous phone calls with President Blerta Rexhepi on how Lodamun could support Kalopian forces in Solentia alongside achieving our own objectives of bringing about the complete destruction of ASIM and heralding a more stable Solentia. I’d like to note that an intervention similar to Kalopia’s is not being considered by the National Security Council,” Pittman explained. It being reported that even as works in King Bassam Naval Air Base continues, numerous aircraft from the Lodamese Air Force are reportedly en route to Kafuristan for “permanent basing” including F-16s and F-15s.