Situation Report
History of the region
Before the rise of the Zarmilana Liberation Front (ZLF), the region of Zarmilana in Pakistan enjoys relative peace. Situated in a remote and rugged area near the Afghan border, Zarmilana largely remained tranquil despite the broader geopolitical turmoil. The local population, primarily composed of Afghan tribes, engages mainly in agriculture and small-scale trade. These close-knit communities value their autonomy and generally hold neutral views on the ZLF, disliking the conflict brought about by the group's goals.
Since the early 2000s, multiple US-led operations have been conducted in the broader region of Pakistan where Zarmilana is located. These operations primarily aimed to hunt down al-Qaeda fugitives and disrupt their networks. The difficult terrain, which offers natural fortifications and hideouts, has made these missions particularly challenging. Despite extensive efforts, the area has remained a sanctuary for various militant groups, who exploit the terrain's natural defences.
Known countries and factions operating
Zarmilana Liberation Front [ZLF]
- Convoy (source: twitter)
- CTD surveillance
Whitewater PMC
- Escorting a HVT
Pakistan - Counter Terrorism Department [CTD]
- Leaving FOB Nauzad
UN Peacekeepers [UNPK]
- Protecting IDAP
International Development & Aid Project [IDAP]
- Handing out supplies in Zarmilana
Current Situation
Over the last few years, ZLF has seen a notable increase in funds and equipment from an unknown source, which has significantly bolstered their efforts to recapture Zarmilana and establish it as a permanent home base for their cocaine operations. This influx of funds has been pivotal in enabling ZLF to make substantial inroads into Zarmilana, facilitating their presence and smuggling activities in the region.
The Pakistan Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) recently forwarded critical intelligence indicating that a group of insurgents from the ZLF had managed to smuggle explosives into the UK through its ports. This intel was based on a combination of a fake cargo manifest and the testimony of an arrested dock worker from a Pakistani port, who confessed to tampering with the manifest to facilitate the smuggling operation. The explosives in question are believed to be improvised explosive devices (IEDs), ingeniously crafted from old mortars and munitions, highlighting the resourcefulness of the insurgents. This development marks a significant and alarming escalation, as it is the first time ZLF has extended its operations beyond the borders of Afghanistan and Pakistan, indicating a potentially broader and more dangerous reach of their insurgent activities.
The IED smuggled to the port detonated, resulting in the tragic deaths of three police officers and injuring many others. The explosion occurred after the device had been sitting at the port for several days without anyone coming to retrieve it, suggesting it was intended to detonate there. The bomb was set to trigger at a specific date and time when it was initially loaded into the container. Following the discovery of the suspicious cargo, armed police quickly secured and evacuated the port before investigating the bomb. Although it was initially secured and presumed defused, it suddenly exploded, catching everyone off guard. In response to this incident, UK authorities have been transparent where necessary but have refrained from commenting extensively due to the ongoing nature of the investigation. This event, marking the first time ZLF has conducted operations outside of Afghanistan and Pakistan, has heightened security concerns, even though it appears to be an isolated incident with no further threats identified at this time.
A few hours after the devastating explosion at the port, a convoy of armed police transporting Ryder Stone and 'Sawyer,Sawyer' captured during Operation Atalanta, came under attack in the countryside while en route to an undisclosed location. Ryder Stone,Stone, a logistics specialist for Whitewater PMC, and 'Sawyer,Sawyer,' the alias of Whitewater's leader, are both significant figures whose capture was a critical outcome of Operation Atalanta. This operation initially began as an anti-piracy mission but escalated into a near-peer conflict, with Whitewater PMC supplying advanced weapons to Novograd.
CCTV footage of the convoy mid ambush
The convoy consisted of eight armed police officers, of whom two are now in critical condition in the hospital and two have tragically died. The attack is believed to have been orchestrated by personnel from Whitewater and ZLF, who employed grenade launchers to disable the lead vehicle and then overwhelmed the convoy with heavy gunfire. The police managed to secure the two prisoners at a nearby petrol station, only for it to be ambushed by additional attackers lying in wait. In the ensuing chaos, Ryder Stone and Sawyer were successfully extracted by the assailants, leaving several police officers wounded.
'Sawyer,Sawyer' accompanied by two identified Whitewater contractors suspected of involvement in the ambush, were found concealed in a ditch approximately 10 miles from the ambush site. This discovery provided a significant breakthrough in the investigation, offering key insights into the circumstances surrounding Ryder Stone'Stone's escape. Currently, Ryder Stone'Stone's whereabouts remain unknown, prompting intensified efforts by authorities to locate him.
In response to the attack and the subsequent escape of these high-value prisoners, authorities have launched a massive manhunt in the area. However, the remote location of the ambush has allowed the attackers to slip away undetected. All ports and airports are on high alert for Ryder Stone and known Whitewater members, as the authorities scramble to recapture these dangerous individuals and prevent any further incidents.
It is believed that ZLF intentionally leaked the intel on the shipment of explosives as a deliberate red herring to divert attention from their true intentions: ambushing the convoy and capturing Ryder Stone.Stone. The suspicion arises from several key factors: first, the explosives were left unclaimed for days, suggesting a calculated delay to create a diversion. Second, the intelligence regarding the shipment was conveniently leaked to the CTD, prompting swift action just hours before the explosives were set to detonate. This timing suggests insider knowledge and careful orchestration. Ryder Stone'Stone's role as a logistics specialist for Whitewater adds another layer of suspicion, as his expertise could potentially link him to ZLF's operations. The investigation hinges on the discovery of a fake cargo manifest and the confession of an arrested dock worker, who may have been coerced or bribed into planting the incriminating intel. These elements underscore a sophisticated plan by ZLF to mask their movements and operations while executing a high-risk mission to capture Ryder Stone.Stone.
Internal investigations are underway across all UK agencies involved with the convoy to determine how its route or destination could have been leaked to the ZLF or Whitewater. Concerns focus on the possibility of active intelligence assets with connections to Whitewater, prompting a review of security protocols to prevent future breaches and safeguard ongoing operations against these groups.
Evidence and intelligence recovered from remnants of the Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) found within the port container have been transmitted to Strategic Command for analysis. Collaboration with the Pakistan CTD has uncovered significant findings: the identity of a notorious IED maker only known as the "Phantom Maker", formerly associated with al-Qaeda. He has previously evaded extensive manhunts led by the United States. Based on the current situation it's believed this individual has aligned with the ZLF and is currently operating from within Zarmilana.
Image credits:
- E. Krok (twitter)