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Op Noble Desert 04 - 2025/05/03

Situation

Intelligence gathered from our operations at OBJ Cactus has confirmed the existence of a new actor in the region—a well-equipped Chinese paramilitary organisation identifying as China Overseas Security Team (COST). During the raid on the meeting site, UK forces encountered heavily armed personnel with advanced equipment and training far exceeding typical insurgent capabilities. When cornered, COST operators demonstrated an exceptional level of operational security by destroying their own equipment, including detonating a hangar containing a helicopter to prevent its capture—behaviour consistent with state-backed special operations rather than private security contractors. 

Documentation and identification materials recovered from the site, along with photographic intelligence captured by 40 Commando and 2PARA, strongly indicate that COST functions as a deniable extension of Chinese state interests in the region. Intelligence assessment suggests this paramilitary organisation provides Beijing with a mechanism to secure resource extraction operations in contested or unstable territories while maintaining plausible deniability regarding direct involvement. Their presence represents a significant escalation in the strategic complexity of our operational environment, transforming what was initially understood as a counter-insurgency operation into a potential proxy conflict.

The raid on OBJ Cactus yielded critical intelligence regarding the relationship between Sons of Bala, corrupt KAF elements, and this Chinese paramilitary presence. Analysis of recovered communications logs indicates that Minister Kwame Okafor has served as the primary government facilitator for COST operations in Kambala. His previous professional relationship with the now-deceased Kofi Mensah (SoB liaison) provided the connection framework through which Chinese interests, government corruption, and insurgent activities have become intertwined. This triangular relationship explains the operational freedom SoB has maintained despite their destabilising activities—they have effectively been protected by elements within the Kambalan government to facilitate Chinese resource extraction in the region.

In response to these revelations, President Ibrahim Mugambe has ordered the immediate withdrawal of all Kambalan Armed Forces from areas with confirmed SoB presence. This unprecedented move effectively designates any remaining KAF elements in these territories as hostile forces operating outside the legitimate chain of command. This decision represents both an acknowledgment of the depth of corruption within certain KAF units and a strategic attempt to isolate compromised elements from the broader military apparatus.

With President Mugambe's authorisation, UK forces have established surveillance on the Minister's government-issued communications devices. Analysis of historical GPS data from these devices has revealed a pattern of visits to remote locations coinciding with major SoB operational movements. Cross-referencing this geolocation data with satellite imagery has enabled the identification of what intelligence assessment designates with high confidence as the primary SoB compound. Likely the main hideout for Tafari Nuru and Sefu Okoro.

Acknowledgements

  • Refer to the situation report for detailed information on known factions and identification.
  • Civilian population are neutral to our activities, though it is likely a small amount support the Sons of Bala.
  • Kambalan Armed Forces have been withdrawn from the reason by President Mugambe and his cabinet, any remaining KAF personnel and assets operating are likely compromised.

Commanders intent

Intent for this operation is to conduct decisive action against the Sons of Bala leadership compound in the town of Kyari Kinnai while establishing a new Forward Operating Base to support future operations against corrupt KAF and newly discovered COST elements in the region. Priority is to capture or neutralise high-value targets including Tafari Nuru and General Sefu Okoro.

Map - Overview | High Resolution

Area of Operations - Alpha | Bravo

Tasking(s)

40 Commando

2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment

  • [FORT Arnhem] Search and clear the surrounding area to help establish a new FOB
  • [OBJ Serpent] Secure the surrounding area while 40Cdo raids the compound

Royal Tank Regiment

  • [FORT Arnhem] Provide support to infantry units in the area 
  • [OBJ Serpent] Provide support to 2PARA, blocking QRF's from attempting to secure the compound.

Joint Aviation Command

  • [FORT Arnhem] Infil 2PARA and 40Cdo to the AO and assist infantry in locating SoB targets
  • [OBJ Sphinx] Avoid till the AA has been confirmed destroyed
  • [OBJ Serpent] Infil 40Cdo to the rooftop of the SoB compound
Markings - AO Alpha
Objective / Target
 Marker
 Markings
Secure a new site for a FOB FORT Arnhem (Planned) Image
Markings - AO Bravo
Objective / Target
 Marker
 Markings
Locate and knock out the AA in the area OBJ Sphinx Image
Capture the SoB Leadership at their compound OBJ Serpent Image

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