Op Noble Desert 07 - 2025/05/24

Situation

Intelligence derived from our continuing surveillance of compromised Sons of Bala communications networks has yielded critical information regarding COST command structure. Intercepted transmissions reveal the presence of a high-value COST operative designated "Ghost Dragon" currently operating from the town of Kura. Analysis of communication patterns and operational references suggests this individual functions as a senior field commander with comprehensive knowledge of COST strategic objectives and tactical procedures throughout the region.

The relationship between COST and the Sons of Bala has deteriorated significantly following our successful capture of key SoB leadership. Remnant SoB elements have discovered evidence of COST's broader strategy to eliminate them as potential witnesses once their utility as proxies was exhausted. Intelligence intercepts indicate surviving SoB commanders are now actively planning retaliatory operations against COST personnel, including a planned vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack specifically targeting the Ghost Dragon operative in Kura. This development presents a tactical opportunity to exploit the fracturing of the COST-SoB alliance and potentially eliminate a high-value target through proxy action. However, intelligence assessment indicates significant risk that a failed SoB attack could compromise our operational advantage by alerting Ghost Dragon to the threat and prompting COST to relocate this key operative before UK forces can conduct direct action against him.

COST operational capabilities remain substantial despite recent tactical setbacks in the western corridor. Reconnaissance assets have confirmed the establishment of a helicopter landing site on the northern bank of the river, enabling sustained troop and logistics movements that are systematically reinforcing their eastern advance. These reinforcements have initiated contact elements of the Parachute Regiment that are advancing down south from the northern airfield, indicating COST's intention to establish a defensive line extending their territorial control. The establishment of this northern logistics hub demonstrates COST's ability to adapt their operational approach in response to pressure on their western positions.

Concurrent with their eastern expansion, multiple COST units have conducted tactical withdrawals from their compromised forward operating positions in the west, consolidating forces between Kura and Kumbotso for what appears to be a coordinated river crossing operation towards the town of Mandalari. Intelligence assessment indicates two probable strategic objectives for this redeployment: either advancing westward to establish direct pressure on FORT Arnhem, or moving eastward to reinforce their developing front line against UK reinforcements. The timing of this movement suggests COST commanders recognise the vulnerability created by their overextended eastern advance and are attempting to consolidate their position before UK forces can exploit gaps in their defensive posture.

The convergence of these developments creates a narrow window of opportunity to disrupt COST command and control capabilities while their forces are repositioning and before they can establish consolidated defensive positions across the northern territories.

---

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.
• President Mugambe has authorised full combat operations against COST elements, who are to be treated as hostile foreign combatants operating without legal authorisation on Kambalan soil.

---

Commanders intent

Intent for this operation is to conduct simultaneous strikes against COST command, logistics, and advancing forces to decisively disrupt their operational cohesion and prevent territorial consolidation. Priority effort is the elimination of the Ghost Dragon operative to sever senior field command capabilities, while secondary efforts focus on dismantling their eastern logistics and blocking further territorial expansion. Success will degrade COST's ability to coordinate operations across multiple fronts and force them into a defensive posture, creating conditions for follow-on operations to expel COST forces from Kambalan territory.

Tasking(s)

Map - Overview | High Resolution

40 Commando

• [OBJ Rampart] Locate and neutralise Ghost Dragon (HVT) at his current known position in Kura, destroying associated command and control nodes, equipment, and infrastructure
• [OBJ Dust] Assault and dismantle the COST helicopter landing site on the northern riverbank, destroying any active or parked aircraft and associated logistics infrastructure
• [OBJ Zenith] Prevent COST advance into the towns of Gajaji Mastafa and Gaujadji Lawan by clearing established defensive positions and denying terrain to enemy forces

2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment

• [OBJ Mesa] Defend the river crossing at Mandalari against COST advance and conduct counter-attack operations to push enemy forces back across the river
• [OBJ Zenith] Support 40 Commando in preventing COST territorial expansion by clearing enemy defensive positions in the vicinity of Gajaji Mastafa and Gaujadji Lawan

Royal Tank Regiment

• [OBJ Mesa] Provide armoured support to 2PARA in defending the Mandalari river crossing and conducting counter-attack operations against COST forces
• [OBJ Zenith] Support infantry operations in the Gajaji Mastafa and Gaujadji Lawan area, providing direct fire support and mobility for clearance operations

Joint Aviation Command

• [OBJ Rampart] Insert 40 Commando to helicopter landing site west of Kura for approach to target area
• [OBJ Dust] Provide close air support during assault on COST helicopter landing site
• [OBJ Mesa/Zenith] Provide reconnaissance, close air support, and casualty evacuation across all operational areas

---

Markings - AO Alpha

Objective / Target	Marker	Markings
COST Operative C2 node	OBJ Rampart	Image
COST Advanced to FORT Arnhem	OBJ Mesa	Image

Markings - AO Bravo

Objective / Target	Marker	Markings
Potential COST advances	OBJ Zenith Alpha OBJ Zenith Bravo	Image
COST Helicopter landing site (HLS)	OBJ Dust	Image

Markings - AO Charlie

Objective / Target	Marker	Markings
Heavy troop movement and logistics	OBJ Canyon	Image