Op Noble Desert 08 - 2025/05/31

Situation

The successful elimination of COST regional commander Zhang Wei during operations conducted in OP 07 has created significant disruption within the Chinese paramilitary command structure. Signal intelligence indicates frantic encrypted communications between remaining COST elements as they attempt to reorganise their chain of command while maintaining operational security. The loss of Zhang Wei, who likely served as the primary liaison between Beijing handlers and ground forces, has forced COST to adopt a more defensive posture while awaiting replacement leadership from mainland China.

In response to this leadership vacuum, COST forces have initiated a rapid expansion of their primary forward operating base located near the town of Tsakuwa. Aerial reconnaissance conducted over the past 48 hours reveals extensive earthworks and construction activities, with the base perimeter expanding since Zhang Wei's elimination. However, intelligence assessment indicates this expansion represents a panicked reaction rather than methodical planning. The outer defensive positions show clear signs of hasty construction, with trench networks filling the gaps in fortifications. Construction equipment tracks suggest COST is prioritising speed over tactical soundness, likely anticipating imminent UK offensive operations.

Of particular note is COST's apparent consolidation of logistics assets and command infrastructure toward the centre of their expanded base. Vehicle movement patterns and thermal imaging indicate a deliberate withdrawal of fuel depots, ammunition storage, and communications equipment from forward positions into a hardened central compound. This defensive reorganisation suggests COST leadership—or what remains of it—anticipates being unable to hold the expanded perimeter and is preparing for a protracted siege scenario.

President Mugambe's forces in the capital report limited ability to deploy reinforcements to the southern operational area due to emerging civil unrest in urban centres. Intelligence suggests this unrest may be orchestrated by COST sleeper cells activated following Zhang Wei's death, aimed at preventing government forces from supporting UK operations. The capital's garrison has been forced to maintain defensive positions around key government buildings, effectively removing them from our operational calculus. This development leaves UK forces as the primary combat-effective element capable of exploiting COST's current vulnerability.

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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.

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Commanders intent

Intent for this operation is to exploit COST's leadership vacuum by conducting an immediate multi-axis assault on their forward operating base near Tsakuwa before replacement command arrives from mainland China. Assaulting their hastily constructed outer defences and trench networks, then destroy the consolidated logistics and command infrastructure within their central compound. 

Tasking(s)

Map - Overview | High Resolution

Area of Operations - Alpha | Bravo

40 Commando

• [OBJ Canyon] Assault the town of Geydam Tchoukou alongside JAC, 2PARA and RTR.
• [OBJ Bedrock] Destroy Anti-Air positions in the area and logistics apparatus 
• [OBJ Scorched] Assault COST's main base

2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment

• [OBJ Canyon] Assault the town of Geydam Tchoukou alongside 40Cdo, JAC and RTR
  
• [OBJ Scorched] Assault COST's main base
  

Royal Tank Regiment

• [OBJ Canyon] Assault the town of Geydam Tchoukou alongside 40Cdo, JAC and 2PARA
• [OBJ Bedrock] Clear through the area on the way to OBJ Scorched
• [OBJ Scorched] Assist in the assault on COST's main base
  

Joint Aviation Command

• [OBJ Canyon] Provide transport to 40Cdo and CAS to units operating in the AO
• [OBJ Bedrock] Avoid AA and provide long range engagement capabilities against armoured targets.
• [OBJ Scorched] Para-drop 2PARA and Land Rovers to the east
• [OBJ Scorched] Provide ISTAR and CAS support to all units operating in the AO

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Markings - AO Alpha

Objective / Target	Marker	Markings
Garrisoned city of Geydam Tchoukou	OBJ Canyon	Image
Logistics hub and Anti-Air	OBJ Bedrock	Image

Markings - AO Bravo

Objective / Target	Marker	Markings
COST Main base	OBJ Scorched	Image