Mini Operation - 22/06/2024 (OP 01)
Situation
On the island of Malden, its defence forces are currently overwhelmed and entrenched around the airfield and northern towns. The conflict reached a tipping point due to strategically placed leaders and widespread propaganda aimed at destabilising the island to install a more favourable leader to the east. Amid the chaos, the Malden Defense Forces intercepted communications, which were relayed to UK intelligence agencies. These communications suggested that 'Nikolai Smith' was behind the primary propaganda and disinformation efforts on the island. Smith has been on the UK's most wanted list since he successfully hacked a Royal Navy personnel’s laptop, obtaining details of an upcoming operation and passing them to his state-backed sponsor, thereby thwarting the mission.
In response, the UK government has authorised limited involvement in the conflict. Strategic Command, along with 40 Commando and Joint Aviation Command, has been entrusted with a two-part operation: first, to secure a safe route onto the island while avoiding the main conflict in the east and to gather intelligence on the whereabouts of 'Nikolai Smith'; and second, conduct a raid to capture him.
Acknowledgements
The main conflict between the Malden Defence Force (MDF) and insurgents is concentrated in the east, with MDF garrisoned at the airfield and insurgents entrenched in the main city, Le Port.
The insurgents have deployed heavy anti-aircraft (AA) defences on the east side of the island, including static missile and gun emplacements, as well as infantry equipped with handheld anti-air weapons. Joint Aviation Command (JAC) should avoid these areas, as our focus is limited to the western side unless it is strictly necessary to complete the current operation.
Civilian presence across the island is minimal. Any civilians not involved in the conflict have either relocated off the island or moved to towns in the north, which remain relatively untouched by the conflict.
Intent & Tasking(s)
The intent of the current tasking's is for 40 Commando to deploy to the island and plant a device to intercept and analyse internet usage, aiding in locating the high-value target (HVT). This process is expected to take some time. Given the island's small size and limited coastline, redeployment opportunities after determining the HVT's location are unlikely. Therefore, 40 Commando is to remain on the island. They are also tasked with destroying known AA positions in the northwest, enabling Joint Aviation Command to provide support. This will facilitate the second part of the operation that is to follow: Locating, raiding and securing the HVT.
Map Markings:
Overview - (High Resolution)
The priority task is to proceed to OBJ Wolf and plant the device within the Malden ISP network. Although data analysis from this operation will take time, we are confident it will eventually reveal the whereabouts of 'Nikolai Smith'. The facility is relatively unguarded, with security provided mostly by local police affiliated with the insurgents. However, reaching the facility will be challenging due to enemy garrisons and patrols in the surrounding areas.
Given the presence of anti-air defences in the northwest of the island, it may be ideal to locate and destroy these sites (OBJ Pigeon Alpha/Bravo/Charlie) before raiding the Malden ISP network and planting the device. This will facilitate reinforcements, resupplies, and medevacs closer to the area of operations (AO) and reduce the risk to Joint Aviation Command (JAC) assets during close air support (CAS).