All out war in Erzikistan?
U.S. Troops regroup and take stock after a determined attack by an unexpected foe. (Photographer: 2LT Persson)
28th July 2016
After more than a week of communication blackout for all at Airbase Minnesota, authorisation has been given to the International Times to report on the latest developments in the troubled nation.
At approximately 8am local time on Sunday the 24th of July, soldiers of 1st and 2nd platoons of the United States Army’s 506th infantry regiment, Alpha company, were on a combat patrol pushing to expand their foothold in the area of a small forward base known as COP Lion. During the course of this patrol, U.S. forces were directly engaged by infantry and tanks belonging to the Army of the Republic of Erzikistan who have repeatedly professed their neutrality in the conflict. One american soldier lost his life in the ensuing battle and many more were wounded. Initial reports have informed us that the foot patrols sent out were hit hard by the surprise attack and all were forced to retreat to the COP where they fought a desperate defence, ultimately holding their ground.
The moment before infamy: A fire team leader points to the ENA formation as it travelled in what appeared to be a peaceful and routine patrol (Photographer: 2LT Persson)
In the wake of recent incidents of American troops being fired upon by by the local police in Al Rayak, Tensions have remained high, even after a thorough investigation deemed the incident unintentional.
It is too early to tell what ongoing effect that the battle between U.S. forces and those of the Erzikistan Republic but we can be almost certain that given the likelihood that the attack will be considered an act of war on the part of the Republic of Erzikistan, we can expect to see more U.S. troops to be deployed to the region and many, many more casualties in this volatile and confusing conflict.
Eugene Rye
International TimesThis news report is a work of fiction to support 506thir ARMA Realism Unit gameplay
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