Defeat for American forces East of the hamlet of Kovrov
Dateline - February 18, 2015 IGT - Bolshevik, Podagorsk
In the last few days a significant battle has raged to the East of Kovrov, located in the South East of Podagorsk. It is believed that US forces attempted to capture the island of Ostrov Yermolova and a military compound, both located close to the shore line, and within view of anyone stationed on Bolshevik. This assault, was meant to be a surprise, using swift and deadly force to crush the RPLA in the area. Resistance was thought to be light, however, US forces were taken completely by surprise.
The first shots rang out shortly after US forces left Kovrov, then larger explosions were heard as a convoy of 5 vehicles was ambushed on route to their objective. The soldiers of the 506th and 30th Infantry Regiments were subjected to a brutal and unforgiving defence by determined, and fanatical defenders from the RPLA. Many of the lighter vehicles of the 506th were rendered inoperable within moments of the ambush, and soldiers like SSG C. Johnston, regarded as a prolific marksmen by his friends, were pinned down. Many were killed or wounded within the first few minutes of the attack.
A view unto the chaos unleashed by the RPLA onto the unsuspecting soldiers of the 506th
US forces were dealt another blow as the ambush was sprung. It is believed that an Apache attack helicopter was also struck by anti-aircraft missiles, like that of which struck down the French pilot Captain Pierre. The Longbow plummeted into the ground and exploded in a fireball, regrettably killing both the pilot and the co-pilot. With now no air cover, the infantry was doomed.
Yet, a second effort of soldiers was on route to assault Ostrov Yermolova by a helicopter assault, the men of the 506th would not give in. The soldiers landed on the island and fought their way uphill, but again, the RPLA were waiting for them, dug in, ready to strike. Like their comrades in the convoy, the air assault group failed to reach their objective. Many casualties were taken once again. This was worsened when a transport helicopter was then shot down. This helicopter was believed to be bringing in reinforcements to help bolster the US position and hopefully push the RPLA back into their defences and win the battle. But now without any helicopters on station, with a battered convoy, and remnants of the air assault section stuck on Ostrov Yermolova, the US forces were forced to withdraw, with the RPLA hot on their tail.
A Russian vehicle besides the destroyed US helicopter. Stricken soldiers lie across the beach.
A US spokesperson has informed us that approximately 10 soldiers were killed in action during this battle, many more were wounded, and alarmingly, the RPLA have announced that 12 US soldiers have been captured and are being held alongside the downed French pilot Captain Pierre. RPLA casualties are unknown at this time, however, the boisterous Red Guard claim that none of their soldiers were killed in the battle. Our sources conflict with this statement and report that as many as 60 enemy soldiers were killed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the deceased service personnel, and we wish a speedy release to the captured US and French personnel.
Without a doubt, this offensive was a huge victory for the RPLA, and a great loss for the US forces. However, the war in Podagorsk is still being won by US forces. We can expect these brave men and women to go out once more and show the RPLA that the Battle of Ostrov Yermolova was a one off.
Captured US soldiers are thought to include Sergeant Wes Irwin, Corporal F. King and Private First Class Martino
As the situation in Podagorsk develops, your best place to keep up to date is here.
Thomas Atkins - International Times - East European Branch
* This news report is a fictional work to support the 506th ARMA game play
** Images supplied by CPL Morris
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