6 January 3051
LCCC Headquarters
New Bastogne
Dieudonne, Free Worlds League
To: Seraphim Command
RE: Operation Flaming Sword
Col. Reed:
It is understood that border skirmishes are a way of life in the relationship between the Free Worlds League and the Capellan Confederation.
Though we are allied under the 3022 Concord of Kapteyn with both Houses Liao and Kurita, there will be objective raids staged across borders from time to time. With the arrival of the Clan threat, even loyalist units of the three Noble Houses see the Accord as a thing of the past.
The Captain-General has been closely monitoring the reports on the Marik-Liao front.
Background:
It appears that mercenaries crossed the border during December and seized control of Les Halles and Shuen Wan. These opportunistic mercenaries took advantage of our redeployment of the Fifth Marik Militia RCT (Les Halles) and Barrett’s Fusiliers RCT (Shuen Wan) to the Marik-Davion Front.
Les Halles was the biggest loss here as we will sorely miss its dropship repair yards and aerospace fuel refineries. It’s loss is sure to have a negative impact on the FWL economy.
Within 24 hours of the ending of the siege of Phact (against House Davion), a push by Liao-affiliated mercenaries led to Liao’s military control of the planet before the FWLM garrison units could arrive.
The most disturbing trend, however, was the capture of Zion, Suzano, Ventabren, and Elnath by the 1st Tikonov Rangers. This loyalist unit took advantage of the redeployment of the Stealthy Tigers and federal forces to the Davion front so that they could strike hard into the Zion Province.
The Marik War Council is still confused over this action as none of these planets had revived even a marginal industrial base due to these repetitive border clashes.
We have received conflicting reports from Capellan News Services, diplomatic communications from Sian, and even our SAFE agents planted throughout Capellan space. These communiqués and intercepts allude to everything from the abolition of the Kapteyn Accord (War declaration against House Marik), boredom due to the inability to open a wider attack lane on House Davion, and the implementation of staging areas to push back to Tikonov and Liao.
Operational Parameters:
Whatever the reason, these encroachments on the Free Worlds League cannot stand. All of these actions have led to Operation Flaming Sword.
The primary objective of Operation Flaming Sword is to recapture Zion and Suzano to reunite the Zion Province and restore their trade routes to the Dieudonne District.
The secondary objective is to capture five more planets to a) restore the tax base that was lost through these Liao attacks and attempt to secure a stronger front against House Davion.
No action will be taken against the Draconis Combine as we are still at peace with their Great House and trade between our two Houses has been mutually beneficial.
Federal and Mercenary forces are to be removed from the Davion Front and will be redeployed along the Marik-Liao border to reclaim these worlds and to strengthen our defenses along that border as well.
This is a static operation with clearly defined goals to restore what was lost … this is not an invasion.
This communiqué will be shared publically after the initial phase of this operation so that all of the Great Houses of the Inner Sphere will know our reasoning and our intention to restore resources to our economy to replace that which was wrested from us.
The Captain-General has no interest in ignoring the Kapteyn Accords and beginning a three front war. He is, however, responsible for the continued growth of our economy and that is the key premise for this action.
This is NOT a declaration of war. This is a police action only.
We know you are anxious to return Zion to Marik control. That is why we chose your unit to spearhead the assault on the capital of the Zion Province. We will update your objectives and direction daily.
It is critical that you avoid damaging HPGs along the way as it will impede your reception of our orders.
Also, please steer clear of all civilian population centers to avoid collateral losses and the risk of incurring a communication interdiction from ComStar. To that end, do not allow the enemy to goad you and draw you into population centers.
If the Capellan loyalists, mercs, and garrisons will not come out to meet you honorably, establish a garrison strong enough to insure the planet’s eventual capture.
We appreciate your service and look forward to your field reports in the days ahead.
Godspeed, Colonel,
Marshal Anne-Marie van Creveld
Head of the Dieudonne Military District
Regional Marshal of the League Central Coordination and Command
Edited by Alex Reed, 09 January 2016 - 10:30 AM.