Lodamun

[imperialpearl]

With considerable pressure mounting related to Kalopia’s stalled efforts in alleviating the humanitarian crisis developing in Solentia amidst the internal conflict, its ‘limited military intervention’ and the ensuing blockade which has had the unlikely result of inducing a minor famine among Solentia’s vulnerable and displaced, President John Haney announced the Lodamese blueprint for addressing the humanitarian crisis which has befallen the nation. The announcement came at a press conference held at Whitehall following a meeting with key members of his cabinet including Secretary of State Oliver Caillou, Secretary of Defence Kristian Harding and Administrator of the Lodamese Agency for International Development (LAID) Barry Slater. “The situation in Solentia is untenable. It is clear that the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Solentia demands immediate action,” President Haney said. Although since announcing its intentions to seek the ‘complete destruction of ASIM’ and the ‘re-stabilisation of Solentia’, the Haney Administration had been largely mum on its supposed approach to the humanitarian crisis. 

Some have speculated that wherein Kalopia’s intervention had covered numerous domains including a direct ground assault alongside a broader humanitarian effort (ranging from aid to accepting refugees), Lodamun’s involvement would have been at an arm’s distance and would have likely been limited to airstrikes against key targets throughout the nation. “In underscoring Lodamun’s relationship to the situation in Solentia as being one connected to its continued support for Kafuristan even as the nation continues to rebuild after the devastating conflict against Istalia, President Haney and Secretary [Oliver] Caillou have not offered any comment as to the extent of Lodamun’s “intervention”. It is my belief that given the nature of the conflict, and the fact that King Bassam Naval Air Base is certainly being primed for its first major test as a major operations centre in Majatra for the Lodamese Armed Forces, our involvement in Solentia would likely be limited to airstrikes against certain targets and persons of interest throughout the country,” Kevin Harmon, a strategist with the Centre for Geostrategic Policy and Research explained.

In lamenting the aid flowing into Solentia from Kalopia via the safe zone established by Kalopian forces was simply ‘not enough’, Haney said that LAID and the Lodamese Air Force are likely to work with the SDS (Special Directorate for Solentia) in coordinating increased humanitarian airdrops within the safe zone. He noted that it was important that LAID and the SDS establish corridors for humanitarian aid for persons “trapped” in Ahmadi Union-controlled territory. “It is imperative that LAID work with the SDS to establish humanitarian corridors within the areas around the Safe Zone so that persons within those areas can access humanitarian aid. What we seek to do here is to avoid a broader famine which will only worsen the humanitarian situation,” Haney explained. 

Secretary of State Oliver Caillou, stated that although the administration was not concerned that the conflict in Solentia might develop into a larger one (involving various combatant nations), it was nonetheless concerned amidst the rise of ASIM and the formation of the Ahmadi Union and how these entities could ultimately stimy Lodamese efforts towards alleviating ‘unnecessary suffering’. “As we’ve seen on numerous occasions in other situations throughout the world, in those instances where nations provide humanitarian aid to populations under significant strain, humanitarian aid is often intercepted by warlords seeking to create their own fiefdoms,” Secretary Caillou noted. He added that there was considerable room for the LAID and the Lodamese Air Force to work with the Baeguk peacekeepers which are reportedly being sent to Kalopia to assist Kalopian forces in establishing stability in the safe zone. “We maintain a positive relationship with Baeguk, thus I believe that there is room for cooperation among our personnel in ensuring the Solentian people can receive the humanitarian assistance they so desperately need,” he added.

Secretary of Defence Kristian Harding confirmed that the Lodamese Navy was forming a task force to establish a sea-borne humanitarian corridor off the Eastern and Southern Solentian coasts. He noted that a new Expeditionary Action Group (EAG) was being formed with the intention of establishing a clear Lodamese presence in the area alongside protecting the sea-borne humanitarian “bridge.” “What we have worked out with the Lodamese Navy is an arrangement wherein two of our amphibious landing ships will act as massive humanitarian aid ships and will anchor themselves as close to the coast without of course beaching themselves. These ships possess LCACs (Landing Craft Air Cushions) which can be used to ferry aid from the ship to the shore where LAID personnel will establish a temporary distribution centre. I have been informed that the Lodamese Marine Corps, who will be accompanying the EAG will provide helicopter support via the V-22 which will augment the efforts of the LCACs in bringing aid ashore,” Secretary Harding detailed. 

He added that there were considerations being made with the Kafuri Government related to the potential for overland humanitarian aid via the Kafuristani border, however, such plans are still being negotiated. President Haney noted that recognising the fact that to facilitate the aforementioned sea-borne humanitarian corridor, LAID personnel will be required in Solentia, he noted that should any action be taken which might endanger the lives of Lodamese citizens in the country, the EAG alongside aircraft stationed in Kafuristan would have no qualms in mounting a disproportionate response against enemy combatants. “As we conduct these humanitarian operations, should harm befall a Lodamese citizen, I am prepared to authorise a particularly disproportionate response against enemy combatants.”