Kalistan

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Archive-  War Dispatches:  Lodamun and Kalistan Overrun Likatonian Border
North Bend, Norwalk falls to Imperial Forces
Norwalk Likatonia
January 15, 5613

Early reports from the front lines confirm that Anantonese Forces have captured the border town North Bend in the first significant fighting in the war.  Combined Forces crossed the border on the night of January 12, following a sustained heavy bombing campaign by Lodamese Air Forces.  Following the invasion, Lodamese ground stuck mainly to the coast following the start of the invasion, and were joined by Kalistani Armor and Artillery, while Lodamese Commandos and Kalistani Mech Infantry crossed along the north face of the mountain ranges.  Rangers were inserted by air further into the country to begin menacing enemy command and control behind the front lines.  The two advancing forces converged on the town of North Bend, just twenty miles inside of Likatonia, and were met with a determined defense made primarily of Kundrati Partisans who were encircled and destroyed.

"The Battle, which lasted two and a half days before it was finally over, wasn't the main body of Kundratis," said Kalistani Captain Kristin Collins.  "The fighting was pretty fierce, but the combined forces acting in a pincer formation hit Kundrati positions held the Kundratis in place, and they were ultimately defeated by close air support which was flying from bases over the border.  Our commanders expect fiercer fighting as we get further into Likatonia."

This first battle was a morale boost for the as of yet untried Anantonese Ground and Air Forces.  "Our morale is very high, but the forces themselves haven't been tested yet in actual combat.  Ultimately, the Kundratis may have more experience in Combat, but they have been living fairly rough for a long time too.  This first battle shows the troops that they can not only fight a determined opponent, but can work together, coordinate fire, and adapt from training to actual combat.  We're quite proud of the Anantonese Forces, and we are ready to continue the fight into Likatonia."

Tactically, the battle will continue in two main thrusts, with the main body going north along the coast, and the smaller, more mobile and more agile forces will continue through the mountains, to prevent either Likatonians or Kundratis from escaping into the hills and across into Valruzia.  The two thrusts will be constantly reinforced and supplied from Lodamun, and as they get further into Likatonia, they will be supplied from the air.

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