Iligobakda International Airport.
A C-130 transport plane flown from Kuwait landed on the runway and taxied to the apron, where the cargo door slowly opened.
Nathan, in tactical gear, appeared at the rear of the cabin.
This plane was specially transporting him and his two "Watcher" squads for the mission to eliminate Song Heping. This time, the CIA's Secret Action Department really spared no expense, usually dispatching one "Watcher" squad for regular commands, but this time they dispatched two.
Nathan had been in charge of the Secret Action Department's affairs in Zone Z and was very familiar with the armed factions and various geopolitical relationships here.
That Kelly sent him this time showed the importance she attached to the matter.
Before coming, he had requested that the CIA's Illigo Station collect all intelligence on Song Heping and Samir's "People's Power" armed group, and prepare the on-site data for Hawkins and Jody, who had been attacked.
He especially ordered station chief Simon to immediately utilize drones and other resources to conduct 24-hour continuous patrol flights over the southwestern area, monitoring every move of all armed factions there.
He judged that Song Heping would definitely take action against the I5I5 organization this time.
After all, the CIA was using the I5I5 organization to attack Song Heping's business operations and the man himself.
Based on Nathan's investigation into Song Heping's past, he felt this man was definitely vengeful. It was said that Song Heping was now in the southwest of Illigo, further confirming Nathan's judgment of Song Heping's intentions.
With ample visibility in Illigo, Nathan stepped out of the aircraft, looked around, and outside the apron, a convoy from the CIA station was already waiting.
Humvees, armored vehicles, and more.
There was also a platoon of US Marines assigned to provide escort.
In a place like Illigo, Nathan had to be cautious.
Over the past two years, the situation in Illigo had become somewhat subtle.
When the US Army first arrived, although there were many attacks against them, those were mainly from scattered fighters of Sadam's former government army forming resistance organizations.
Three years later, as the big names on the playing card arrest warrants were apprehended one by one, these organizations gradually dwindled.
That was the best time for the US Army in Illigo.
Unfortunately, this situation did not last for two years before the situation began to decline rapidly.
New local armed forces emerged in various regions, and none of them were fond of the US Army.
Attacks on the US Army, including bombings and sniper incidents, started to become prevalent.
The recent situation was even more unfavorable.
Even within the newly supported puppet government, many political forces began to call for the US Army to leave Illigo.
This was a very embarrassing slap in the face.
After all, they appeared in Illigo as liberators.
Now that the locals are asking you to leave, it's awkward not to go, as it would imply an occupation.
To leave though, felt unsatisfactory.
The war in Illigo involved not just the interests of the military-industrial complex but also those of energy groups, including the big shots inside the military, who all hoped the war would continue.
After all, with hundreds of billions in military spending poured in here annually, even passing through hands would get a taste of the profits, which Pentagon bigwigs and commissioners like Smith would hardly halt, as they all profited immensely from this war.
Leave?
The invested money hadn't even returned profits yet!
America certainly doesn't do losing deals!
Nathan was very satisfied with the level of escort provided. He took out the Ray-Ban sunglasses hanging on his tactical vest, coolly put them on, picked up his gear bag, turned around, waved his hand, and gave his men the order— "Mount up!"
Everything went smoothly.
Disembark, get in vehicles.
The convoy soon left the airport.
The radio crackled, with intermittent communications between the vehicles.
"Attention ahead, evade, there's a slow-moving truck, overtake it…"
"40 meters to the left front, three men in robes, suspicious…"
"200 meters to the bridge, stay alert for the bridge above…"
The Marine platoon was responsible for guarding the front and rear, looking very tense; every vehicle that had a weapon mount on its roof was now in combat readiness, ready to fire at anything they perceived as a threat, even a dog.
"Why has the speed slowed down?"
"Lieutenant, there seems to be a traffic jam ahead!"
Sitting inside one of the armored Lincolns, Nathan now shifted his gaze from the laptop screen.
The speed of the convoy slowed down.
He closed the laptop and looked out the window.
The surroundings were packed with civilian vehicles.
Many of them were tanker trucks.
Now, the biggest income for Illigo comes from the oil business.