Jiang Feng spoke quickly, each piece of information clear and precise, showing the qualities of an excellent frontline commander.
"Very good. Are there any updates on the situation of the defenders in Dahuk Town? Has the drone discovered anything new? Over."
Song Heping continued to inquire, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the dusty tabletop.
Although the overall offensive of the 1515 Armed forces to the east was not as insanely fierce as the "Victory Front" facing Halaib, they were currently the fastest advancing force among the three attacking Damascus.
Once this key logistics hub and communication node in Dahuk is successfully removed, it will greatly relieve the immense pressure on the eastern defense line, and might even provide an opportunity to divert some valuable maneuver forces to aid the precarious main battlefield at Halaib.
"The last high-altitude aerial view returned by 'Migratory Bird' ten minutes ago shows the defenders in Dahuk Town still number between fifteen hundred and two thousand people. They are equipped with a small amount of technical equipment, including 30 armed pickups fitted with ZPU-1 anti-aircraft machine guns, 20 82mm mortars, and no more than ten armored vehicles. Their defensive fortifications are still concentrated at the main entrance on the west side of town and several high points like the mosque and the old town government building. The defenses on the eastern side of town are relatively weak, with only two simple machine gun nests and sporadic patrol personnel visible, completely consistent with our previous assessment. There are no signs of reinforcements or major adjustments to the defensive forces. Over."
Jiang Feng's report was detailed and professional.
"Received. Maintain absolute concealment and strictly adhere to the original plan. Remember, Peregrine One, your mission is a rapid assault and precise decapitation! The primary objective is to take out their command node and communication center, create maximum chaos, then blow up their supply warehouse and swiftly evacuate the battlefield; you must not linger and fight! That area is the heartland of the 1515 Armed control zone, and if your actions are not fast enough you will be surrounded. Your mission is disruption, not holding territory. Understand? Over."
"Understood, Hive. A swift strike, no lingering, no prolonged engagement."
Jiang Feng's voice transmitted through the radio waves, firm and decisive.
"Maintain open channels, report any situation at any time. Over."
Song Heping ended the call, gently placing the microphone back on the base.
Things on the eastern line seem relatively smooth for now, but the real showdown, the one determining the fate of Halaib and even the entire southern battlefront, is still in Otaba.
Without the slightest pause, he skillfully switched to another encrypted frequency.
"Hive to Steel Blade, Commander Arseny, please report the status of your unit. Over."
The channel first relayed a low rumbling sound of engines idling and the unique screech of metal tracks grinding over a gravel surface; moments later, a coarse voice with a Russian accent sounded.
"Steel Blade received, Hive. My unit's lead armored detachment has arrived approximately eight hundred meters in front of the last outer perimeter of Otaba's southern outskirts. The latest thermal imaging scan returned by the Il-20 reconnaissance plane ten minutes ago shows the insurgents have added a temporary checkpoint to the original post, equipped with large searchlights, two heavy DShK machine guns, and sandbag-built ring-shaped fortifications. The visual distance between the two posts is about two hundred meters, with a crossfire coverage area. We attempted to find a penetration route, but it's extremely difficult. Damn, it seems a major force has assembled at Otaba; they've set up security checkpoints all around. Over."
Song Heping's heart sank abruptly.
Otaba is not only the logistical heart of the "Victory Front" southern battle line, with mountains of ammunition, fuel, and medicines, but it's also the main assembly point for its Foreign Legion and military advisory group, heightened vigilance is expected.
But any unplanned surprises, any minor oversight, could lead to the failure of a surprise attack, sending this insertion unit into a catastrophic situation.
"Can we attempt a long-distance detour to bypass them? Or, organize a small team for silent elimination? Over."
He asked, holding onto a final glimmer of hope.
"Bypass?"
Arseny chuckled coldly on the other end of the radio: "The nearest detour route would take at least another forty minutes, with no guarantee that we won't be exposed to the enemy's other patrol teams or observation points. Silent elimination... Hive, incredibly challenging. There is cross-vision between the two posts, plus over three hundred meters of open ground from the brush we are concealed in. Unless they all fall asleep simultaneously, it is nearly impossible to take out the two points without alerting anyone. My professional advice is—assault!"
His tone suddenly turned fierce and decisive, carrying that bravado and nearly insane offensive desire specific to Wagner Mercenaries.
"Use the 73mm low-pressure smoothbore cannon on our BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles and the 'kortik' anti-tank missiles to simultaneously knock out these damned fire points! Then proceed at full speed, over!"
Song Heping's mind rapidly calculated all possibilities.
An assault will undoubtedly expose the operational intent prematurely; if the insurgent soldiers at the post cannot be instantly neutralized, as soon as a signal is transmitted, Otaba's defenders will be prepared.
But if the action is swift and determined, utilizing the night and surprise, there is indeed the possibility to eliminate everyone before the enemy organizes an effective resistance.
At this moment, any indecision will be lethal.
"Approve the assault plan! But it must be fierce, accurate, and fast!"