The orders were carried out silently and efficiently.
The three "Typhoon" vehicles blended perfectly into the environment, using the shadows cast by the mountains and their own low profiles.
Sniper "Cold Blade" Sokolov and Vanguard "Frost" Morozov slid out of the vehicle like phantoms. Their movements were light and swift, making full use of every rock and clump of dried grass for cover, silently infiltrating towards the ridge and pass.
Inside the vehicle, the atmosphere was as tense as a fully-drawn bowstring.
Song Heping and Hunter also tightened their grips on their weapons, the barrels of the HK416 and SV-98 pointing through firing ports towards potential threats outside.
On the terminal screen, the "Sea Eagle"-3 drone transmitted enlarged and enhanced thermal images: several figures could be clearly seen sitting or lying in a leeward area on the other side of the pass, two of them operating a box-like device emitting obvious high heat, about the size of a suitcase.
"It's a thermal reconnaissance device!"
There was an unmistakable shock in "Hawkeye's" voice.
"But this is 1515 Armed's controlled area, how could their people have such advanced equipment?!"
It was no wonder "Hawkeye" was exclaiming in surprise.
The drones have night vision and heat detection capabilities.
The fact that the enemy could remain hidden until within an 800-meter range before being discovered shows they are no ordinary rabble.
They even have technology that can somewhat negate the SSO Squad's night combat advantages!
At this moment, "Cold Blade's" voice, calm as the icy wind of a tundra, sounded in the channel, confirming the drone's observations: "Target confirmed. One lookout at the ridge height, equipped with high-magnification binoculars and... possibly a satellite phone. Seven individuals at the flat area behind the pass, mixed equipment, AK series rifles, at least two RPG-7 rocket launchers, and a PKM machine gun. The core is that thermal imaging device, the operators seem to be routinely scanning this direction of the pass."
"Are they targeting us?" Petrovsky's tone was somewhat anxious.
After all, this mission was so secretive.
How did 1515 get the intel?
If the covert operation leaks in advance, the whole mission may have to be scrapped.
The channel fell silent.
No one dared to answer Petrovsky's question.
"They are not coming for you."
Finally, it was Song Heping who broke the silence.
"How do you know?"
Petrovsky immediately looked at Song Heping.
Song Heping said, "Look at the map, what place is this? This is already the border area where 1515 Armed and Kurd forces intersect. They don't get along, and both are wary of each other. Is it strange that 1515 is guarding an important passage here to monitor the Kurds?"
Petrovsky was slightly startled, immediately pulled out a tablet to bring up the map, and then quickly checked his positioning.
Indeed, everything was as Song Heping said.
This seems to be the boundary of the intersecting forces.
He couldn't help but look at Song Heping again.
He couldn't help but wonder.
This guy didn't even look at the map, how did he know?
Suddenly, he felt that the legendary "Ghost" indeed had some depth.
"Can we go around?"
Petrovsky asked "Frost" in the channel, though he already had an answer in his heart after looking at the map.
"Terrain is unfavorable."
"Frost's" voice came immediately, with a hint of urgency.
"The sides are nearly vertical steep slopes and loose rubble, vehicles cannot pass. To go around on foot would take at least an hour and there's no guarantee we wouldn't be spotted by their thermal imagers while climbing. We also need vehicles for subsequent actions, and after all, they've blocked the only passage; there's no way vehicles can get through."
The situation was clear.
This was already close to Hasakah Province, in the northeastern part of Siria.
The northeast is mostly highlands and mountains.
Therefore, circumventing is risky and time-consuming; waiting for the enemy to leave is a pipe dream.
After all, mission timing does not allow it.
The presence of this technically equipped armed squad is a huge threat to the covert infiltration mission.
Major Petrovsky's eyes flashed coldly, murderous intent instantly replacing the previous caution.
He lowered his voice and issued the final operational command via radio: "We can't let them transmit our intel. Execute a silent elimination mission. 'Cold Blade', you are responsible for taking out the ridge lookout, make sure it's a kill shot, and don't let him raise the alarm."
"'Frost', 'Shadow', approach from the left using the gully and rock shadows, prioritize taking out the thermal imager operator and the Commander."
"'Iron Hammer', 'Thunder God', flank from the right, clear out remaining combatants swiftly, focus on the RPG and machine gunner. I will lead the rest to approach slowly from the front, creating slight noise to draw their attention. Song, Hunter, stay in the vehicle, provide us with cover fire and battlefield surveillance with the vehicle-mounted weapons and sniper position, be alert for any other potential enemy patrols."
"Understood!"
A low and resolute response echoed in the channel.
Song Heping pressed the microphone and added caution: "Major, they have thermal imaging, silent approach at night is extremely challenging, the operation demands high speed and coordination."