Half a month later.
Washington D.C., in a eting room in the West Wing of the White House.
The heavy soundproof door blocked all exterior noises, leaving only the monotonous hum of the air conditioning system.
On both sides of the long conference table sat expressionless faces — the Deputy National Security Advisor, the Counterterrorism Coordinator, the Ministry of Defense Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Intelligence Director's representative...
Among them was the current Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Vincent.
At this mont, everyone's gaze was fixed at the end of the table — on Thom Reid, the Assistant to the National Security Advisor and Chief of Staff.
"Gentlen."
Reid's voice was not loud, yet it pierced the silence like an ice pick.
"Our agenda for today has only one item left, and that is — Song Heping."
He lightly tapped his fingertip on the smooth tabletop, "This leader of rcenaries entrenched in Libya on our SDGT list. He's basking in Tripoli, aiding Haftar in forming that so-called 'interim governnt', even…"
His brows were tightly knit, his expression filled with a sense of absurdity.
"He even dares to wave olive branches to our European 'allies'. The French are already involved. The British are peeking around. Gentlen, we need to make our final choice now…"
The conference room fell into a dead silence.
On the projection screen were several high-resolution satellite photos: the port area of Tripoli, Song Heping standing beside a reinforced Toyota pickup, talking with several people in National Army (LNA) uniforms; another shot from an overhead view showing the diterranean's blue coastline beside a villa terrace, faintly revealing Song Heping's figure. The photos were dated in recent days.
Counterterrorism Coordinator Geoffrey cleared his throat, speaking cautiously: "Sir, the reality assessnt is, if direct military action options are too costly, the risks are trendous. The aftermath of the Marlin Fish incident still resonates. The Libyan situation has just stabilized, and majority nations at the UN support Libya's return to peace. Now, Haftar's forces have absolute advantage in Tripoli, Benghazi, and the southeast. Forcibly fostering a new agent to overthrow the LNA ard forces would entail astronomical input, spanning years, and…"
He paused, emphasizing his tone, "It almost certainly would trigger a new large-scale humanitarian disaster and refugee tide; these refugees would continuously flood into Europe. Keep in mind, Europe already has issues with the refugees from the Siria civil war; if Libya produces a large number of refugees again, they will face enormous pressure regarding accepting refugees. Public opinion-wise, we will be very passive."
The Ministry of Defense Assistant Secretary for African Affairs interjected: "Geoffrey is right. The ground environnt in Libya is complex, with tribal forces deeply entrenched. Haftar's consolidation speed exceeded our expectations, especially with Song Heping's 'Musician' assistance. Conventional military ans, whether special raids or proxy wars, have low success rates, easily leading to quagmires. Air strikes…"
He shook his head, "Target information is vague, collateral damage is difficult to control. The Marlin Fish lesson runs deep."
Thom Reid listened expressionlessly, his gaze shifting to Vincent, who had remained silent.
"Deputy Director Vincent? What's Langley's view, tell us, should we learn from the French and the British?"
Vincent leaned slightly forward, his eyes like a hawk scanning across the room before finally resting on Reid's face.
"Sir, Colleagues. I agree right now the cost of military options is too high, and the risk-reward is disproportionate. But Song Heping this man…"
His voice was unequivocal.
"He's extrely dangerous, he must disappear. He's more than a na on a list. His existence itself continuously humiliates and weakens our operational capability in North Africa and even globally. As long as he's by Haftar's side, this regi won't truly lean towards us. Moreover, many countries in the Sahel Region dare to defy us because of his presence; if this early bird is not removed, the damage will be very long-term."
He paused, deepening his voice.
"As for how to remove this thorn? A frontal attack is unwise, but we can cut his foundation, making him find no shelter. His strength is rooted in the chaotic soil of Africa; as long as we uproot the soil he relies on to survive, we can prevent his continued growth, even eradicate the root."
Vincent's fingers traced on the tabletop as if outlining an invisible map of Africa.
"My suggestion is to completely expel Song Heping from the African Continent, let him lose all shelter and expose him under the sun. Then, there will be many more ans to handle him."
"Specific steps?"
Reid pursued, his gaze sharp.
"First, political noose."
Vincent's speech hastened.
"Deploy all political resources to exert strong pressure on the African Union. At the upcoming Ergency Summit of the AU in Addis Ababa, propose a joint sanction statent against Song Heping with stern wording. Define him as a 'transnational ard criminal head threatening African stability and security.' Highlight the so-called 'severe humanitarian disaster' he caused during the Libyan Civil War, specifically the Sawinu campaign. Demand all AU mber countries, particularly those bordering Libya and potentially providing passage or shelter, imdiately freeze his assets, ban his entry, and cooperate in extradition."
He sneered slightly, "The AU is not monolithic. Many nations depend on our aid, investnt, and market access. Carrot and stick: cooperate with sanctions, the prospects of economic cooperation are bright; refuse cooperation, face trade restrictions and financial sanctions, even… military blockade exercises in key sea areas. Senegal's fishery exports? Sudan's oil pipelines? Ethiopia's World Bank loans? These can all exert pressure."
"Second, isolate Haftar."
Vincent continued, "Simultaneously issue the most severe diplomatic note to Haftar's regi. Clearly inform, the premise for the United States and allies to establish normal relations, provide reconstruction aid, or even consider limited lifting of so sanctions with the new regi in Tripoli, is imdiately expelling Song Heping. Turn Song Heping into the sole obstacle for Haftar obtaining international recognition and reconstruction funds."
"Third, ally coordination."
His gaze swept over the present crowd, "Imdiately dispatch high-level envoys to London and Paris. Present an ultimatum to the British and French: on Song Heping's issue, they must maintain the sa position with the United States. Hint to them, regarding future energy contracts and reconstruction project allocations in Libya, the attitude of the United States would depend on their cooperation level on sanctioning Song Heping. Charles Dupont can drink coffee in Tripoli because we 'allowed it.' This permission can be taken back at any ti."
Vincent leaned back into his seat, his tone filled with confidence in controlling the situation: "Haftar's foundation is not stable, he desires international recognition and funds more than anyone. When the entire African Continent locks its doors to Song Heping under Arican pressure, and when England and France, the two most important European allies, also demand he surrenders due to pressure, how long can he shelter Song Heping? A rcenary leader who loses his foundation, once leaving Africa, exposed in regions where intelligence networks are more comprehensive and our actions are less restricted, solving him will no longer be challenging. Lowest cost, controllable risk, maximum political yield."
The conference room was silent, only the hum of the air conditioning seed excessively piercing.
Several officials exchanged glances, evaluating the feasibility and risks of Vincent's plan.
Eventually, all eyes once again focused on Chief of Staff Thom Reid.
Thom remained silent for a few seconds, his fingers stopped tapping.
He lifted his head, his gaze as cold as the Siberian tundra, speaking word by word: "Since Song Heping has caused damage to U.S. national interests and dignity, we must settle accounts. Director Vincent's suggestion is logical, the path feasible. I approve in principle. Imdiately detail the plan, coordinate departntal resources. The State Departnt leads diplomatic pressure, the military cooperates to showcase necessary naval presence, the Treasury prepares the sanction list. As for Langley…"
He looked at Vincent.
"Prepare all 'evidence' regarding Song Heping, ensure all 'evidence' materials are impeccable, and spearhead extre pressure on Haftar. I want that rcenary leader to find no foothold in Africa! Action authorization level: highest. Dismissed!"
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