Mercenaries, I Will Be King Chapter 1295 - 1112: The Plot (Part 2)

He instinctively felt that this was a bit too "smooth." How could such an important eting be known to them so easily?

Yet the content of this ssage itself was extrely tempting and destructive.

After much contemplation, he believed that whether or not this ssage was a trap, making it public would only be advantageous and not harmful to the 1515.

This could drive a wedge within the Kurd Ard forces, damaging Abu You's prestige. More importantly, it could make the Aricans suspect their allies and weaken the anti-1515 alliance.

"Excellent."

Buckdadi finally spoke, his voice hoarse and ominous, "Imdiately process the ssage and release it through all our propaganda channels! Emphasize Abu You's betrayal of the Aricans, highlight his collusion with KB Leader Song Heping! Let every Kurd see it!"

"Yes, great Caliph!"

The Intelligence Chief eagerly took the command and left.

Soon, the "explosive news" about Abu You's secret eting with the "notorious KB Leader" Song Heping, intending to betray the Kurds and Arican interests, began to spread wildly on websites, Telegram channels, and social dia accounts controlled by the 1515, accompanied by various "details" and "analyses" that were difficult to distinguish between true and false.

...

A day later.

Langley, CIA Headquarters.

Director Vincent, face livid, slamd an intelligence briefing onto the desk. Across from him sat Deputy Director Simon.

"Take a look! Another headache!"

Vincent pointed at the briefing, scratching his head, "A ssage suddenly surfaced online, claiming that the 'brave' Kurd Commander Abu You we support secretly t with that damned Song Heping weeks ago! The one who has cost us countless valuable assets, the 'Ghost'! Now the whole world is laughing at us! Our ally is privately negotiating with our number one wanted criminal!"

Simon picked up the briefing, quickly browsing through the screenshots and intelligence analyses, his heart involuntarily racing.

It's here!

The "timing" and "situation" Song Heping ntioned, could it be referring to this?

Is it possible he deliberately leaked this ssage?

Why would he do that?

What benefit does eliminating Abu You have for him?

Countless questions swirled in his mind.

Yet he deliberately displayed shock and anger on his face: "This... if the ssage is true, it's an unforgivable betrayal!"

"The authenticity is still under evaluation!"

Vincent irritably waved his hand, "But where there's smoke, there's fire! Those lunatics from the 1515 love to spread rumors, but such detailed accusations often aren't baseless! Moreover, considering Abu You did make so moves to expand his own power in the past, and his recent decline in influence within the committee... Simon, what do you think the likelihood of this is?"

Simon's brain raced.

He knew this was a critical mont; his answer could determine Abu You's fate and even influence future developnts.

He rembered Song Heping's hint—

"If you beca the director"...

He took a deep breath, putting on a contemplative expression, all for the good of U.S. interests: "Director, I think... regardless of whether the ssage is true or false, Abu You is no longer trustworthy."

"Oh?" Vincent looked at him sharply.

"Firstly, the ssage has spread too widely, causing extrely negative impacts. Regardless of the truth, Abu You's credibility within the Kurds is already damaged; continuing to strongly support him might provoke other factions' dissatisfaction, which is detrintal to unity."

"Secondly..."

Simon continued in a solemn tone, "Better believe it than not. Song Heping is an extrely dangerous and cunning character. Abu You's contact with him, regardless of the motive, is tantamount to seeking skin from a tiger. What if... what if they really reached so kind of agreent? Much of the huge funds and advanced weapons we provide Abu You might eventually end up in Song Heping's hands?"

Vincent's pupils suddenly contracted.

Simon's last sentence was like a sharp knife, piercing precisely into his deepest fears.

He knew Song Heping's capabilities.

If such a terrifying enemy were to obtain the sophisticated equipnt and ample funds provided by the United States, combined with his already frightening ground operation capabilities and intelligence network, along with Abu You's tribal ard forces...

Who might call the shots in northwest Illinois in the future? It's truly uncertain!

This would completely overturn the United States' anti-terrorism strategy, creating catastrophic consequences beyond asure!

Thinking of this possibility, Vincent felt a chill down his spine.

"You're absolutely right!"

Vincent suddenly stood up, a decisive expression on his face.

"The risk is too great! We cannot take this risk! Simon, you personally handle this matter! Imdiately reassess all assistance plans to Abu You's factions! Cut back, no, suspend! Suspend all delivery of weapons and funds directly controlled by Abu You! Review all cooperative projects with him! He must be marginalized, removed from our core assistance list! Do it cleanly without leaving any leverage!"

"Understood, Director. I will handle it well."

Simon nodded solemnly, but in his heart, waves of shock and turmoil surged.

Song Heping's goal was achieved!

With just one ambiguous ssage, he successfully used the United States to eliminate or at least severely weaken the most capable Abu You faction within the Kurd Ard forces that could potentially cooperate with him!

This man's control over people's minds and the situation has reached a terrifying level!

In the evening, returning ho, Simon couldn't wait to dial that encrypted phone again.

As soon as the call connected, he eagerly asked: "Was the ssage online deliberately released by you? Why? What exactly are you trying to do?!"

On the other end of the call, Song Heping's voice carried a hint of elusive amusent: "It was who released it. The effect seems good."

"Why!?"

Simon pursued, "What benefit does eliminating Abu You have for you? Weakening the anti-1515 forces, letting extremist organizations grow larger, does this align with your interests? Moreover, by doing so, you essentially offended the powerful factions within the Kurds!"

"Simon."

Song Heping's voice turned cold, "I told you, so things are better left unasked. These questions aren't for you to ask; you just need to execute. Actually, this is a chain of events, the first step is just beginning. When the ti cos, you will naturally understand. I'll say what I've always said—do your job well, secure your position."

With this, Song Heping once again hung up, leaving Simon alone with the busy signal, caught in imnse confusion and a discreet sense of unease.

Chain of events?

First step?

Just what kind of a massive storm is Song Heping scheming?

Looking at the night sky outside the window, Simon felt for the first ti that he was like a pawn, without even the chance to be on the board.