The airstrike was precise and efficient.
The F-15E was responsible for 'naming' high-value locations and fortified positions, while the A-10 used its powerful sustained fire and survivability to sweep targets and light vehicles.
In the sky, the roar of jet engines, the whistle of missiles detaching from their racks, the dull explosions of bombs, and the distinctive sound of A-10's large-caliber machine guns intertwined to form a symphony of death.
However, as Song Heping anticipated, and limited by the rules of engagent, all airstrikes ticulously avoided the silhouette of the buildings in Daguge City.
Helplessly watching as many 1515 ard insurgents, after enduring the intense bombardnt on the outskirts, retreated in panic yet orderly along pre-set routes into the city, disappearing into the labyrinth of streets and alleys.
Clearly, they are determined to utilize the urban terrain and potential hostage civilians to engage in the most brutal street battles with the attackers.
This is their usual tactic.
Once inside the city, the US Army planes are apprehensive, hesitant to launch large-scale bombings.
"Airstrike complete, main outer positions cleared. But a large number of enemy forces have retreated into the city. The next step is up to you, Furnace Center."
"Duke" reported, with a hint of helplessness in his tone. The aircraft can destroy exposed fortifications, but it is hard to pull out enemies hiding in the rat holes.
Song Heping watched the real-ti footage relayed by the drones in the command center, well aware of both the accomplishnts and limitations of the Air Force.
"Attention all units!"
Without any hesitation, he issued decisive orders.
"'Musician' First Battalion, proceed as planned from the left wing, control the northern exit of the city and surrounding high points, set up a blockade imdiately as they retreat back into the city and are still unsteady!"
"'Musician' Second Battalion, Abu You Brigade First Assault Team, advance towards the city edge from the front! Pay attention to street clearance, be alert for snipers and IEDs!"
"All 'Liberation Forces' infiltration teams, rely on the currently occupied outer positions to establish fire support points, providing flank cover and fire suppression for the frontal attack!"
"All units, maintain formation, advance steadily! We're not in a rush to charge in, first knock out their outer appendages!"
As Song Heping's orders were issued, the ground offensive officially comnced.
The armored convoy of 'Musician' First Battalion roared forward like an arrow off the string, rounding the northern city edge along the planned route.
The heavy machine gunner on top of the vehicle vigilantly swept both sides, infantry closely followed behind the vehicle, advancing alternately using every available cover.
At the front, the joint forces of 'Musician' Second Battalion and the Abu You Brigade executed standard urban approach tactics.
Leading the way were several reinforced, specialized armored bulldozers for bomb disposal, followed by infantry fighting vehicles and scattered infantry.
Soldiers ford combat teams of three or four, covering each other, alternately occupying the ruins of buildings or broken walls on both sides of the street.
Upon encountering suspicious buildings or firing points, they first conduct fire probing with machine guns and rifles. After confirming the threat, they call for accurate mortar strikes from behind or dispatch assault teams to clear out under the cover of smoke.
Da da da—!
Bang! Bang!
Boom!
The sound of rifle bursts, machine-gun fire, and grenade explosions began to echo on the city edge, shattering the brief silence after the airstrike.
"Second platoon report! Sniper on the three-story building to the left! Suppress it!"
"Roger! Machine gun team, cover the third-floor window!"
"Smoke bomb! Throw it at the intersection ahead!"
"Watch out for RPGs in the right alley!"
The communication channels were filled with tense calls and reports from each squad.
From the start, the battle plunged into a brutal and stalemate rhythm.
The 1515 insurgents exploited their familiarity with the terrain, shooting from hidden spots, firing rockets from unexpected angles, and even setting up improvised explosive devices on retreat routes.
A 'Musician' Second Battalion armored pickup truck inadvertently ran over a roadside bomb. With a loud explosion, the vehicle was flipped over, engulfed in flas.
Nearby soldiers imdiately dropped to the ground, seeking cover, while dics braved stray bullets to rush forward to rescue the wounded.
"FUCK! Engineer team advance! Scan the road ahead!"
The Second Battalion commander yelled furiously into the radio.
Well-trained rcenaries and guerrilla soldiers displayed high tactical competence and psychological skills.
They did not impulsively advance but patiently and ticulously cleared the city's edge like a comb.
Upon encountering a stronghold, they imdiately called rear mortars or directed the standby A-10 in the air for a targeted strike.
The A-10 pilots "Nail" and his wingman beca the busiest people at this ti, hovering over the battlefield like guardian deities, responding to ground calls anyti, using precise cannon shots or rocket covers to turn erging fire points into ruins.
"'Nail,' this is 'Iron Hamr 2-3,' we need you to do a strike on the blue-dod building in Zone D, there's a machine gun on the second-floor window!"
"Received, 'Iron Hamr 2-3,' keep the laser pointer on... I see it! Thud thud thud... Target cleared."
"Well done!"
The air-ground coordination completed through the command platform was critical at this mont.
Though unable to directly bomb deep inside the city, in this narrow combat zone on the city edge, US airpower greatly relieved the pressure on ground troops, efficiently dislodging entrenched positions that could not be easily resolved with infantry fire.
In the command center, Song Heping's sharp eyes scanned across various screens.
He needed to monitor the progress under Daguge City, ensure the northern blockade action by 'Musician' First Battalion was in place, and maintain communication with Baghdad, the Russian side, and the Persian side through encrypted channels to ensure the overall coordination of the 'Furnace' operation.
"General Sai Fu, keep up the feigned attack intensity; hold the Ozham garrison's attention firmly for ."
"Brigadier General Niezov, please confirm your counterattack preparations."
"Holy City Brigade, remain on standby for further instructions."
Like an expert chess player, he simultaneously manipulated pieces on multiple chessboards, each decision impacting the lives of thousands of soldiers and the direction of the entire campaign.
Daguge is just the first step of this grand strategy, needing to be executed steadily and skillfully, and major casualties must be avoided.
If casualties were too high, even taking Daguge would negatively impact the next move southward to capture Titrick.
The main force of the 1515 militants has now dispersed and hidden in buildings; the true test lies ahead.
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