Two days later, Bayji Municipal Building, top-floor command center.
Song Heping stood in front of the large floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking the city that had just been through the ravages of war.
The chimneys of the Bayji Refinery were smoking again. Though the output was only a third of pre-war levels, it symbolized the reconstruction of order.
On the streets, militias of the 'Liberation Forces' patrolled, assisting residents in clearing debris and distributing relief supplies.
"Sir, an urgent communication from Commander Samir." The voice of the on-duty communications officer ca from behind.
Song Heping turned around and walked to the communications console.
On the screen appeared Samir's face, the background was the operations room of the Mosul Command Center.
"Boss, there's new intelligence from the Hulmatu direction."
Samir got straight to the point, "You previously instructed to strengthen surveillance on Hulmatu, and today, our operatives there sent back news. In the past forty-eight hours, at least twelve C-130 transport planes landed at Hulmatu Airport, unloading a large amount of military supplies. Additionally, a Kurd Ard convoy, consisting of at least a hundred trucks and armored vehicles, is heading towards Hulmatu from Elbil along the highway."
Song Heping's brow furrowed slightly: "What about Thunder Defense?"
"They are also increasing their troops. Observations show they've added at least five hundred rcenaries and brought in six M1128 Striker Mobile Gun Systems."
Samir paused for a mont, "Boss, this doesn't seem like a normal rotation or resupply. They are massing forces."
The command center instantly beca exceptionally quiet.
Jiang Feng leaned over, his expression becoming serious.
"Kote finally couldn't hold back." Song Heping said softly, his tone revealing neither surprise nor anticipation, "He wants to exclude us and take Titrick on his own. Haha, this guy really has a big appetite."
"Do you need us to do anything?" Samir asked, "Should we strengthen defenses in Mosul and Bayji? If the Aricans want to make a move against us, we need to be early—"
"No." Song Heping shook his head, "Kote doesn't have the energy to deal with us now; his primary target is Titrick. But he made a mistake…"
He walked to the operations map, his finger moving from Hulmatu to Titrick, then from Titrick to the western border with Siria.
"He thinks 1515 has only eighteen thousand n in Titrick, and can't get reinforcents."
Song Heping turned to Samir, "Samir, anything unusual on the western Mosul border recently?"
Samir was taken aback for a mont, then imdiately understood: "I'll have soone check right away!"
The communication was temporarily interrupted.
Song Heping walked to the window with a teacup, looking at the distant scene, the steam from the cup slowly rising in the sunlight as his thoughts raced.
Kote's plan looked perfect on paper.
Seven thousand ground troops, plus absolute air support, attacking a demoralized and disordered eighteen thousand defenders.
If the governnt forces in the Ozham direction could successfully pin down 1515's main forces, Titrick indeed might fall.
But unfortunately, war is never just a paper exercise.
Moreover, he underestimated himself.
Does he think the Aricans can take Titrick so easily?
Has he asked this Northwest King?
Fifteen minutes later, Samir's communication reconnected.
This ti, his tone was more serious.
"Boss, you were right. In the past twenty-four hours, six observation posts near the western Mosul border reported observing at least three large-scale convoys entering Illiguo from the Siria direction. Each convoy had thirty to fifty trucks and ard pickups, with personnel estimated between five hundred and eight hundred. Our outposts engaged them, their firepower was strong, but they didn't seem intent on engagent, withdrawing back into Siria after a brief exchange."
The command center was filled with murmurs.
Several technical officers from the rcenary Camp quickly marked these infiltration routes on the map.
"They're probing." Song Heping took a sip of tea and said, "Testing the strength of our defenses, looking for weak points."
"Should we strengthen border patrols?" Samir asked, "I can dispatch two battalions there—"
"No." Song Heping interrupted, his eyes flashing thoughtfully, "We should not only not strengthen but suitably weaken."
Samir was stunned: "Sir?"
"Samir, listen carefully." Song Heping walked to the communication screen, lowering his voice, "Starting tonight, loosen 'Liberation Forces' defenses in the direction of the Siria border, in... this area, around the Anbar Valley. Don't make it obvious, but open a gap large enough for a dium-sized convoy to pass through."
Samir opened his mouth as if to say sothing but eventually just nodded: "Understood. Then what?"
"Then, let the locals leak the word; there must be 1515 operatives among them."
Song Heping continued, "Say that the Anbar Valley area has weak defenses due to insufficient forces, it's the 'safe passage' into Illiguo. Rember, do it naturally, like soldiers accidentally leaking information while complaining about lack of forces."
This ti, Samir completely understood.
His eyes lit up: "Are you trying to let the 1515 reinforcents enter Titrick?"
"Not trying to let, but to help."
Song Heping corrected, "Kote thinks 1515 is isolated, but we want him to know, war is never a simple math equation."
He paused, "But rember, those allowed through must be genuine 1515 forces, no mixing with civilians. Every ti you ease up must be done at night. During the day, our defenses should appear normal."
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