Europan News Network

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Europan News Network
Tarentum, Social Democratic Federation

TARENTUM, Social Democratic Confederation -- In the late hours of yesterday evening, forces from the Anglian Army crossed the bridges spanning the gap between Anglia and the Social Democratic Confederation (SDC). Tensions had been mounting between the two nations for quite some time now, however, it had been thought that the two countries finally found some common ground in which to stand. All of this was proven wrong last night when Anglian tanks, which had been on standby, charged across the bridges taking the local SDC forces completely by surprise. The remaining SDC defenders attempted to destroy the two major bridges but were thwarted after the appearance of overwhelming Anglian air power that quickly dominated the skies over the bay. After several gruelling hours of combat, Anglian forces had pushed back the SDC army well past the entrances to each of the bridges, and continued their pressure deep into SDC territory.

There were very few remaining journalists on the ground with permission to see anything of note. This behavior is just one of many examples that shows the escalating of paranoia in the Anglian state, which until recently had manifested itself in chilled relations with all of its neighbors. However, for a brief period a pair of @Gallambrian and @Seylosian journalists was allowed to view both bridges separately, recording harrowing footage. 

The Gallambrian journalist witnessed a pitched aerial battle, so far the only one of the conflict, over on the eastern SDC side of one of the bridges. The battle lasted just over an hour, with Anglian Air Forces quickly claiming victory. It's unknown how many casualties were suffered, but the this number is believed to be high for Social Democratic Forces.

 SDC jet crashes to the ground.

On the opposite bridge, the Seylosian journalist witnessed an intense firefight between the Anglian Army and SDC Army forces defending their SDC side of the bridge. Before the end of the firefight however, the journalist was quickly escorted away from soldiers and taken back to Anglia.

Heavy fighting along the border bridges.

At this point where Anglian forces barrel towards Tarentum, neither government has officially responded to requests for comment. Through unofficial interviews the ENN has learned that the Social Democratic Confederation has already enacted contingency measures to ensure the continuity of government, with rumors that they may potentially be heading to Seylos, which has historically not had a pleasant relationship with its progenitor. Many news outlets remain confused as to why Anglian officials only allowed journalists from Anglian descendant countries into their warzone, especially given the animosity between nations such as Seylos and Anglia.

ENN will continue to update Europa on this intense developing story as more information comes in.

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Europan News Network
BREAKING: SDC Surrenders To Anglian Forces

TARENTUM, @Social Democratic Confederation -- Around midday today, Tarentum, the capital of the Social Democratic Confederation fell to Anglian forces. Fighting around the capital could only be described as intense and hellish as each side ground against each other for several days. The heavily outnumbered SDC Army held back the Anglian forces and ferociously defended their position. Even after the capital was completely surrounded, SDC forces fought on and were nearly impossible for Anglian units to dislodge, despite their overwhelming air superiority. Eventually though the weight of numbers and being cut-off from supplies and reinforcements took their toll. Around 19:00h the Congressional Forum was finally stormed and taken by Anglian forces. Even still, over the next day, citizens tried to take to the streets to protest. These protests were quickly and brutally suppressed by the Anglian military, and the protestors driven back into their homes. A national curfew is now put in place.

 Protestors risk their lives on the streets of Tarentum.

It seems, if anything this was an Anglian attempt to flex their military might, and it also seems that despite the horrific damage to the city itself, key areas of economic importance were almost completely spared from the ravages of the war. This suggests that Anglia is attempting to create a greater economic base for itself in the future to fuel the expansion of the Anglian state. Regardless many military experts see this as an important test of the modern Anglish forces in combat, for the first time in many years. While most believe that Anglia poses a severe threat to the whole of Western Europa, some are less cautious stating their difficulties in uprooting even a small military that was totally surrounded show how unprepared the nation of Great Anglia is for war.

It has also been confirmed that while the remnants of the Social Democratic government has surrendered to the Anglish, the bulk of important government officials were able to successfully evacuate to Seylos, which most thought were rumors. Despite how they managed to accomplish such a feat, a government in exile has been set up in Loughrea, vowing to continue to resist the Anglish conquest. In a lengthy press release, the Seylosian government also condemned the actions of Anglia, stating that the run the risk of destabilizing the fragile state of Western Europa and plunging the region into chaos.

Surprisingly the Anglian government did release a brief statement, one which had an incredible foreboding tone. "The children of Great Anglia should keep their place and stay out of the affairs of Europa. Such interference could prove costly."

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Europan News Network
Anglian Military Officials Invited to Suverina

CHISINAU, Suverina -- In an ongoing feud between Suverina and Qubdi to the east, Suverin government has called in their diplomatic nuclear option by openly inviting Anglian military officials. The past several months have been tense as Qubdi has pressed more and more on its border claims within Suverina. The lands in question have been in dispute for several years after Suverina was able to expand into them without negotiation between the two states. However times have been tough for Suverina, as the Europan Collapse had effectively crashed the economy, making much of its power projecting abilities extraordinarily weak. While on paper Suverina has a substantial military, it has heavily theorized that their military suffers from extreme supply and morale issues. Some leaked reports suggesting that much of their mechanized equipment has gone several months without any appreciable maintenance. If Qubdi did decide to launch an attack to take the disputed region, military analysts have little doubt they could push aside the weakened forces of Suverina despite their smaller numbers.

Following the arrival of Anglian officials, small contingents of veterans from the campaign against the SDC were seen entering Suverina, presumably heading towards the Qubdian-Suverin border. Still even with the new Anglian presence, Qubdian officials have been adamant about their claims on the region and military buildup is still being seen. A spokesperson for the Qubdian government has denounced Anglian involvement and has again demanded that Suverina withdraw their military from the eastern border region. On Suverinan television, debates have been raging on what to do with the crisis, with their Parliament getting into frequent shouting matches.

The Suverin Parliament weights its options.

An anonymous diplomatic from Yuropa has approached ENN with the demands that may be presented during the Anglian-Suverinian negotiations. Word has spread fast through Europan diplomatic circles that Suverina is closer to total economic collapse than was previously though, with the government exploring any option they can to stay afloat. It appears, with this knowledge in hand, Anglia has appeared to stabilize the country, and their borders, but the costs are more than most other nations would be willing to pay. Regardless, it seems a Suverin protectorate might well be in Anglia's future.

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Europan News Network
Qubdi Launches Attack

TAQDIR, Qubdi -- Late today Qubid launched an invasion of the disputed border zone between themselves and Suverina. Unprepared Suverinan units were quickly pushed back as Qubdi's military threw as much as they could at them. It appears that the results of the conference between Suverina and Anglia was leaked to the Qubdi military which triggered the attack. Though there has been no official statement from the government of Qubdi regarding the start of military operations, it's been theorized that they believed that a quick attack to grab the region would force Anglia and Suverina to fight an uphill battle to retake it and potentially settle without more of a battle.

 Qubdian forces fire rockets into Suverina.

The beginning of the operation most certainly went to plan, with the region falling incredibly quickly, however what the Qubdi military didn't account for is Anglia having already started deploying troops to Suverina before the signing of their treaty. Already, skirmishes between Anglian and Qubdi forces have started, with the Suverinans falling back to reorganize with fresh Anglian supplies. It's unsure if Anglia will pull the same quick victory seen in the SDC or be caught in a quagmire trying to root out the Qubdi army.

Suverina Submits to Anglia

CHISINAU, Suverina -- The Treaty of ChisInau was signed quickly after the Qubdi attack, sealing the fate of Suverina as a protectorate state of Anglia. The treaty's terms are heavily in favor of Anglia, with even the possibility of future integration written in to the terms of the treaty. However it is clear that Suverina feels it cannot survive without the support, and as Anglian troops pour into the country to stabilize it and fight Qubdi, it may well be a bet that will pay off for them. There had been concerns that @Tagmatium Rules would intervene in the conflict, but with the attack from Qubdi, and the signing of the treaty, Tagmatium may not have the will to keep Suverina fully independent, especially since the Anglians are the ones ensuring Suverinan integrity. Regardless of the speculation, there has yet been no comment from Tagmatine officials as of yet.

Suverin foreign minister Ana Codrianu (left) and her Anglian counterpart Sir Algernon Edgeyton.

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Europan News Network
Anglia Assaults Qubdi Positions Across Disputed Zone

TAQDIR, Qubdi -- Anglian military units have launched several attacks in the the Qubdi-Suverninan border zone, repeatedly slamming against the entrenched Qubdi forces. However what was expected to be a quick victory for the Anglians has turned out into a drawn out affair as their continuous assault reaches its fifth day. While there have been several small retreats, the Qubdi military is holding its ground far more than most experts predicts, though not many believe that under this overwhelming assault they can last indefinitely. It is fair to say though the region is suffering immensely under the relentless assaults, with towns and cities all over the area experiencing frequent airstrikes and bombardments.

"In coordination with our Suverinan allies, Anglian forces have struck out against the Qubdi who have threatened their borders," An Anglian representative said, speaking to ENN earlier in the week,"Under no circumstances will we allow any zones in dispute in Qubdi hands"

Following the beginning of their retaliation, widely seen as yet another move to show off the strength of the Anglian military, officials from Anglia held a private meeting with representatives from Jilderen, Bulungi, Afropa, Sa Hara, Hakenium, and Mahdah. Though the contents of the meeting were not known, rumors have spread signalling some possible pact that could be forged in the future, as it's become clear that Anglia does not want to use sheer military power to force its influence.

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Foreign and Imperial Office
Godstone, Anglia

A stack of foreign newspapers from the past weeks filled the desk of Sir Algernon Edgeyton. Some papers were already beginning to turn yellow. Algernon enjoyed keeping some of the most memorably editions as a souvenir of the effect his actions had. The front pages that stared back at him were filled with screaming headlines, using ever more bold language. He leafed through them to rejoice in the impact of the Anglian masterplan.

On April 30th he sent out his public communique to the international community. This brief statement alone created a lot of diplomatic chatter, of which very little leaked to the press.

On May 1st, also known as Labour Day, the LAANN responded with a stop and search embargo. Algernon was quick to put the distant organisation on the spot. The LAANN were the first to display defiance. "Their swift statement to criticise Great Anglia will not be forgotten so easily," Algernon thought to himself.

May 2nd saw the neighbouring Tagmatines announce sanctions against his country while in the same breath announcing the annexation of the Hermitage Islands. As can be expected nobody in the international community voiced any protest over that second announcement.

By May 3rd the combative Haru announced their deployment of troops along the border with Tagmatium, nowhere near Anglia. What they hoped to gain from this remained beyond Algernon's imagination. Perhaps their leadership could be reasoned with? Some scenario must exist where together they could subdue the heir to Arhomaion.

Last but not least, on May 12th, the geriatric and irrelevant EOS announced their laughable embargo. Right now the only thing Anglia had to fear was a never-ending stream of strongly worded letters that could fuel the most poor Suverin people's stoves for at least the next two upcoming winter seasons.

OOC: This is a gathering of all the public communication I could find regarding Anglia. Any communication that was private did not make it on this list. I'm sure there's much more to find a quick search for "Anglia." If you want your decision to be included, make so to either CC everyone on your message or otherwise create a news story about what your country is doing. Anything else remains secret and invisible. Also, Algernon is a bit of a douche here, acting all smug and haughty after her recent strong of victories.

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Europan News Network

Qubdi forces in Suverina collapse, In retreat

ANTAKYA, Qubdi -- After a final spectacular battle, the Qubdian military units in occupied Suverinan territory are in full retreat. Despite their valiant efforts the pressures of the Anglian and Suverin militaries have overwhelmed the entrenched Qubdians desperately trying to keep hold of their positions in the disputed zone. Resupplied and regrouped Suverin units were reported to have led the attack against the Qubdian defenders supported by Anglian armored units and heavy air support. The Battle of Antakya was the most brutal of the entire campaign, with an almost five day siege occurring. The small town, long abandoned by residents fleeing the impending joing Suverin-Anglian advance, was completely levelled by constant artillery barrages and air strikes. In fact the conflict has driven a significant amount of ethnic Qubdian civilians back into Qubdi held territory.

 Explosion during the brutal battle of Antakya.

Only a few hours before the end of the battle, Anglian tank formations broke through the Qubdian flanks, surrounding the force. It is then when reports on the ground became somewhat muddied. Independent reporters talk of heavy Suvernin reprisals, with large death counts. However, unexpectedly Anglian armed forces stepped in to stop these acts of barbarism. Why this is occurred is unknown, though many political analysts have leaned towards Anglia trying to assert itself over its new dependent and no doubt to head off international criticism of war crimes before they get out of control. Regardless, Anglia has forced its full dominance over Suverina and its institutions. Even more strange, the combined forces of Anglia and Suverina have stopped at the Qubdian border, declining to press forward.

OCA Pact Signed

GODSTONE, Anglia -- In a public conference representatives from Anglia, Suverina, Jilderen, Bulungi, Afropa, Sa Hara, Mahdah, Hakenium, and Alshamal have signed the Occidental-Azanian Pact, a treaty described as one of "strength and unity" to bring together many Europan states in one common cause. However, rumors of how the negotiations actually went show a much different story. Anglian pressure was intense on these states, many of whom trade extensively with the growing empire. Even more nefarious was an almost undetected coup in Alshamal, where Grand Vizier Mamadou bin Sambo was quietly arrested and the figurehead King appointed a new Anglian friendly Grand Vizier. It appears, even without military might, Anglia has almost completely dominated the whole of western Europa.

An emergency meeting has been held between the nations of Yuropa, Assuym, Arrif, Mawlika, Chrysiakti, Cabarria, and Dragonryders in an attempt to form a loose coalition of states to try and push back on Anglian influence. Despite the clear threat though, post collapse rivalries have reared their heads causing problems with negotiations.

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Europan News Network

Anglian Ship Sunk Near Dragonryders Coast

KEROON HOLD, Dragonryders -- Anglian government officials have confirmed the sinking of the INS Javelin off the coast of Dragonryders, though circumstances remain incredibly unclear. The Anglian government claims that an anti-ship missile struck the ship in its magazine creating a tremendous explosion shortly thereafter. Anglian authorities have claimed that they have tried search and rescue operations for possible survivors, but rescue ships have been warned off by ships from Dragonryders. The Ryderian government has come out quickly against these claims however, stating that their naval vessels have never come into any hostile conflict and that any of their ships in the region were in fact responding to a distress call regarding a fire on board the Javelin.

INS Javelin on fire off the Ryderian coast.

Only a single low quality image of the incident has been released (pictured above) showing the ship having suffered a recent catastrophic explosion. The extent of the damage is unclear in the photo and in fact the source of the damage is difficult to identify with reportedly the magazine fully detonating after the image was taken. With the Javelin having sunk beneath the waves it may be impossible to determine what truly occurred unless more visual evidence is released later.

Of course, calls of doubt have circled around the Europan community as coincidentally and increase in border disputes have been seen between OCA and non-aligned nations in the Azanian south.

 

Reports of Anglian New Wurld Activity

SCHLAMMBURG, Dolchland -- There have been unconfirmed reports of the potential increased Anglian diplomatic activity spreading throughout the New Wurld, though ENN cannot at this time independently confirm the exact nature of these meetings. However anonymous sources in Seylosian intelligence have talked about numerous internal briefings that have been had over the course of the past week regarding Anglian diplomats landing in Dolchland for possible talks. Dolchland has been a regional antagonist for the peoples of Eastern Argis, plaguing the region with coastal piracy and nonstop military threats. Even with the war in Ceris winding down there is no doubt that Seylos feels immense pressure at the possibility of any Anglian connection. Worth noting as well that the Velaharians, who gained their independence from Dolchland in the mid 20th century, would be equally scared of anything that could strengthen their former overlords.

Reports continue in the south of Alharu where Anglian diplomats were spotted arriving in the capital of Fearannteth, though media coverage of the event within the country was quickly suppressed leading to little or no verifiable information on any meetings. Anglian support of Fearannteth could upset of the balance of the region as its closest rival, Metlzlitlaca, has been distracted by instability to the west of the country. If such a meeting is occurring it could be a direct threat to Oyus, which has been exceptionally aggressive towards Anglian activity in Europa. Even more worrisome for the Metzlitlacans is unconfirmed reports of Anglian activity in the Triple Commonwealth, a former part of the Crescent Empire that is also experiencing instability much like the rest of the empire's successor states.

ENN will continue to monitor the situation as little evidence exists at this point to explain exactly what is going on.

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ROITERS: Anglian warship catches fire, sinks in Adlantic

KEROON HOLD, Dragonryders -- A warship in the Anglian navy caught fire and later sank last week in the Adlantic Ocean under unclear circumstances, the latest calamity to strike the country’s military in recent weeks amid tensions with the EOS.