Trouble in Little Kalnija (IC Expansion)

[Baltica]

Kalnija, a Republic situated snugly in the expansive Kunijan Mountains. Blessed with mineral wealth and safety, it thrived as the irrelevant third brother of the Southern Gintarian States. Yet despite its recent economic revival as the wheel of the Baltican Reconstruction, it faces deep political strife that has haunted it ever since it transitioned into a Federal Republic. The Kalnija South, for all its wonders, is entirely inhabited by Ras. One of the most fertile and Industrious regions of Kalnija, “Rozija”, is made up of over one million Ras. The Ras make up one-third of the total population of Kalnija, something that Kalnijan officials have been steadily tackling for the whole of the 20th century. Back then, the Baltican Republic ensured the protection of this minority, threatening Invasion if action was to be taken against them and as such, the Kalnijans for a time, left this Ras group alone. Of course, with the collapse of the Baltican Republic, the politicians in power have yet again taken this opportunity to harass and suppress the Ras minority once more. In the wake of May, the government induced a bill barring the Ras language from the court. As of November 2022, the Capital Territory (The province containing the capital city Grobija) will no longer be operating any Ras language schools, requiring that 80% of the curriculum be taught in Kalnijan. Whilst this was met with backlash and minor protests, most have been subsequently put down by police, military and Gripa, Kalnijas Intelligence Agency. But from the looks of it, it's questionable if the current situation in Kalnija will last for long. 

 

Rigav and the NRF

Rigav is the largest Ras Majority city in Kalnija. Out of its over 50,000 people, over 90% Identify as Ras. Historically, Rasija and Ozija (Collectively Rozija), were once part of the Kingdom of Raskia. But these lands were lost after the Kalnijan Unification wars after which the territory came under the collective ownership of the Kalnijans, who even established their new capital, Grobija, along the Balandeli river. Rigav (Which had been established before the Unification Wars) was one of the largest cities of the region and as such also acted as the epicentre for rebellion against Kalnijan rule. Although not succeeded, the constant threat of Ras rebellion has fundamentally shaped Kalnijan domestic policy since its conception, and the 21st century is finally putting this policy to the test. Emboldened by the recent formation of the Baltican Federation, many Ras communities outside Baltica have been pushing towards reintegration with their homeland. They in term have been receiving large sponsorship from many Baltican groups, such as the Baltican Armed Forces, which have been using excess equipment to supply many Ras independence groups. In Kalnija, the National Rozuvijan Front has largely taken the mantle of the largest and most centralised pro-Independence Ras group, specifically based around Rigav and its surrounding countryside. For many among the NRF, the strive for Independence is not one of hostility, but a necessity. If the wheels of time continue turning as they are, the Ras community of Kalnija is destined to be reduced to ruin, and just like the Ras in fellow Baltica, it's time to retake their land for themselves!

(Flag of the NRF and Ras Independence Movement in Kalnija. Inspired by the colours of the Batican Federation)

 

Revolution under the Yellow Sun

“Rise my brothers and sisters, for today we march under the banner of the Golden Sun” -Kipras Vileikis

Although the months leading up to January had been turbulent, not many expected any real incidents so soon after New Years. Little did anybody know that what started the revolution would not be the sound of gunfire, but a single empowering speech. On the 10th of January, a radio presenter, Kipras Vileikis (Native Baltican) would end up relying on a quote from the first days of the Baltican Civil War. What was meant as a simple message of support, saw the NRF, and members of the public rally in the streets, waving a banner of yellow divided by a stripe of blue, adorned with a Southern white star. The Kalnijan armed forces were once again called up to disperse what was thought to be a fairly minor protest, but shortly upon their arrival the protest turned violent. Armed members of the NRF, as well as regular civilians, began firing upon Kalnijan troops, and the small force had to retreat soon after. Thus, Rigav and its surroundings soon came into the collective ownership of the Ras rebels, who therefore shortly came under the combined leadership of the NRF and a small civilian group. A broadcast would be sent out for the Rasija Territory, urging residents to stay indoors as the Kalnijan army would be sent in to deal with the uprising. As tensions escalate, and yet a second revolution is within eyesight yet again in Southern Argis, the Ras of Greater Gintaria rejoice. In neighboring Baltica, the news of the rebellion have seen nationwide support (Except in the Dolch majority South), and already people have begun smuggling in supplies through the Kalnijan-Baltican border. Although the Central Government in Kauni has refused to make any statements, it's no secret that many politicians in the nations see this as an opportunity for Baltican expansion…

(Map of the Developing situation in Kalnija. In Green, the current uprising led by the NRF.)

[Baltica]

The Delegate

(Academy of Northern Baltica, Klenai City)

Klenai, Baltica, February 10th, the Academy of Northern Baltica. A large convoy of vehicles pulls up to the seemingly desolate building. Three men make their way down the decade-old halls of the Academy. Dressed in made-to-fit navy blue suits, and adorned with pairs of black shades, they stand out from the students and faculty of the facility. Hastily, they make their way to the reception and approach the somewhat interested receptionist. 

“Good Morning, Mrs. We are here for an Udo Klein.”

“Mr Klein is not taking any visitors today.”

“Sorry, but we are here on the behalf of the Government. We ask to see Udo at once.”

“Well, if you must,” The Receptionist sighs. “It's just Down the hall and to the left. You will find his office, he shouldn't be busy at this time.”

“Thank you.”

The officers make their way once more, reaching the office and letting themselves in. 

“I'm not meeting anyone today if you wish to-”

“Sorry for the Intrusion, Mr Klein, but we are here on the behalf of the Baltican Ministry of Foreign affairs. Please, may we enter ?”

The frail man chuckles, “Sure, let yourselves in.” The officers quickly enter, and take their seats. One officer, seemingly the head of this party, takes out a folder and places it on the desk. “Mr Klein, when was the last time you visited Kalnija.”

“Well, last time I recall I was sent there on a diplomatic mission sometime in 94. We were supposed to negotiate some trade concessions. Why do you ask?”

“No doubt you have heard of the recent fighting between Ras and Kalnijan forces ?”

“All too much, I hear it's really kicking off.”

“The Federation is on hard times. Currently, we are organising a meeting between our Federation and Kalnija, and seeing as we have no other experienced diplomats available, we ask that you lead the mission.”

“Me? Do you not have anyone else at hand.”

“We assure you, if we did, we wouldn't be contacting you in this manner.”

“And why should I assist you? I don't see why I should go through the trouble of uprooting my current position to lead some doomed mission in Kalnija.”

“We assure you, you will be compensated well for your efforts, Mr Klein. This mission has the potential to save the lives of thousands, blood that will be on your hands if we do not succeed.”

“Well, I suppose if you put it like that, I see why you would come to me.”

“A convoy will be picking you up in five minutes, after which you will be taken to your residence. You will be given time to pack your belongings, after which you will be taken to an Aerodrome, and set on a flight to Grobija.”

“And the folder?”

“It's a briefing of sorts, from data we have collected about the conflict thus far. We recommend you read it on your flight, We'll be waiting outside, I recommend that you take everything and anything that you may need.”

As the officers make their way out, Mr Klein gets up from his desk, grabs his work case, and empties it. He stuffs it with some papers and office equipment. Before putting the folder into his work case, Klein quickly skims through its contents, and with a concerned look quickly stuffs it into his luggage. He leaves promptly with the officers by his side; but before exiting, leaves a simple note for his receptionist. By the time she sees it, Klein, the officers and the small convoy of vehicles outside are already out of sight.

 

Dear Amala

I'll be gone for some time. Inform my students that I will be gone for the next week or two. Don't be alarmed, this is nothing serious, but in the meantime I trust you to keep the ship on a steady course. 

Sincerely, Klein.

 

Fort Zura

Fort Zura was a fort constructed by the Republic of Kalnija in the late 19th Century. Initially intended as a fort along the Baltian-Kalnijan border, it soon grew to become one of the largest prisons in Southern Kalnija. As time went on, it would steadily expand further, becoming a training facility for soldiers and a barracks. It was one of the key fortifications of the South, guarding a strategic entryway into the flatlands of the Balandeli Basin. The rebellion that had sprung around Rigav, meant that the fort once more would become the centre of conflict, and the Kalnijan armed forces rushed to reinforce it in preparation for an all-out assault. Similarly, the rebels wanted the fort for its large storage of weaponry, as well as the location, which would provide an entryway into neighbouring Baltica. As such, it seemed like the two sides were doomed to battle for the fort, but to the Kalnijan horror, it would fall without a single bullet fired…

The prison that accommodated the fort, referred to as “The Prison of the South”, could house up to 5,000 prisoners, in 7 so-called “V Blocks”. Much of these blocks were filled with Ras Nationals and those who participated in the Independence movement. And due to the prison's location in Ras majority lands, many of the guards and staff of the prison and the fort were themselves Ras. In a huge oversight by the Kalnijan Forces, the various staff, prisoners, and some reinforcements from nearby Rigav, staged a night operation on Fort Zura, managing to capture over 500 Kalnijan troops straight from their barracks. In addition to that, they were able to liberate over 200 prisoners and capture 1500 assault rifles and over 20,000 rounds of ammunition. The successful capture of the Fort would prove crucial, as it caused a subsequent retreat of Kalnijan forces from the South of Rigav Province. But the retreat came with a new hurdle, as the full scale of this “Ras Uprising” has revealed itself to the government and the International community. As such, on February 8th, the Kalnijan government issued a total curfew and ban on public meetings within all territory situated in Rasija Province, and a smaller ban in neighbouring Zurkis. The Kalnijan armed forces have also subsequently shifted Northwards, concentrating around St Albens, in order to prevent Ras from reaching the Balandeli River. Troops from all over Kalnija have also been recalled to put down the rebellion, and it's easy to say that fighting over the next weeks will only intensify.

(Green: Ras Rebel Groups. Evidently expanded Southwards after the capture of Fort Zura.
Red Dots: Forts as well as military Locations.
Red Line: Direct fighting area. Mandatory curfews and gathering restrictions.
Yellow Line: Areas in possible Danger. Temporary curfews)

[Baltica]

A Trip to Grobija

(The Kalnijan Presidential Palace)

It had been years since Klein had laid eyes on Grobija. A city that half a century ago was nothing more than an emerging Industrial town, had now grown to be the largest settlement in Kalnija, home to 2/3ds of its economy. Formed in what was once Baltican land, the city now remained firmly tied to Kalnija, despite the fact that a third of the city was Ras, and itself was centred around the Balandeli river, the crucial “artery” of Raskia. But Klein could not admire the city for long, for as the plane he was on fell further and further towards the decrepit Grobija airport, a sense of uneasiness fell upon him. He was now responsible for leading a diplomatic mission, something he had not done for a decade now, but to do it under these circumstances was a task that many would consider simply… impossible, including himself. This feeling lingered, even as Klein made his way from the plane, as the various smiling officials quickly rushed him to an escort, especially when he drove down Grobija itself. The closer Klein got to the Presidential palace, the more his nerves began to cut him to his core. But despite this, his exterior remained fearless, for showing any hesitation in this mission would prove detrimental. Finally, as the escort arrived at the presidential palace, Klein took a brief breath, stepped out of the truck, and began his approach towards the palace's grand entryway. 

“Greetings Mr Klein, it's a pleasure to have you in Kalnija once more, I only wish it was under better circumstances.”

“As do I” Klein bluntly replied, “I suppose we better get to it.”

“Most certainly. You and your entourage will be provided rooms within the palace. We will have your belongings delivered shortly. In the meantime, however, I wish you good fortune in your meetings to come. Please, follow me.” As Klein walked he could only think to himself how much the palace had grown since his last visit, when Kalnija was much more of a Republic than the autocracy it has since become. He longed for the better days, but alas, he carried on.

“The President as well as members of the parliament will be meeting you here. Good luck Mr Klein.” The man replied, before quickly making his way. 

“Tha-” Klein tried to say before he was quickly rushed to the meeting room. He was seated along an ominously empty conference table, his fellow delegates outnumbering the so called “members of parliament”. The initial awkward silence, however, would be quickly interrupted.

“It's an honour for us to finally be receiving an official delegation from the Baltican Federation” a nameless parliament member uttered “Of course, we already are quite aware of your goals here, seeing as the current situation in Rasija, and having only so recently been able to achieve your own Independence from the dictatorship of the previous Republic, we see how you may… house some sympathies.”

“Let me get to the point, we are not here to negotiate. The Parliament has made its decision clear on Rasija, and we request the immediate withdrawal of all Kalnijan troops from the Territory of Rasija, as well as an immediate armistice between both the rebel forces and the Kalnijan Government. The Baltican Federation stands united behind this decision and is unwilling to compromise.”

Shock, disgust and anger fill the room. The various Kalnijan parliament members begin to speak up, only to be interrupted by the President himself. 

“We weren't expecting the Baltican delegation to be reasonable, but to suggest such a thing is beyond what even we expected. Your request is denied. If you wish to actually discuss the ongoing diplomatic developments in Rasija and Kalnija, I suggest you and your group reconsider their current approach.” Shortly thereafter, silence yet again fills the room. 

“Is that your final decision ?” Asked Klein. 

“Without Question”, the President answered. 

“Very Well…” Klein signals to one of his fellow diplomats, who at a moment's notice, quickly picks up his phone and exits the room.  “I hope you know that the repercussion of your decision, Mr. President, will be most dire, both for your country and yourself…”

 

The Baltican Intervention “Operation Dzintras”

Although many viewed the first initial meeting between the Baltican delegation and the Kalnijan government as a resounding failure, the military finally saw it as a right justification for their long sought-after “intervention”. The senseless fighting, and persecution of Ras within Kalnija has aggravated many of the Ras-born troops within the Baltican Armed Forces, some of whom have already taken it upon themselves, and joined the Rasijan revolution in the hope of reuniting Rasija with Baltica propper. However, with the immediate request for peace being firmly denied, Juozas Vejas has been able to finalise the long-planned “Operation Dzintras”. Operation Dzintras, involves the Baltican Armed Forces entering Kalnija from three locations along the Kunijan Hills, cutting off Kalnijan access into Northern Baltica (Seeing as the three passages in the East are the only entryways into Baltica).  Over 10,000 troops were assembled within the Republic of Raskia for the operation, all of whom themselves were of Ras origin. As a whole, they were lightly armoured, with a few pre-civil war tanks and troop carriers leading the advancement. As the troops entered Kalnijan territory, there was an odd lack of fighting. Border guards put up little to no resistance, and the various small town garrisons surrendered or outright defected to the approaching Balticans (Ozija, similarly to Rasija, has a large Ras minority, as much as 70%-80% of the region consists of Ras). Once the passes themselves were secured, the Land Forces disobeyed direct orders from the Federal Parliament, and decided to continue further inland, until they reached Pasavija, the capital of the Ozija Territory. The reception of the Baltican troops, even in Pasavija, was generally positive, with many people celebrating the arrival of the troops as “Liberators”. The reception was even more positive in Baltica itself, with many Ras viewing it as yet another victory over their historic oppressors. Even if the orders were only to officially occupy the direct border crossings into Kalnija, no one among the parliament was going to reprimand Juozas or his fellow generals, for more and more see the dream of a united Gintaria as an immanent reality...

(Yellow: Baltican Adance into Kalnija. Orange: Anarchist Forces Green: Ras Rebels)

[Baltica]

The Battle of St Albens

St Albens: Once a religious settlement established by Dzintras the Great himself all the way back in 1464, has since become a battleground for the continuous Ras-Kalnijan conflict. With the Kalnijan defeat at Fort Zura, the Kalnijan armed forces have since transformed St Albens into their new base of operations, with the area's naturally hilly terrain along its South acting as a natural barrier against the Ras rebels. Already, the Ras have attempted 3 failed offensives into St Albens, all of which were repealed. However, the recent fourth planned offensive has been set up to be one of the largest operations by the rebels since the start of the war. Both PMC groups such as the White Storks and North Bear Army, which since the start of the conflict have slowly become more prevalent among the Rebel Army, as well as recently trained and equipped troops, primarily the First Infantry group of Rasija, have been organised for the attack on St Albens. The Rebel army in general, has seen considerable improvements in training and equipment, largely attributed to the influx of trained personnel and weaponry from neighbouring Baltica. As such, the force that has since rallied for the continued St Albens offensive is far different from the various groups that tried to take the fortified town prior. Although the Kalnijans have formerly solidified their position, the Kalnijan Armed Forces themselves are far from capable, as has been proven by both the Balticans and Rasijan in their largely unopposed operations within Southern Kalnija.

(St Albens before the beginning of the conflict)

The Battle of St Albens began in the Early morning of May 6th, beginning with an initial short skirmish between Rebel scouts and the St Albens garrison. Shortly thereafter, Rebel artillery would begin to batter the Kalnijan positions, yet its effectiveness remained mixed as the Kalnijans were fortified enough to stave off the worst of the shelling. St Albens was not incredibly large, and the rebels were able to organise an offensive from three directions, with three synchronised attacks hitting from the South, West and East of the town. The Kalnijan troops within the city, used their position well, and gunned down many rebels on their approach into the city. The Southern rebel approach, which went through the hills that formed St Albens’s Southern border were hit the hardest, as the hills slowed down their offensive considerably and made it especially vulnerable to mortar fire and Kalnijan snipers. The Western offensive, headed by the White Stork Army Group saw much greater success, managing to enter St Albens and take control of multiple residential blocks. The Eastern offensive suffered similar issues as the Southern offensive, struggling to make their way towards St Albens but successful in capturing some minor areas nonetheless.

The fighting would continue for multiple hours, with shelling from both sides only intensifying as time passed. The White Stork Army Group, however, was able to push further into St Albens, even capturing the crucial Police office of the city. Troops along the Southern offensive too managed to finally reach the city, and pressures from the East only made the Kalnijan more uneasy. A surrender deal would be offered to the Kalnijan garrison, which was accepted by the Garrison Commander, Zirnalis Buraitis, but a large portion of the garrison (some 500 men) continued fighting regardless. Although the rebels, on paper, had captured the city, the fighting raged on regardless. By the end of the day, it was confirmed that almost 2,000 Rasijans had perished in an attempt to take the city, the most men lost in a single battle up to that point. By the early morning of the next day however, a further 200 men agreed to surrender, and by noon the rest of the remaining garrison of some 50 men would also agree to lay down their arms, having run out of ammunition, In total, 2,300 men perished in the Battle of St Albens, with over 453 Kalnijans also being killed in the battle and over 900 having been captured. It was hoped that the success of the battle would allow for the Rasijans to continue pushing North and finally cross the Balandeli river, but to the disappointment of many, orders, not from the Rasijan commanders in Rigav, but instead Baltican troops advised the Rasijans not to cross the river. Why the Balticans chose to give such a command was unclear to most, but it was ultimately decided by all not to continue advancing, and instead, the rebels celebrated their victory in St Albens by finally raising the yellow and blue banner across the city's destroyed governmental building…

 

Rozija Provisional Government

In the wake of the Baltican intervention in Kalnija, the Territory of Ozija that had been captured by the Baltican Land Forces in mid April would shortly be put under the management of the “Provisional Government of Southern Kalnija”. The regional government, formed largely by local mayors, administrators and members of the NRF, with oversight from the Baltican Armed forces would shortly enforce law within the chaotically captured area. One of the most crucial issues to tackle for the Provisional Government was the issue of their existence, as it became clear that they were no longer a part of Kalnija and in essence, were now under the rule of the Baltican Armed forces and the Federal Government. Despite this, the Balticans came off as quite the benevolent occupiers, as the largely Ras people of Ozija saw the Baltican intervention as necessary, not only to prevent the fighting in Rasija from spreading to them, but also to protect the Ras from the increasingly authoritarian Kalnijans. Alongside the Baltican troops came humanitarian aid and supplies from Raskia, particularly dry foods, much needed water, and water purifiers. Additionally, the Armed forces oversaw the construction of various refugee camps, similar to those constructed in Baltica during its own civil war, to help house refugees fleeing the fighting in the West. Officially, the reason for the occupation of Ozija was to “Protect Baltican Territorial Integrity” and “To prevent fighting from spreading into Northern Baltica”. How true this was, was not particularly clear but the local inhabitants were not too opposed to the Baltican intervention, nor did many care.

However, as Baltican diplomatic ties were all but frozen after the commencement of “Operation Dzintras”, many began to speculate that the Balticans were indeed, planning to instal a new government, seeing as the existing one was both hostile and unwilling to bargain. As such, the Provisional Government was one of the first steps in assuring a regency existed to take over in case such an operation was to go through, something that became ever more clear as the Baltican Armed forces began “inviting” various political figures into the territory to discuss “Diplomatic” efforts. After the battle of St Albens, this was all but confirmed, as the Balticans had prevented the Rasijan rebels from crossing the Balandeli, and instead invited the Rasijan rebel leaders to negotiate a possible joint regency of Southern Kalnija. These talks were of large concern to the Kalnijans, who feared a possible joint Baltican-Rasijan invasion of the North, and a large retreat to the Balandeli took place to subsequently solidify the Kalnijan position. Finally, on may 12th the Baltican Federal Government, and the Provisional Government of Southern Kalnija proclaimed that the talks with the Rebel Rasijan leaders were successful, and that it was decided that the Provisional Government of Southern Kalnija would begin the transitional process of taking charge of all existing institutions of Southern Kalnija. This new Government was to be referred to as the Rozija Provisional Government, governing the territories of Rasija and Ozija respectively. The Baltican Armed forces would sign off on this agreement, and bagan to limit their military presence to key areas along the joint Kalnijan-Baltican border and key governmental buildings, whilst continuing its humanitarian aid to the region and expanding it into Rasija.

(Green: Rozija Provisional Government)

[Orioni]

(OOC. Topic moved from Newsroom to Affairs, where it likely belongs. If the military involvement increases, this topic might be moved again to Conflict.)