May 2965
Syldavian forces have ringed the rebel stronghold of Douma, sealing off escape routes and setting the stage for what is being described as the biggest offensive of the year long civil war.
Fortenohfiv defenders repeatedly fired rockets and mortars at units poised in foxholes along the edge of the city, apparently trying to lure loyalist forces into skirmishes before the attack.
Thousands of Fortenohfiv militants are believed to be holed up in Douma, a key logistics base in the Moltus district. But the biggest threats are likely to be the land mines and bombs hidden in the roads and forests of the surrounding countryside.
A sniper wearing camouflage advances through a forest towards the rebel stronghold of Douma
Military officials say the goal is to seize the town and re-establish government authority, bringing public services in hopes of winning support of the townspeople once the rebels are gone.
Loyalist forces have now finished their deployment along the main routes in and out of Douma, leaving the rebels no way out except across bleak, open land where they would easily be spotted.
The advance was slowed as soldiers cleared the thicket of mines and bombs hidden in wooded areas and along the roads and fought off harassment attacks along the way by small bands of rebels. Two attack helicopters fired missiles at a compound near Douma from where rebels had been firing at the advancing troops.
Troops along the edge of the town exchanged fire with rebel forces. There were no reports of casualties.
Once the main attack begins, Syldavian commanders are eager to avoid civilian casualties, hoping instead to win over support of the townspeople. Officers have been instructing troops to hold their fire unless they are sure they are shooting at Fortenohfiv rebels and not innocents.
