Hulstria and Gao-Soto

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TROOPS MOBILISED ON KAZULIAN BORDER AS ULTIMATUM ON REFERENDUM IS ISSUED



Preparations for war? Hulstrian troops begin to concentrate on the border with Kazulia


Significant numbers of Imperial troops are reportedly moving to the country's northern border after an ultimatum was issued demanding self determination for Hulstrians living in Kazulia.

Reichskanzler Heinrich Otto-Mann has given the government in Skalm until the end of February 4261 to offer Dundorfian-speaking nationals in the states of Hent and Kelvon a referendum on closer political ties with the Crownlands.

He said if the deadline was not met by the government in Kazulia, he would consider annexation of all, or part of, the two southern states to prevent "continued subjugation of Hulstrian kin and culture" over the border.

The Reichskanzler immediately declared a state of emergency in Hulstria in response to what he branded as "the aggressive and belligerent attitude of Kazulia and their wilful attempts to defy the democratic process."

Meanwhile, a first army group was beginning to concentrate in the north western Hulstrian state of Budenlar with a second moving into position in the north eastern state of Hulstria. Both are said to be combined-arms forces, with strategic, tactical and fighter support wings attached from the Imperial Crownlands Airforce (ICA). The Imperial Crownlands Navy (ICN) had also stepped up its patrols.

Reichskanzler Otto-Mann, who under the state of emergency rules is now supreme commander of the armed forces and head of the police said: "My fellow Hulstrians have given me a clear mandate to pursue whatever means are necessary to free our people in Kazulia from the fear and oppression they are currently living under.

"We do not want conflict but we will fight for democracy and the rights of or people. Fortunately through our considerable defence budget and spending over the last few years and our national conscription policy, the numbers in our armed force have swelled, equipment has improved and training has reach a new high level. We have the manpower the ability and the sophistication of weaponry to achieve our strategic goals."

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TIME IS UP FOR KAZULIA SAYS REICHSKANZLER AS TROOPS HEAD FOR THE BORDER



New recruits passionately sing the national anthem before marching north to the Kazulian border.

Reichskanzler Heinrich Otto-Mann said the time for words was over after a deadline for holding a self-determination referendum for Hulstrians living in Kazulia came and went.

He said that Hulstrian kin mainly in the states of Hent and Kelvon wanted closer political unity with the fatherland and he would do everything possible to make that happen.

Speaking to a mass rally held in Imperial Square, Karlstadt, Otto-Mann said: "No more words, I'm afraid. The sullen ignorance of the Kazulian government will be their downfall. We are now ready to take the action required to free our brethren. Our army is ready, our reserves are mobilised, our strategy is unsinkable. We are ready to liberate our people and take the next step towards our destiny of a Greater Hulstria."

Tens of thousands of troops are now reported to have moved to within striking distance of the border but it is not clear when or how the Hulstrian military will strike.

Effectiveness of troops has been questioned. As well as many being conscripts with limited training and indifferent officers there are more than 20 divisions of hastily formed militia. Similarly, the navy is still not as effective as it could be with the new air carrier flagship Beatrice still months from completion.

The Reichskanzer, who is also supreme commander of the armed forces is also hampered by having to hold many troops in reserve in order to stave off the threat of Class C citizens riots. The mainly Gowa-Showa Class Cs have been forced to stay in doors at night due to a State of National Emergency curfew imposed on them. It has led to outbreaks of violence that have so far been suppressed.

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LIBERATING FORCE OR INSTIGATORS OF A POINTLESS CONFLICT?

Special Report by Hulstrian Chronicle Defence Correspondent Elgar Wittins
(Subject to Reporting Restrictions Imposed by Imperial Government due to State of Emergency).


Units of the 5th Armoured Brigade carry out weapons systems checks after arriving near the Kazulian border.


War, it would seem, is inevitable. Despite the Imperial Government's attempts to conclude a deal with neighbouring Kazulia over closer political unity with Hulstrian ethnics living there, diplomacy has failed.

A stony silence now exists between Karlstadt and Skalm and the only talking is being done through vast troop numbers.

It is understood that more that than 200,000 Imperial troops are already deployed in the northern reaches of the states of Budenlar and Hulstria, backed by tanks, combat aircraft, artillery and assault vehicles. Across the border in the southern Kazulian Fylke of Hent and Kelvon, it is assumed similar numbers are concentrating for the face off.

But where will the first strike land - and who will make it?

Further south in the capital, Reichskanzler Heinrich Otto-Mann has described the creation of a Greater Hulstria as "inevitable" and he has told the people of the nation that the plan has "the blessing of the millions of Dundorfian-speaking Hulstrians living in southern Kazulia as well as the international community".

But the World Congress, and in particular the Security Council, remains tight-lipped. Some in the country say the organisation is toothless and does not have the power to act. Others say that matters on Dovani are too far removed from the everyday focus of the organisation - the turbulent continent of Majatra.

Questions have been asked over the quality of Imperial forces. Despite a central corps of well-trained and mobile troops other units are newly formed, conscripted straight from leaving school and potentially under-equipped.

The problems with the navy are also well reported. Despite pumping billions into the project, the Kaiser-class aircraft carrier scheme seems to be going nowhere fast, leaving the fleet reliant on dated frigates, cruisers and destroyers for its primary firepower.

However, regardless of troops, equipment and technology it is set to be a bloody fight.

Defence Minister Urusura Kurutsu told me: "This conflict is about passion and ensuring our people in Kazulia are free of the subjugation and oppression they find inflicted on them. Therefore we have the upper hand in terms of motivation , in terms of justice and morale. We know we are doing the right thing - we see ourselves as liberators."

What is not clear is whether others around the world will hail Hulstria as a liberating force, or rather, label the country as the instigator of a pointless and bloody conflict.

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Invasion of Kazulia!

- Hulstrian Army Supported By The Imperial Navy Targets Western Hent
- Imperial Airforce Launches Simultaneous Attack
- Security Council Response Gave Us No Other Options, says Reichskanzler



Mechanised infantry units of the 23rd Light Armoured Brigade were among the first over the border.

Tens of thousands of Hulstrian soldiers have crossed the border into Kazulia to coincide with a simultaneous attack by the Imperial airforce.

Following a series of feints and probes along the entire frontier, the main assault was launched into western Hent at dawn on the 24th April 4262. The 23rd Light Armoured Brigade spearheaded the invasion followed by other units of the 2nd Armoured Division.

Only light resistance was reported as the fast-moving troops made their way several miles into enemy territory, although this is not expected to continue as the they move closer towards early objective cities of Lamond and Gna.

In addition, a significant naval task force, under the direct command of Admiral Volkar von Vettel, set sail from their primary base at Furaida with the aim of providing shore bombardment support for the advancing land force and to dominate the waters of the central and northern Kankawaran Bay.

Secondary land assaults were launched two hours later in central and eastern Kelvon with elements of the 8th Armoured Brigade and the 38th Mechanised Infantry Brigade leading the advances and making steady progress despite encountering rugged territory.

It is now clear that considerably more than 200,000 troops with over 600 tanks and assault vehicles are involved in the invasion force with a large reserve also being mobilised throughout the country.

Success was more limited in the sky. Around 400 combat aircraft, deployed in four air wings, left bases in Hulstria to begin the attack on enemy forces, towns and cities.

Kazulian Surface to Air Missile defence systems installed along the border in the aftermath of the War for the Emperor's Protection, struck home with precision. Early intelligence suggests that around 12 per cent of the Imperial fighters, bombers and escorts did not make it into enemy airspace and were knocked out of the sky while still flying over Hulstria.

With numbers depleted the air wing fighters have now reportedly made contact with the enemy, who scrambled in response to the aerial invasion. The battle for air superiority is now underway.

Back in the capital - Karlstadt, Reichskanzler Heinrich Otto-Mann said that Hulstrian troops had been greeted like liberators as they passed through the Kazulian border communities. He said: "God and the moral backing of the world is with us.... victory will be secured within the month."

He added: "We had no choice but to take the war to Kazulia. We know they were getting ready to strike as early as May - without any diplomatic intervention from the World Congress we had to take the initiative now to ensure the survival of our people."

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OPERATION STORMWARDEN LAUNCHED TO DEFEND HULSTRIA

- Reichskanzler Otto-Mann orders foreign nationals as well as Class C citizens be moved to strategic locations.
- Defensive works built across the Crownlands as Imperial troops continue to withdraw from Kazulia.
- Protests Grow in Intensity Across the Nation


Imperial troops fight with protestors - just one of many such flashpoints across the nation.

The Imperial Government has launched Operation Stormwarden in an attempt to combat the expected offensive into Hulstria by Kazulian troops.

With the Imperial Navy in bad shape and the Imperial Airforce grounded following major clashes with the enemy, the army is beating a steady retreat from Kazulian soil into northern Hulstria - pursued by the Kazulian Home Guard. It has brought to an end Operation Vanguard, the codename given to the surprise offensive Hulstria launched to seize territory in Kazulia where predominantly Dundorfian-speaking Hulstrian ethnics live.

In a major move towards the defensive, Reichskanzler Heinrich Otto-Mann issued a proclamation to launch Operation Stormwarden which triggered the full mobilisation of 200,000 reserves. Many will oversee the hasty construction of defensive works - some as crude as trenches - to be built across the country by Class C citizens.

In another move, which will send shockwaves around the international community, foreign nationals who did not leave Hulstria before war broke out will be moved to strategic locations and other places of importance, as part of Operation Human Shield, a move which is expected to deter Kazulian bombing of these sites.

The Reichskanzler has also ordered thousands more Class C citizens to be moved to the sites along with supporters of Oppostion parties who are suspected to be behind a spate of bloody riots that have errupted in the country.

Otto-Mann also announced that any citizen who were caught rioting during the war would be shot for sedition and insurrection - and their families put in containment camps.

Almost inevitably, the proclamation was met with anger and fury in some communities and within hours many people were igonring the threat and taking to the streets to protest. In a particularly bloody encounter in western Kuratha, 200 people - mainly of Gao-Showa ethnicity - were mown down with bullets, when a newly-forrmed reserve army unit opened fire as the protestors moved through the streets.

The protests can only serve to hamper the withdrawal of the Reichswehr forces, which are split into two Army Groups, as they retreat into Budenlar and Hulstria.

General Gerard Loswittel, commander of the land forces in Army Group A, is reported to have sent a strong worded message to the Reichskanzer stating that the protest must be quelled or it would make a withdrawal in good order impossible. According to a source who saw the message, General Loswittel said that his army was stuck between a rock and a hardplace and in danger of being annihilated.

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MONARCH'S TV BROADCAST SPARKS CONTROVERSY AS DEFENCES CONSTRUCTED ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

- Beatrice II taken off air after criticising government policy

- Network of defences established as Kazulian army advances


Defensive works are now in place across the country.

Queen Beatrice II has taken the unprecedented act of personally intervening in the war with Kazulia.

As enemy troops advanced into northern Hulstria, Her Imperial Majesty called for the nation to "stand as one or face destruction". The young queen urged protestors to return to their homes and "respect the curfew" and she also called on the international community to intervene diplomatically.

However, in what seemed to be a move away from the endorsed script she also went on to criticise her own government saying its choice of certain social policies and the need to expand Hulstria's borders "had not been prudent decisions."

Soon afterwards, her live broadcast was taken off air and replaced with all six verses of the national anthem "Land Unserer Vater".

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed that several hundred Class C citizens and an undisclosed number of foreign nationals had been killed at strategic location bombed by the Kazulian airforce. The MoD said they had been moved to the sites as part of Operation Human Shield in an attempt to deter attacks.

Defences Constructed

As the Kazulian armed forces make further advances, progress on a series of defensive works continues apace. A line of hastily dug trench networks, machine gun pillboxes, artillery emplacements and redoubts have been created to try to stop the invasion in its tracks.

The defensive line runs along higher ground from the naval base of Furaida on the south western coast of Bundelar moving directly east before eventually following the southern state border line of neighbouring Hulstria. Other defensive works have been built around key cities, such as the capital Karlstadt.

While Army Group A and B fight a tactical withdrawal further north, the defences are being manned by up to 200,000 Imperial army reserves, who are digging in. Many are conscripted straight from school and now include 15 year olds, following the passing of new legislation as part of Operation Stormwarden.

Reichskanzler Heinrich Otto Mann said: "We warned the international community of the aggressive nature of Kazulia. They did not listen and we were forced to invade or be invaded. Now we face what we predicted all along - a warlike neighbour who will stop at nothing until they destroy our country.

"Well, we will not let them. Operation Stormwarden will save our country from their hostility. The defensive line we have drawn up is a line in the sand. They will not cross it and our armed forces will not abandon it - we will fight to the last man if needs be. No surrender to the enemy!"

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RETREATING FORCES JOIN DEFENSIVE LINE AS NORTHERN HULSTRIA FALLS

- Army Groups A and B fall back to the 'Heinrich Line' as Kazulians advance
- Troops sent to quell Liberation and Vengeance rebellion in Mitrania
- Two Istalians arrested on espionage charges as MoD investigates claims of international meddling



Soldiers of the 3rd mechanised infantry brigade withdrawing to the defensive line in southern Budenlar

Five divisions of the retreating Army Groups A and B have joined the "last-gasp" defensive cordon drawn up across Hulstria to contain Kazulian forces.

Known colloquially as the Heinrich Line by soldiers who are manning it - after Reichskanzler Heinrich Otto-Mann who ordered its construction - the aim is to prevent advancing enemy units invading the heavily industrialised state of Mitrania as well as southern Budenlar, which is home to the strategic city and naval base of Furaida.

These Hulstrian units are said to have fallen back in good order despite taking casualties, and include the 1st and 2nd Armoured Divisions and the 3rd Special Division. However, at least seven other "Greater Hulstria" divisions - consisting of mainly conscript infantry and older artillery - are reported to have taken heavy losses and have been sent further south to regroup and reinforce. Much of their support equipment and heavy weaponry has been left behind on the battlefield.

Reichskanzler Otto-Mann has made it clear there will be no retreat from the Heinrich Line and that all senior officers have been issued with "hold at all costs" orders. He has left the overall defence of the Line to General Gerhard Loswittel, with General Manfried Lapsburg (the Queen's uncle) returning to Karlstadt to take command of the Imperial Reserve Force.

Meanwhile, at least a division of the Imperial Reserves, mobilised around the capital Karlstadt, has been sent into south-eastern Mitrania to quell an expanding uprising led by the Kazulian-backed Liberation and Vengeance rebel group. In addition, a bounty of 1 million crowns has been put on the head of rebel leader Burun Gyuntā.

The Ministry of Defence also confirmed that they were investigating claims that Istalian agents were working with the rebels to help provide training and arms. The MoD said that two people of Istalian nationality had been arrested on suspicion of espionage and were helping the counter-intelligence officers from the Reichs Security Bureau (RSB) with their enquiries.

The uprising in Mitrania, is expected to put a considerable strain on the Hulstrian reserve as many units are also having to work with police and other security forces to quell violent protests, mainly involving Class C citizens, over Operation Human Shield.

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REICHSKANZLER OUSTED IN MILITARY COUP

- Queen's Uncle, General Manfried von Lapsburg seizes power

- Otto-Mann removed after refusing to back down from conflict


Removed from power... Heinrich Otto-Mann

Reichskanzler Heinrich Otto-Mann and his close circle of ministers have been removed in what is understood to be a military coup, after they refused to negotiate with Kazulia following a ceasefire.

It is believed the coup is led by General Manfried von Lapsburg, former Imperial Chief of Staff and Queen Beatrice II's uncle. As one of the most senior commanders in the country he had access to the inner circle of government and is believed to have plotted with opponents of Otto-Mann, who include former Foreign Secretary Reinhard Gladbacher.

After General Reidar Valebrokk, the Kazulian Chief of Staff, halted his troops within sight of the Heinrich Line and ordered a ceasefire there was hope that the bloodletting had stopped.

But almost immediately Otto-Mann announced to the nation that there would be no end to hostilities while Kazulian soldiers remained on Hulstrian soil. He ordered all functioning divisions to advance on enemy positions and "to drive them decisively and swiftly from the Crownlands". He also called for a new recruitment drive for young soldiers to begin immediately.

The first sign that his orders had not been followed came 24 hours later, when units were seen withdrawing from the defences. Then, overnight, a government press release was sent to all media outlets signed by General Lapsburg stating that Otto-Mann had stepped down from office with immediate effect and that senior military officers were carry out government operations.

It went onto say: "We can assure all Hulstrians that in the name of the Queen this country and its government are in safe hands. While we will not rest until this war is over and the rebellions have been quelled, we are open to peace negotiations so that our country may emerge from this conflict in the best shape possible.

"Have no fear that Hulstria is still a force to be reckoned with but we will not stand by while our soldiers are being thrown into battle for no gain or advantage. Until further notice the State of Emergency and curfews remain in place but we will look to review these as the situation becomes more stable.

God bless Her Majesty; God Bless Hulstria."

It is not known the whereabouts of Otto-Mann or his senior ministers and aides. Although it is believed they are being detained by officers of the Reich Security Bureau, who have sided with the military.

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OPERATION WIEDERGEBURT UNVEILED

- Military Council reveals plans to rebuild armed forces in all areas
- Ceasefire under strain as Hulstria rejects Kazulia's "annexation" proposal


Young conscripts are put through their paces ahead of joining newly-formed battalions.


The head of the ruling Military Council has ordered more reinforcements and replacements to advance to the 'Heinrich Line' after initial peace talks between Hulstria and Kazulia seemingly stalled.

Up to 100,000 newly-conscripted recruits - some as young as 15 - are being formed up into battalions ready to take up positions on the fortified defensive works that span the length of the country. It is part of the newly-announced Operation Wiedergeburt, established to rebuild the country's armed forces while the ceasefire holds.

The move comes after the opening offers of both parties at the Wolfsheim Peace Conference, hosted by Dorvik, were rejected.

The Hulstrian delegation offered to permanently drop its claims on parts of southern Kazulia which are home to three million Dundorfian-speaking Hulstrian ethnics. But Kazulia has countered by demanding the establishment of protectorates in northern Hulstria - land it currently occupies after its successful invasion of the Crownlands. The Hulstrian Foreign Minister Reinhard Gladbacher called the proposal nothing more than "unjustified annexation" that would be met by international condemnation and lead to further conflict.

In response, General Manfried von Lapsburg, Head of the Military Council that ousted former Reichskanzler Heinrich Otto-Mann to take control of the country, said not a single inch more of territory would be given to the enemy.

He said: "I have taken measures to demonstrate that Hulstrian patrimony is not something that can be lightly demanded or taken. We stand by to defend what is ours and return to northern Hulstria when the time is right. Kazulian demands are unacceptable as they stand and the fact they continue to propagate terrorist groups in our towns and cities shows that their real intention is to attempt to bring about the complete destabilisation or our nation.

"With this in mind, I have taken steps to bolster the Reichswehr under Operation Wiedergeburt (Rebirth). I have not only sent replacements to those brigades which took casualties during the withdrawal from Kazulia but also ordered reinforcements in the form of newly conscripted battalions from all towns and cities in southern and central Hulstria. Our general and strategic reserve forces will also be supplemented in this way.

"We have also put back into service those planes that survived the aerial battles with Kazulia and the subsequent bombing of our airfields. Operation Human Shield remains in place to deter any further strategic or tactical bombing by Kazulians should the ceasefire terminate. Furthermore, naval command has been moved further south with the aim of assessing remaining craft and providing a safe base for the re-establishment of a fleet in the future.

"We are open to peace talks and want the ceasefire to hold but we will not roll over and capitulate. This programme of measures demonstrates our resolve."

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'KAZULIA MUST MEET US HALF WAY' SAYS HULSTRIA'S MILITARY SUPREMO

-Peace can only be achieved, if neighbours accept concessions at Wolfsheim Conference
-Hulstria ready for all scenarios - including further military action warns General von Lapsburg


The Heerführer, General von Lapsburg

The Head of the Ruling Military Council in Hulstria has insisted that Kazulia must meet him half way if there is to be any chance for peace.

General Manfried von Lapsburg claimed that the current offer on the table at the Wolfsheim Conference, which involves the partitioning of northern states of Hulstria for 50 years was unworkable without further parameters being established.

He said the majority of Class A and B citizens living in the occupied zone would not to tolerate being under Kazulian rule for a protracted period of time and must be offered the chance to move to Hulstrian-controlled territories. He also said that under Kazulia's open border policy, Hulstrian ethnics living in that country should also have the right to apply for citizenship in the Crownlands.

In a letter read out to delegates at the peace conference in Dorvik, General Lapsburg said:

We were wounded by the enemy but they did not follow up their victory. They gave us the chance to regroup and now there is plenty of fight in us if it is required. However, we meet their latest words with yet another proposal but in the resolute knowledge that we are more than capable of prosecuting further military action if required.

Currently the Kazulians hold a substantial swathe of our territory, which we are now prepared for them to occupy legally under observation from the international community. However, there must be some trade off and that involves the social policies we have outlined.

"We will, as a token of our continued willingness for peace, drop the economic clause, which would have seen the Kazulian government pay compensation to offset their occupation of Northern Budenlar and Hulstria. Once again, we make concessions - the Kazulians have not given an inch. However, this is our final proposal and we will not take any further punitive measures on the nose.

General Lapsburg went on to say the proposal meant there were now three definite avenues open to the occupying Kazulians. The letter explained:

"Firstly, they could meet us midway: agree to our social policy amendments to the Dorvish Foreign Minister's proposal; troops on both sides stand down, prisoners are exchanged and the occupied territories are administered peacefully for half a century.

"Secondly, we maintain the status quo, whereby Kazulia continues to occupy the northern territories without a binding treaty or international co-operation, whilst tens of thousands of our troops face off across the Heinrich Line indefinitely.

"Or Kazulia breaks the ceasefire and goes on the offensive to gain further leverage at future peace talks or to try to bring about a regime change. In which case they will come up against the well-defended and reinforced positions on the Heinrich Line so, even if successful, will sustain heavy casualties in the assault and subsequent advance."

It is not known what the Kazulian response to the latest proposal will be but it is assumed neither side would want a return to conflict, which is likely to be prolonged and attritional given the current deployment of armed forces."