The Balochian Crisis

[Flo]

Tyko, Harmajaa
19 Septum, 1585

"We understand your concerns Ambassador. The situation in Balochia has reached a fever pitch far sooner than anyone could have expected and with a ferocity I think few anticipated." The President of Harmajaa said flatly. "We are willing to help secure lasting peace in the region, but you must understand there were intrinsic issues within the Balochian state that led them down this path. The activities of the Balochian government were not sustainable and no one can assume that, in the aftermath, any diplomatic solution to the situation would resemble the previously held status quo. To return things to what they were would be irresponsible and would only delay a similar experience. Surely, you understand that. Harmajaa is committed to peace in Balochia and the region as a whole, but this peace cannot be guaranteed unless there is a degree of separation between the Balochian government and the people it has subjugated for decades. The Lappish must be given what they desire: the ability to live in a land where they are not placed under a Vostic yoke. That is our position."

The ambassador frowned. He was being held hostage. His people were being held hostage. But what choice was there?

"Honourable President. I agree with your expectations and am willing to grant them, on behalf of my government, provided peace is secured and safety is ensured for my people."

The President nodded. "So it shall be. You have my word that Harmajaa will dedicate itself to not only ending this destructive conflict but creating a future in which conflicts like this can be prevented in the region."

In the following weeks, the rest of the Harmajaan military would be mobilized and would prepare to enter former Balochia to enforce an armistice. The Lappish pseudo-government was contacted regarding this ultimatum, but refused to respond at first.
-----

Severograd, Republic of Severyane
19 Septum, 1585

The Balochian Ambassador to Severyane, Andresz Lupokski, was flustered. Every day brought worse news from across the border. He had not been in contact with his government in several days -- not since the capital fell, except for a brief conversation in which the president had practically begged him to get Severyane to cross the border to rescue them. He had also been in conversations with the Balochian Ambassador to Harmajaa, who believed there could be a diplomatic solution to the crisis and the Harmajaans were willing to pursue it to end the bloodshed, provided certain guarantees were offered. If Severyane could be convinced to significantly invest in ending the conflict, peace could be secured. He had a guarantee of this, along with the associated stipulations and requests

He arrived for his meeting with the Konsul early, and was desperately hoping he could secure a deal that would save his countrymen before they were destroyed.

[Severyane]

Severograd, Republic of Severyane
19 Septum, 1585

---

The Konsul arrived just on time to the scheduled meeting with the Balochian Ambassador. She was accompanied by Secretary Rezhev and General Pyushkin, as well as a few junior staff. The Konsul and her cabinet members took their seats across the table from the Ambassador and his people. Based on information gathered via satellite and what was left of the network of informants in Balochia, the Konsul had begun to lean towards a military solution in the neighboring Vostic state. She had in fact ordered increased readiness in forces closest to the border. The elite Severyanian airborne troops would stream across into Balochia at a moment's notice and, alongside their brothers in the Air Force, would cleanse the advancing Lappish terrorists from the countryside. What sort of action Severyane would actually take depended heavily upon the outcome of this meeting.

"Ambassador, let us skip the formalities and cut directly to the business. What does... whatever the hell is left of your government expect you to convince us to do?"

[Flo]

Severograd, Republic of Severyane
19 Septum, 1585

Lupokski cleared his throat before beginning. His throat was dry.

"Madame Konsul." he began softly. "As I am sure you are aware, Balochia is being ravaged right now by a band of rogues. This band is significantly larger and better equipped than any of us expected. They came at us like a thief in the night and have taken us by surprise. The government is in transit, fleeing for your border. Most of the Balochian population is doing the same, and I'm sure you have already experienced the first waves of refugees coming over the border."

"My colleague in Harmajaa has been notified that their government is willing to commit to stopping the violence and securing peace in the region, but they have also made the demand that the Lappish be acquiesced with a promise of freedom and their own self-determination."

He coughed. This was the uncomfortable part for him. "I am not yet sure what the government thinks about that. Surely they are not particularly interested in selling themselves to the violent horde and the very thought of it makes me sick to my core, but... Madam Konsul, I am not an unreasonable man. It is clear to see that the old Balochian state was, and would be, unsustainable. The cost of returning things to the way they were would be immense and not entirely financial. Why would we pay in blood for vast stretches of wild lands populated with savage who very clearly have no intentions of civility."

"My request for you, and I have it in confidence that a significant portion of the government supports it, is that Severyane and Harmajaa settle this conflict, and quickly. Draw a line, and enforce it. Keep the savages on their side. Let the Harmajaans deal with them as they would their kind. Balochia and Harmajaa have had their differences, but I have no doubts that the government in Tyko would be a shepherd over the Lappish wilderness. It pains me to say it, but this is the only path to sustained peace, if you ask for my opinion. I am unsure whether or not the Balochian President has endorsed this, but he is hardly in a position to be making demands and I have the assurance from several of the top government officials that he will agree, regardless of whether or not he wants to."

[Severyane]

Severograd, Republic of Severyane
19 Septum, 1585

---

The Konsul turned to the Secretary of Defense, who gave her a sharp nod. She also looked to Secretary Rezhev who leaned towards her and she leaned in closely to listen to what he had to say. General Pyushkin wondered what promise was being made or what objection to the plan was being put forth by his weak willed counterpart. The Konsul and Rezhev broke away from each other and she looked back to the Balochian Ambassador, leaning forward on the table and interlacing her fingers.

"Ambassador, what if I told you that we could push the bandits out, and put your people in a position of strength to negotiate from? Our military stands ready to sweep across the border and apply pressure on the rebels, and even the Harmajaa when they eventually get involved. We could decide where the lines are drawn and how, and restore your homeland."

She flashed the Ambassador an unnerving smile. "All it would take is your word, Ambassador Lupokski and we can save your people from certain destruction."

[Flo]

Severograd, Republic of Severyane
19 Septum, 1585

"Do what must be done, Konsul."

------
former border between Harmajaa and Balochia, East of Makkara
Ochtyr 1, 1585

It was early in the morning when the tanks began rumbling through the forest. The Harmajaan government had given the green light to advance into former Balochia. The Lappish government had refused Harmajaa's offer and the time for force was necessary. The wayward sheep were being returned to the flock.

This was a joint military action between Harmajaa and Severyane, with the former coming from the west and the latter coming from the south. The goal was to end the fighting and pacify the country -- ending what was essentially genocide being carried out by the Lappish pseudo-government. It was expected to be a relatively quick and easy action, as far as conflicts went. While the Lappish had overrun the Balochians, they wouldn't be able to compete with the force of arms coming from the south, and the Harmajaans, having secretly given the weapons to the Lappish government, knew what to expect.

Behind the façade of cooperation, however, there was a thinly-veiled competition taking place between Tyko and Severograd. It was agreed that the primary objective, first and foremost, was ending the bloodshed, and that negotiations would take place after that was secured. These were expected to be tense, difficult negotiations, as both parties, Harmajaa and Severyane, had their own goals in the region. Thus, it was a race to secure as powerful a bargaining position as possible. The only constants were that, in the end, there were more Saami than Vostics in Balochia and for much of Balochian history there was a clearly marked line between Saami and Vostic Balochia.

The general strategy of the military action was clear, at least at first. Severyane would be doing most of the heavy lifting, initially, as a majority of the Lappish guerillas were in the south, in Balochia proper. Harmajaa meanwhile would be using mechanized forces, as well as air-dropped military personnel, to take Arl Lappa, the seat of the provisional Lappish government. It being on the other side of the country, it would take Harmajaa a few weeks to reach there, and before doing that would be securing the city and Lappish stronghold in Grot Obvinsk. After all of that was accomplished, the Harmajaans would move south to link up with the hopefully victorious Severyane military for vodka. This was all expected to be completed within a month or two, at the latest.

Then, they would negotiate.

[Severyane]

100 Km inside Balochia
Ochtyr 1, 1585

---

The pair of jets streaked low across the Balochian countryside, a blur to anyone watching from the ground. They each carried a payload of ten-thousand kilograms, a total of 40 high explosive bombs between the two of them. They were part of the opening hours of the Severyanian air offensive against the Lappish rebels in Southern Balochia. Sattelite passes and reconaissance flights had been conducted and analyzed thoroughly in the weeks leading up to the two-pronged invasion of the nation and now that the battle planning had been completed, the execution phase had begun. The twin St-33 Fighter/Bombers began to bank left in the direction of a small industrial town. Both aircraft very suddenly began to climb, leveling out at ten-thousand feet, and once they were there they broke their radio silence.

"Whiplash, this is Eagle 1. Approaching target now requesting permission to engage, over." The pilot of the leading aircraft said coolly into his mic. The response came clear and short.

"Eagle 1, Whiplash. Mission is go, green light, out."

The aircraft very suddenly sped up, barreling towards a factory complex in the center of the city. The pilot began to align his Heads-up display markers for his payload drop. He closed the distance rapidly, and his co-pilot pressed the weapons release. His aircraft seemed to jump forward at the loss of weight, the pilot's signal to dump flares and go full afterburner out of the target zone.

"Eagle 2 this is Eagle 1, good drop over."

"Eagle 1, Eagle 2, same here. We are RTB, over."

"Solid copy, form up on us, out."

It was much of the same across a large air operations front. Severyanian Fighter/Bombers struck known rebel front line positions, and Supersonic Strategic bombers launched cruise missiles well behind the lines to hit known enemy supply points. It was basic Severyanian strategy, cut off the route of supply and demoralize the enemy on the front before a powerful strike on the ground, which would ideally lead to a breakthrough. Then the mobile warfare would rout the enemy completely.

---

Border between Balochia and Severyane
Ochtyr 1, 1585

---

On the ground the elite Severyanian paratroops of the 322nd Guards Airborne Division, pushed across the border in their mechanized troop carriers. Supported by the tank forces of the 3rd Shock Army in their newly upgraded MBTs, they had met little resistance in the first hours of the war. Mostly they bypassed and provided guidance to fleeing Balochians. Their main target was the Balochian capitol of Rvon, the 322nd the tanks from the 3rd were given a timeline of one week to make the push to, and capture the city from the Lappish.

The General in charge also had the pleasure of commanding a second prong of attack in the south. Severyanian Gornostrelki, or mountain troops, were to push towards the city of Radograd. They were expected to take the city and await reinforcements from elements of the 3rd Shock Army, who would then establish a line fifty kilometers outside the city limits at a minimum. This was to be accomplished in two weeks. He knew that it was nigh on impossible to meet these deadlines but the Severyanian Military High Command was very much the same institution it had been under the communists, and there was no telling how they would punish failure under the new government. So the General had to grin and bear it for the time being.

Oh the pleasures of war.

[Flo]

Arl Lappa
Ochtyr 13, 1585

The reports coming in were not good. The joint assault by Severyane and Harmajaa was making significant inroads and it had been only the first day. The provisional government in Arl Lappa was at a loss for how to prepare for the conflict, as many of their personnel were only loosely organized. After all, how does one control an army of guerillas?

Reports were coming in from the south that the Severyanians were advancing quickly, though maybe not as quickly as first assumed. All Lappish units, if you could call them that, were called to move back towards Rvon, taking out as many of the invaders as possible in the process. Bridges were blown up, roads were damaged, buildings were laced with explosives, etc. It wasn't significant enough to stop the advance, by any means, but it did cause headaches for the advancing Severyane forces.

In the west, the Harmajaans were advancing as well, though at a more rapid pace. The west of Balochia was barely populated wild-lands -- mostly forests and fields with the occasional settlement, whereas the Severyane advance was taking place through heavily populated Balochian heartland. The Harmajaan mechanized infantry were having trouble with the marshlands, and many tanks got stuck in the mud before being pulled out to continue advancing. Within a few days, there were air strikes on Grot Obvinsk as well as air-dropped infantry to soften up the city before the main brunt of the military arrived.

The casualties in Grot Obvinsk were significant, as the defending Lappish had more time to prepare than their counterparts in the south. Still, as more Harmajaans arrived, it would only be a matter of time.

The Harmajaan fifth division of infantry, with mechanized support, moved north, around Grot Obvinsk, to continue their advance towards Arl Lappa. Elements of the Harmajaan Navy had already met up with several ships from the Severyane navy at sea and would begin their naval assault on the Lappish capital in the coming days.

[Severyane]

Ochtyr 16, 1585

---

The airstrikes had all but crippled the Lappish defenses, in effect the countryside of Southern Balochia belonged to Severyanian troops. The soldiers of the 3rd Shock Army now faced the task of seizing the city of Rvon. This would have been a disastrous task had it been undertaken fifteen years ago when conscripts still made up the majority of the Joint Armed Forces. The chances of taking the city with little to no casualties were not as slim now as they were then however, the Severyanian Joint Armed Forces had become a volunteer force, a truly professional army. That didn't do much to change the fact that those soldiers who were now entering the suburbs of Rvon in their armored personnel carriers were scared. They had heard the stories of Lappish Improvised Explosive Devices which seemed to line every highway and inhabit every unoccupied building, and they had too heard of what the Lappish did to Severyanian soldiers they captured in ambushes. It wasn't pleasant. Initial casualty reports from the first wave of attacks into the city were higher than expected but still acceptable, High Command expected the Lappish rebels to be subdued within a week at most.

The Airborne Infantry of the 322nd had been diverted from the attack on Rvon, and instead had been instructed to begin the assault towards Radograd, where resistance was expected to be lighter and where High Command expected to find some remnants of the Balochian Armed Forces. Their path towards Radograd would take them directly through Balochia's Southwestern mountain range. Luckily, the 322nd had been rigorously trained for warfare in those conditions. Some of their units had boarded the aging Mz-25 Assault/Transport helicopters and had begun to clear villages ahead of the main force, but it wasn't expected for them to reach Radograd for at least another week and a half.

In the Northern Sea, the Severyanian Second Carrier Group had linked up with the Harmajaan fleet and had begun to bombard known Lappish positions within Arl Lappa and its surrounding villages. The Second Carrier Group had a contingent of Marines that the Severyanian Admiral had promised would assist the Harmajaans in the assault on Arl Lappa, but it was unknown when that would take place. For now, the fleet would continue to launch cruise missiles and use their carrier based Fighter/Bombers to drop bombs. What Severyanian High Command hadn't mentioned to their Harmajaan "allies" was that a third ground force had been prepared. The 155th Rifle Brigade had been mobilized in order to launch an assault into Northern Balochia. This was territory mostly inhabited by the Lappish, but seizing as much of it as possible would allow Severyane to negotiate on behalf of Balochia from a position of strength. The 155th was tasked with pushing as far in as they could, even to the outskirts of Arl Lappa if possible.

[Flo]

8 Nueva, 1585
-----
(I'm advancing because how much can we describe killing, right?)

The Lappish resisted valiantly, and caused a fair number of casualties for the invading armies. In the North, Harmajaans regularly had to either dig their tanks out of pit traps or just leave them where they were. In the south, the Severyane supply train was regularly halted by Harmajaan commandos working against them. Still, they were outgunned and outnumbered, and in time would succumb to the onslaught of the invading armies.

Balochians viewed them as liberators, and showered them with praise. The Lappish viewed them with disdain. Thus, the Harmajaan and Severyane invaders had very different experiences in occupation following battles. The Severyanians received their fair share of watches and gold items from the men, flowers from the various womenfolk of Balochia. From the younger women, even gifts of the flesh were offered to their saviours. For the Harmajaans? Rocks and insults at the best, bullets and bricks at the worst. Still, the march wore on.

Grot Obvinsk had fallen by Ochtyr 18. Rvon had fallen by Ochtyr 24, as Harmajaans came from the north to meet their Severyanian comrades in the former Balochian capital. Arl Lappa was last, but fell as well, by Nueva 7. The Lappish provisional capital, where the government briefly maintained itself, was in shambles. The next day, the so-called President of Lappland had signed a cease-fire. The Lappish were defeated, thoroughly, though there were still some pockets of resistance in both the middle of the country and the far north.

Following the signing of the cease-fire, in Arl Lappa, Supreme Commander of the Harmajaan Military, Viktor Horeg, met with the Severyane supreme commander to celebrate their joint victory over a bottle of vodka, as was customary in the cultures of the northern regions.

Their meeting place was the former capital building, above it flew two flags, one Harmajaan and the other Severyanian. The Lappish flag that flew in its place previously was draped over the desk the two military leaders would be sitting at. Across the country, Harmajaans and Severyanian soldiers clasped hands and traded things like cigarettes, drinks, and dirty magazines. For now, it was a time of pride, success, and celebration.

Little did they know, the uneasiness and awkwardness that would soon follow as the negotiations for lasting peace would take place.

---

Heres a rough map. lmk what you think.

post war balochia https://imgur.com/gallery/0otvv

[Flo]

Alvan 3, 1587
Arl Lappa, Harmajaa
---

With the final signature, the Arl Lappa Accord was signed, bringing peace to former Balochia and partitioning the old country between Harmajaa and Severyane. The north went to Harmajaa, the south to Severyane. All of the people were given six months to decide which side of the new border they would settle in. The expectation was that the Saamo would move north, and the Baloch would remain in the south.

There was significant deliberation as to whether or not Balochia would remain a free state following the conflict. It was clear that something would be done with the Lappish, and Harmajaa had already made provisional arrangements with their government for Lappa to join Harmajaa, though the specific details were still hazy. The Balochian government, however, had made no such arrangements with Severyane, and had every expectation to remain independent. It was odd, then, when a referendum of Baloch voted in favor of joining Severyane as a new province, rather than maintaining independence. Some claimed foul play in the election, but in the end, Harmajaa and Severyane agreed, and so there was little a Balochian nationalist could do. Severyane had a plan to rebuild and revitalize the region following the war that would likely improve the situation of the Balochians.

Harmajaa meanwhile, was anticipating a logistical nightmare. An orderly and structured society, Harmajaa was not built to intake nearly three and a half million people. The new government did have a plan, but it was in the air still how it would be funded. With elections incoming, the topic of how to deal with the Lappa was a significant one, though investment into Sappa was also important.

The Tomaa Party, who were centre-left democrats, were the incumbent party. President Ruri Amenaa, had run a tight ship, and her ability to take advantage of opportunities in Balochia were lauded by those in Tyko. She was a popular president, and many expected her to win again.

Still, with three and a half million new citizens (all were given automatic citizenship), it was unknown how the elections were truly played out. Lappa was a hotbed for leftist philosophy and rhetoric, and those in the New Social Left, a young party of socialists and other left-minded young people, had already begun planting seeds in the new territory, with the ambition of big gains in the upcoming election.