The Sentinel

[Adwest]

THE SENTINEL
Premier news publication of the Grand Kingdom of Adwest

---

Civil disturbances in Northern Territories prompt Adwestene intervention

---

Article by Anita Bates | Dosa 1584 | Falkenshire, Cerathien

---

The Ministry of War has announced the commencement of active military operations in the Northern Territories, following prolonged periods of intermittent but severe bouts of violence in major urban centers between civilians supporting reunification with Adwest and government forces under the pretender Jonathan Leigh-Albatross.

The coming of the new year has seen a revival of activity by several groups in Westenne supporting the rejoining of their "state" with the Grand Kingdom. What began initially as peaceful demonstrations grew to become an armed movement engaged in attacks against the perpetrators of the fraud regime in Lothair. These armed groups have managed to coalesce and rally reportedly behind segments of Westenne's Army Officer Corps that supported reunification.

The eruption of mass armed opposition to the pretender's reign then triggered a similarly violent crackdown from him. Hundreds of men and women from various circles including bishops of the church, musicians, and local politicians have been confined for alleged support to the subversive movement. Others more have died, with reports claiming at least a hundred civilians unaffiliated with the armed groups have been shot by regime loyalists in demonstrations.

But what is most outrageous is the detainment of several Adwestene nationals in the Northern Territories. These unlawful arrests came after the expiration of an order to leave the Northern Territories within twenty four hours was released by the fraud regime. No Adwestene national heeded this decree, which has led to their incarceration. These arbitrary arrests have been denounced by the Court, and are seen as a prime catalyst for the decision to intervene militarily in the Northern Territories.

The source of tension in the Northern Territories is as clear as day; it is a locally-organized movement with sentiments suppressed by the illegitimate government still clinging to power there. The fact that military men lead natives of the Northern Territories disproves allegations by the pretender Leigh-Albatross of Adwestene collusion to "sow chaos and provide a window of opportunity to subjugate Westenne".

At least fifty thousand troops from the 9th Royal Army are envisioned for mobilization in order to maintain the peace throughout the Northern Territories. Sources from the Ministry of War asserts that a third of this number have already crossed the border and are en route to locales that have seen the most dangerous skirmishes between reunificationists and government forces. Such locales include Falkenshire, Squall Bay, Saint Nelle, and the supposed capital of Westenne, Lothair.

"Our aim is twofold. The first is to prevent the further spillage of blood by and of our countrymen. The second is to determine the political destiny of the Northern Territories once order has been established" a spokesperson for the Ministry of War told members of the press during a briefing.

In the same briefing, elements of the Adwestene Expeditionary Force have also been reported to have been attacked by the loyalist forces of the pretender Grand Prince. Such hostile engagements naturally solicited a proportionate response of force from Adwestene troops. Despite this, the Ministry of War has assured that resistance is lackluster and that the populace in the Northern Territories welcome the arrival of Adwestene troops.

Sources further north claim that the fraud regime in Lothair has fled already the capital, but "significant portions of armed loyalists are still present in and around the area".

Other stories:

• Referendum on reunification likely to succeed, says experts
  
• Former Ambassador to Nerysia appointed to Foreign Affairs post
  
• Lord Protector Gore-Culross: "Our actions are necessary; Westenne will be brought back to our fold."
  
• Editorial: The Mandate to Crush Communism