Cascadan Conflict
Article
Talk
War in Cascada
Kǎsùdié Zhiàn
Auriellen forces digging through the snow
Date
April 9–September 23, 2020
Location
Result
Cascadan and allied victory
- AEG and K4 forces expelled from Cascada
- Signing of the Salvemini Security Treaty
- Signing of the Devon Agreement
- Rise of the Cascadan Black League and subsequent initiation of the Cascadan Emergency in 2021
Cascadan forces:
Duchy of Cascada
Republic of Aurielle
Autonomous Administrative Republic of Antlia
Rama Saom
AEG forces:
Anti-Entity Group
Kappa-IV Body
I.R.I.S (Minor Participation)
Pin Yaoxi- Xinan Zhijun
- Shao Yazhu
- Arenet Matlon
- Caida Selen
- Astarte Conti
- Ardan Paceas
- Bravashan Jecham
- Fajamid Sumen
- / The Supplier
- Colin Morin
- A-2
- A-5
- Remaining Annihilist and Neutral Alpha Contingent
- Rochas Multan
- Martin Goles †
- Unspecified K4 commander
45,000-50,000+
35,000-40,000+
- 7,500+ killed
- 132 killed
- 84 killed
- 12 killed
- 8,000-24,000+
- 13,000-16,000+
Civillians killed: 7,000-10,000
Total killed: 35,000-55,228+
The Cascadan Conflict (Nujemen: Batalius es Cascadea) (Jinyi: Kǎsùdié Zhiàn) was an armed conflict between the Duchy of Cascada and the Anti-Entity Group. The war was preceded by sporadic clashes between Cascadan forces and small Annihilist AEG squadrons, and a subsequent repelled offensive. After an incident in the Qinyang Army Base that left 5 AEG operatives dead, A-2 authorized AEG troops to be massed in Level 213 and Level 330—two of Level 107's entrances. Identification of the forces by the Auriellen Security Council Intelligence Center Human Intelligence teams led to early warnings that were dismissed due to beliefs that the AEG would be unwilling to invade. After a vote was passed by the Alpha Contingent that dictated if military action would be carried out, AEG expeditionary forces, and later on a quarter of AEG personnel in Level 213, entered Cascada, quickly taking control of both Level 213 and 330's entrances, alongside several other locations. While already suspected, AEG actions against Cascada were later confirmed as a result of a 10-man team from the Serpentine Branch sabotaging the Qinyang Army Base, during which their insignias were spotted throughout their escape; the Cascadan Army began fortifying positions in preparation for an AEG invasion. On April 17th, A-2 announced the initiation of military operations. A-2 stated racist views and baselessly claimed that Cascada was building weapons of mass destruction (WMDs); international condemnation followed soon after. After official declarations, the Cascadan National Assembly and A-1 and A-5 met to discuss certain agreements that led to an eventual contracting of the Kappa-IV Body after Partialist members refused to participate in the conflict.
AEG forces fully entered Cascada on April 18th, sweeping through defensive lines. They launched an offensive, capturing various cities, though they encountered stiff resistance from the Civil Guard. The Cascadan Army tested a new guerrilla approach in Malsai, where they successfully repelled AEG forces. Momentum faltered as the approach saw wider implementation, causing fierce resistance and intensifying guerrilla and urban warfare. A draft of AEG troops to be deployed to Cascada was implemented, most of the drafted being sent to launch an unsuccessful western offensive on June 2nd. Following the Alastor Incident during the western offensive, the Auriellen Congress passed a resolution granting volunteer units the ability to be deployed against the AEG and K4, alongside validating the interception of enemy aerial units. Aurielle launched a bombing campaign and began sending combat troops; a deep-strike air assault landing was perpetrated by the latter that collapsed the western front. Cascada began hampering down AEG forces through skirmishes in occupied areas and attacks on supply lines, which led to AEG forces targeting the resource-rich Huinan region.
The AEG contracted IRIS to carry out cyberattacks across Cascada, followed by a counteroffensive; however, it made few gains. The attack brought about Auriellen's intervention after the malware used began infecting civilian and Auriellen military terminals. On July 29th, Auriellen forces arrived in Zhefei, where fighting broke out throughout early August. Soon afterwards, the AEG began a strategic shift in operations, with intentions for offensives to end altogether, in turn opting for rescue operations of captured operatives. Aurielle, Antlia, and Cascada launched an offensive, recapturing most of the remaining Cascadan lands. Three cities, Jeonsan, Sunai, and Huidong, were engaged in brutal combat before AEG-K4 forces started withdrawing by the 22nd. Through the following days, the last AEG units withdrew from the level. The Daveron Peace Conferences began on October 28th and dragged on until the 12th of the next month as negotiations were made.
The war officially ended on 12 November 2020 with the signing of the Daveron Agreement and similar treaties, which required the AEG to begin cooperation with the Duchy and other such demands that generally sought to stabilize Level 107 and both groups' relations. The establishment of Waypoint Emissary symbolized cooperation. The war saw both the AEG and K4 endure their most major failure and embarrassment, which prompted a period of great reformation to their doctrine and strategy. The casualties are placed in the 35,000 to over 50,000 range, with around 21,000-34,000 coming from military casualties, most of which came from the AEG-K4 side. In terms of civilian casualties, reports indicated that around 7,000-10,000 were killed. The war had lasting geopolitical effects, including the emergence of the extremist Cascadan Black League, whose rise led to the 2021–2024 Cascadan Emergency.
Naming
The war is also known under other names aside from the Cascadan Conflict, such as the War in Cascada, Cascadan Crisis, and Cascadan Emergency, before the term "Cascadan Emergency" became identified with the 2021 Cascadan Emergency.
Background
Previous years had indicated concern among the Cascadan government regarding the AEG. The Duchy's government disliked the AEG due to The Day of Dying Flames, leading to its inclusion on the developing Cascada list of Group Sponsors of Violence in September 2016. Cascada remained neutral through its various actions and procedures against entities, seeking to avoid conflict with them.
In February 2019, a platoon-sized squadron of AEG Annihilists entered Level 107 without any prior authorization, approached, and fired upon a group of Cascadans in the outskirt settlement of Tianjia. Several copycat attacks were reported days later on Denzing and Phinia. AEG involvement, although not confirmed until later, was already suspected, and local police alongside the Cascadan Army were placed on full alert. The attacks also prompted the National Assembly to sign the Tianjia Resolution and increase military spending.
The attacks on Tianjia, Denzing, and Phinia led to other groups of Annihilists usurping the opportunity to lead a crusade against Cascadans. Continuative attacks on isolated groups of the Cascadan populace, such as those found within the areas closer to the outskirts, prompted immediate retaliatory procedures to initiate. On April 3rd, following a raid on a Forward Operating Base, the presence of AEG troops was confirmed, leading to Cascada attempting to contact its leaders with varying degrees of success, though it ultimately never achieved the end goal of stopping their raids.
Following contact attempts, A-5, Director of the Branch of Internal Matters, began expanding the assaulting forces in preparation for a large-scale attack. Under the directive of A-5, a force of 500 strong launched a massive offensive aimed at cleansing the outskirts of Level 107. With concerns of Cascada or Aurielle discovering that it was commanded by an AEG official, A-5 wrote a letter justifying their incursion. Operation Yuāi Hūa[1] was launched as a response, expanding ground operation capabilities.
In October, assaulting forces suffered heavy losses at the Battle of Kiajún, whereupon they ordered a general retreat for reorganization purposes. Any remaining forces were operating under their own volition, though fighting mostly ceased; the Cascadan Army was ordered to decrease alarm levels, and military spending shifted to reconstruction, as it had been believed the AEG would not return.
Incident at Qinyang and its aftermath
At approximately 8:00 p.m. on January 12th, five off-duty AEG personnel entered into a confrontation with guards of the Qinyang Army Base in downtown Qinyang. Michael Martines, Dave Saffen, Mike Puo, Kazmer Habin, and Armand Armo had left their apartment at 5:22 p.m.; the Epsilon Contingent affirmed that the men were unarmed. The group arrived at Shairo, a bar, at 6:01, where they reportedly became severely drunk. At 7:30, the group left, heading towards the Qinyang Army Base, where they arrived at 7:49. They were subsequently opened fire upon, killing Dave, Mike, and Kazmer. Michael and Armand were left severely wounded and succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.
The events of the incident, particularly who led to the shooting, are heavily disputed. Beta Contingent's Branch of Public Affairs reports concluded that the group was shot without any justification, only due to their allegiance to the AEG. The Ministry of Justice said that they were shot by a combination of disdain towards those serving the AEG and the group's own confrontationist attitude.
Pin Yaoxi, the newly elected prime minister, called for a diplomatic solution to the conflict rather than escalation, though it never fully came into fruition as A-5 persuaded other Annihilist members of the Alpha Contingent to avoid talks with "bloodlusted entities." Furthermore, A-5 sought to strengthen internal anti-Cascadan sentiment with a propaganda campaign, but many remained indecisive regarding the issue.
Preparations
In March, an ample military buildup began in Level 213 and Level 330. In Level 213 alone, 400 troops were sighted. The Delta Contingent also sent four APC-10s, two on each level. Military buildup continued from there, eventually reaching an estimated 14,000 troops, supported by 24 APC-10s and 5 JPSA-ICVs. The buildup was identified by ASCIC HUMINT teams, and soon information regarding it was given to the Auriellen Security Council.
The ASC ordered the ASCIC to inform the Cascadan Ministry of Defense and to suggest preparing for an AEG attack. However, officials turned down their concerns because they considered another attack improbable due to the events of the Battle of Kiajún and their widespread belief that the AEG would not be willing to fight in a potentially prolonged conflict in an environment where the natives had an overarching environmental superiority.
Voting and the letter
The military buildup was allowed by A-2 and A-5, although it had not been properly given the green light by other members of the Alpha Contingent. A-1 demanded a vote in order to determine whether military action against Cascada would be carried out. The Alpha Contingent currently had 11 seats, the 12th being later decided; four members were Partialists, five were Annihilists, and two were neutral. Ultimately, the vote came down to 4 to 7.
With the vote ending in an annihilist landslide victory, it was certain the AEG would go to war. Nonetheless, the Partialist portion, especially A-1 and A-4, still disagreed on military action and, as such, sent a letter to the Cascadan government.
Initial operations and actions
The Cascadan Conflict started on April 9th as the AEG dispatched expeditionary forces to initiate raids on Cascadan military positions. They were also ordered to kill on sight any Cascadan, regardless of whether they were civilians or not. During the expeditionary force's activities, Ishinozhou, the city where the entrance from Level 213 is located, came under swift occupation, and nearby military bases, such as Wonshia Army Base, were taken and transformed into Forward Bases of Operation.
The initial Cascadan response was slow, as a communications blackout was forced upon any claimed territories, postponing the outbreak of the news of an invasion. Cascadan internal migrations to other, non-occupied cities and areas began as the AEG enacted discriminatory acts and genocides against the locals.
Escalation
As Ishinozhou was secured, the green light was given for a quarter of the standby forces in Level 213 to enter. Upon their entry, Operation Nix Tridenti was launched, aimed at controlling three specific areas that allowed forces entrance in Level 330. The offensive was quick and decisive; yet, it was also hindered by guerrillas waging irregular warfare, which is not what AEG forces wanted or expected.
Following the success of Nix Tridenti, some forces in Level 330 entered, and a systematic cleansing of Cascadans within occupied lands began under the code-name Operation Folium Ceraula. Guerilla activity alongside internal migration skyrocketed; the Cascadan Army began movement towards Ishinozhou and associated lands, though details and intelligence regarding the circumstances were hazy.
On April 13th, a team from Delta Contingent's Serpentine Branch carried out a strike operation. The 10-man team was inserted into an apartment near the Qinyang Army Base at 2 AM Cascadan Standard Time (CST), and they infiltrated and engaged the personnel in it. Within 2 hours, the ammunition depot was set on fire and exploded, effectively destroying most of the facility. During their getaway via Lubik's Cube, the AEG insignia was spotted on their uniform.
After the discovery of direct AEG action against Cascada, commanders told the troops moving into Ishinozhou to cease all movement towards it and fall back to fortify the 58th Line[2]. Alongside this, they sent reconnaissance parties for a more in-depth analysis of AEG positions and numbers; upon returning, the parties only accounted for the ones currently operating with the level and did not take into account the other stationed outside of it, leading to a vast underestimation of their strength. Some intelligence officers suggested that the AEG's strength was more than that indicated, pointing to the ASCIC report on military buildup in Level 213 and Level 330; though, they turned down the suggestion due to a lack of specific number count and composition, leading to the belief that whichever forces stationed in both levels had fully entered already.
Task Force 116 was a Cascadan Army heavy regiment task force including infantry elements from several other units, including the 23rd Battalion, 2nd Battalion, 11th Battalion, and the 7th Mechanized Brigade, that was chiefly composed of humans serving in the Cascadan military, except for the 3rd Artillery Regiment, which usually supported it. It was formed as a response to the AEG threat, as they would not attack humans until the latter stages of the conflict, following Aurielle's intervention, which the Cascada took heavy advantage of.
Declaration of military operations
Before 7:00 AM CST on April 17th, A-2, in a public announcement, initiated military operations, effectively declaring war on Cascada. A-2 said that the operations were to "protect any future wanderers." They baselessly claimed that Cascadans were a threat to the public order and safety of all residents of the Backrooms, baselessly claimed that soon an inner circle of Cascadans would conspire for domination over the politics of every group, and that Cascada was developing Weapons of Mass Destruction. He said the AEG sought the systematic cleansing of the Cascadan species and the opening of Level 107 as a haven for any settlement.
Immediate international backlash and condemnation began, most importantly from Auriellen government officials, as they have had a longstanding relationship with the Duchy. During the announcement, Auriellen officials operating within Cascada wrote letters to AEG, but they were immediately responded to with the planned letter that further justified their incursion.
Aurielle responded with a proliferation of military supplies to Cascada and began sending aid packages, both for military and civilian aid. Cascada received its first unmanned combat aerial vehicles soon after the declaration of military operations.
Cascadan Resolution Affair
On April 16th, the letters were seen and reviewed by the National Assembly, sent by A-1 and A-5. It had gone unnoticed due to other matters preoccupying it, such as the organization of Task Force 116, the 58th Line, and matters relating to the attack on the Army Base. Nonetheless, the letter, requesting a meeting with the National Assembly, was ultimately accepted. On April 20th, three days after the official declaration of military operations by the A-2, A-1, and A-4, the latter appeared unarmed and were escorted by the Special Security Service to the National Assembly Complex.
Little is known of the talks that transpired during the conference; however, it is known from declassified information that A-4 proposed three plans, with only two being known about thus far. The Partialist Alpha Contingent members will have little to no involvement in the conflict and will begin negotiations with the Assembly regarding the AEG's side of the deal, should it lose the war; these negotiations will be later implemented in the Daveron Agreement. The Assembly accepted the proposals.
The refusal from Partialist members to assist in the war forced the AEG to contract the Kappa-IV Body to account for the shortcomings.
Full Offensive
Invasion
At 8:23 AM CST, on April 18th, one day after military operations had been declared, the entire invasion of Cascada began. AEG forces launched a strike on the 58th Line, engaging visual observation posts along it. Within four hours, 30 sites were destroyed, and elements of the 2nd Mechanized Brigade began conducting ground combat operations. On the same day, the 1st Infantry Division fired its artillery against Cascadan units in the 58th; only 370 rounds were fired as the AEG relied on captured artillery guns, which had limited ammunition. On April 20th, the 1st Battalion, 3rd Cavalry, and 1st Mechanized moved to clear the northern wing defensive sector of the 58th Line. Also on the 20th, the 37th Infantry and 2nd Mechanized managed to breach Cascadan's defensive positions.
The following day, reinforcements rolled through the breach and cleared the northwest and northeast sectors of the breach site, expanding the breach gap. Task Force 116 was called upon to pose as AEG sympathizers to then sabotage and assist Cascadan forces. A series of battles unfolded alongside the line, resulting in heavy casualties from both sides. The K-4 group was contracted by the Alpha Contingent to further bolster offensive capabilities and to make up for the lost personnel; they would arrive only one week later on the 28th, during which AEG troops penetrated deeper into enemy lines, managing to capture Huenang, Tiaxang, and Kiajun. This wouldn't come without complications, as the Cascadans engaged the AEG with combat drones gifted from Aurielle and artillery, crippling their armored units and causing their defeat in Vuangla.
Units of K-4's Assault A squadron launched a sweeping attack across Cascada's eastern cities, quickly taking various military bases and cities. Meanwhile, on May 2, the AEG's 1st Infantry Division launched a full-strength spearhead attack into deeper areas of Cascada. Vipang and Hejiong, among Cascada's largest cities, were captured, and various others were under the looming threat of a major offensive; however, an attack on Hrivang was successfully repelled by Cascadan forces. Upon the arrival of their troops in Vipang, violence against the invaders intensified, prompting the Cascadan military to form the Civil Guard, a national militia. The Civil Guard began a thorough harassment of enemy forces in occupied territory through guerrilla warfare.
Cascadan's strategy shifted from direct confrontation to the usage of terrain and heavy urban environments, which Level 107 offered to their advantage. The Battle of Malsai was among the first major AEG and K4 obstacles. The joint forces ran into stiff resistance and constant ambushes, having to abandon their position due to heavy casualties. Of the 1000+ troops deployed, six armored vehicles, 240 were killed, and four armored vehicles were lost.
AEG-K4's advances were greatly hindered following the Battle of Malsai, as the tactic used there became widespread; Task Force 116 and the Civil Guard saw an uptick in activity, further depleting the AEG's momentum. The AEG and K4 took on a "Search and Destroy" strategy, something that leaders from both parties disliked, as the strategy was reserved for when Cascada came under complete AEG occupation. The application of the tactic worked against the AEG as the local populace began arming themselves and fiercely resisting. Several thousand Auriellen Kalthoff Rifles were delivered to Cascada. The fighting shifted to a stalemate, with neither side making significant gains; yet, Cascada had a clear advantage as the AEG was exhausting itself of deployed personnel, and K-4 involvement could only cover so much.
On May 23, A-2 announced a draft of partialist members to be deployed to Cascada. Around 5,000 troops were selected and later brought in on the 28th. The surge in troops supported a heavy increase in the allocation of resources to fuel the conflict. They turned captured Cascadan military bases into logistic hubs, and they sent additional vehicles. The increased activity of the AEG, acting as a causative factor, led to increased Cascadan paramilitary and military attacks.
Western front
Shortly afterwards, AEG reinforcements were split, one which was assigned to assist other AEG forces and another that was set to attack Cascada's lightly defended west. The western front was led by Martin Goles and was primarily executed by the 4th Infantry Brigade, supported by the K4's Armored B Team, Assault C Unit, and Assault D Unit. The 4th Infantry Brigade and Assault C Unit continued moving west, while the Armored B Team and Assault D Unit protected the northern flank. The Civil Guard and Cascadan Army began repositioning forces to stop the western front; constant artillery bombardment impeded further movements.
On June 3rd, elements of the Assault C Unit, during their advances towards Luohe, spotted the Auriellen 39th Infantry Brigade stationed in Alastor Ground Forces Garrison. Among the troops spotted were SGT. Wu Henyi, CPL. Huihai Ju, and INF. Shao Hauwu, all Cascadans serving the AGF, and several other unspecified AGF soldiers. The mix of human and Cascadans spotted caused the C Unit to confuse the 39th Infantry Brigade for a detachment of Task Force 116, which they had been warned about, subsequently leading to a firefight.
The Auriellens responded "proportionally" with a number of C24N Sebornas of the Infantry Brigade and at least one Ocelot 1A2-S and composed infantry forces of the regiment; they all opened fire on the attack force, and the Ocelot 1A2-S fired its 125mm main gun on an APC-10, destroying it. The C Unit retreated, though 3 attack UAVs of the 12th Attack Squadron chased them. In the end, Infantryman Croseo Arsen sustained injuries in the firefight, though he later recovered in the hospital. Assault C Unit suffered some 78 casualties, and two APC-10s were destroyed. The incident became set piece in future Auriellen intervention.
The western front ultimately failed at revitalizing the AEG's momentum. Attained for a variety of factors, though mainly blamed on the majority Partialist composition of Martin Gole's troops, who were unwilling to kill the Cascadans, alongside the K4's inexperience in protracted conflict, as they had been accustomed to short strikes and assassinations. Jeremia Calorie, an Auriellen military historian, described K4's presence in Cascada as "purely cannon fodder to maintain the AEG's efforts at the eradication of the Cascadan species."
Factors in Auriellen intervention, and initial actions
Matlon's administration already foresaw an AEG invasion but trusted in Cascada's ability to defend itself; however, Aurielle didn't abstain from supporting Cascada by sending ammunition, vehicles, and materials. The administration, however, grew more worried that Cascadan's perspective on humans would sharply decline without Auriellen intervention. The Supplier, one of Cascada's diplomats to Aurielle, stated, "That an Auriellen intervention would be of best concern for both parties; even if Cascada manages to defeat the Anti-Entity Group, the animosity and outrage caused by Aurielle's failure to aid the Duchy, opposite to how Cascada supported Aurielle during the Korthie Casiagen War, would start a disastrous chain of events leading to a dissolution of diplomatic ties."
Hesitation by some in the government to intervene began during Aurielle's invasion of La Santa Corona, claiming that Aurielle could not fight two wars at once. Upon the end of the conflict, a vote was made by the government that would be considered in the scenario of an intervention; it came down to 88% of the votes saying that they viewed an Auriellen intervention of the Cascadan Conflict as favorable. The Alastor Incident only worked in favor of public sentiment, causing the Auriellen Congress to pass the Preliminary Authorization of Use of Military Force for an Intervention on Cascada on June 4th.
The Preliminary Authorization of Use of Military Force for an Intervention on Cascada authorized the use of any willing unit of the Auriellen Armed Forces to be used against the AEG and K4, authorized the initiation of airstrikes on AEG positions, and treated any AEG or K4 aerial vehicles as valid targets for interception. The 31st Infantry Brigade, 41st Infantry Regiment, 1st Combined Arms Brigade (CAB), 12th Attack Squadron, 67th Fighter Squadron, and 17th Infantry (Air Assault) all volunteered; the 41st Infantry Regiment was garrisoned in Teram Ground Forces Garrison in Level 107 and thus was the first to assist Cascadan forces.
Soon afterwards, the 67th Fighter Squadron and 12th Attack Squadron arrived. Both squadrons were assigned to the Etalem Air Base. On June 5th, at 2:34 AM, 12 OVF66-S UAVs belonging to the 67th Fighter Squadron departed from Etalem and headed northeast, where they began to engage AEG surveillance drones. One hour later, a flight of BV-9 UAVs of the 12th Attack Squadron began an extensive aerial bombardment campaign throughout AEG installations and positions. At 7:23 AM, all aircraft landed back at Etalem.
Soon after, the 1st CAB, 31st Infantry Brigade, and 17th Infantry (Air Assault) arrived. The 58th Infantry Battalion of the 31st began raids on AEG positions to test their defense and readiness. Following the raids, the remaining units of the 31st Infantry Brigade, elements of the 1st CAB, and the Cascadan 11th Battalion advanced to Hejiong and its sister city, Shijou, where they met stiff resistance from the AEG defenders but were successful in eventually capturing and securing it.
The next day, the 17th Infantry (Air Assault), 41st Infantry Regiment, and the Cascadan 6th Mechanized Company attacked the western front; the 17th Air Assault landed via helicopter behind enemy lines. Simultaneously, the 41st Infantry Regiment and 6th Mechanized Company began engaging the Assault C Unit and advancing from the south, north, and west, while the 17th Air Assault advanced from the east, encircling and trapping all AEG-K4 military groups in the western front. Auriellen and Cascadan forces gradually moved in, forcing enemy forces to cluster up into a single point. On the night of 10 June 2020, Cao Lin, a member of the Civil Guard, observed the concentrated enemy forces and relayed the information to the Auriellen Security Council Intelligence Center—Defense Intelligence Section (ASCIC—DIS). The ASCIC—DIS then advised Cao Lin, alongside any other Cascadan civilian in the area, to leave. The area was subsequently attacked by artillery and BV-9 UAVs, resulting in a region strewn with debris and bodies.
The impact point came to be known as Point Bikini (Puncti Bikini, Poito Bijīni). Any remaining forces encircled either surrendered or were killed following the 6th Mechanized Company's incursion into the area.
Wasting away the AEG and K4
As previously stated, the use of materials from captured bases and supply lines fueled the war efforts of the two invading groups. ASCIC—DIS deduced that the system of supply lines could be easily interfered with and thus decided to send five aircraft of the 12th Attack Squadron to conduct reconnaissance on locations used to harbor supplies and prominent supply lines. The information garnered was given to senior Cascadan military officials, and they sent out teams of the Cascadan Special Operations Command (CSOC) to launch a series of raids on supply facilities and routes.
The Civil Guard also participated during the strikes as they planted explosives on supply facilities, ambushed trucks, and increased activities in occupied territory. The raids significantly hampered the AEG's war effort and morale; deployed AEG and K4 troops, stopped killing any Cascadan who wasn't considered hostile, and in turn purchased services and goods from local Cascadan businesses. The practice, although initially considered disgraceful, became widespread.
The Cascadan economy witnessed a period of economic growth and a revaluation of the Cascadan Zhou, attributed to the purchase of food, drinks, and temporary housing by enemy soldiers; this event came to be known as the Fortune of the Red Wolf.
Drive east and Sinyong
The AEG made a desperate attack eastward in attempts to capture the "Huinan region," an area known for its commercial activity. Cascadan forces managed to hold back initial AEG movements; however, they began to be pushed back when veteran K4 units flanked their positions. Logistical issues presented some setbacks, though the advancing force managed to push back Cascadan defenders at Soubiro, Cheojin, and Sungye. A small forward element of the 31st Infantry Brigade arrived at the skirts of Sungye on the 29th to provide relief to retreating Cascadan forces.
The forward element held their ground while Cascadan forces retreated to Sinyong. On July 2nd, Assault A squadron attacked the forward element, defeating it and forcing their retreat to Sungye as well. Following the defeat, Aurielle gave the green light for Auriellen military bases in Level 107 to be used to directly supply Cascadan systems; shelling and bombing intensified. The 1st CAB's 62nd Mechanized Battalion and 6th Armored Company arrived, where they met with the Cascadan 56th Armored Platoon and set up a defensive perimeter around Sinyong, where intelligence predicted would most likely be attacked.
In the resulting Battle of Sinyong, the Assault A squadron and the accompanying 1st Infantry Division moved in to capture Sinyong on July 4th. The majority of the 1st Infantry Division attacked from the west, while some from the south; the Assault A squadron went in from the east. The General Aerial Operations Command (GAOC) interrupted their movements with several support sorties. The 1st Infantry Division entered Sinyong in force, facing heavy resistance as they moved to meet with the Assault A squadron, which was having difficulties due to the 62nd Mechanized Battalion. The 6th Armored Company and 56th Armored Platoon and several infantry companies intercepted their move, leading to the largest armored battle of the conflict, the Battle of Senjūn Center, and four more smaller battles, one of which ended in a Cascadan-Auriellen defeat, though Auriellen forces managed to repel the Division's advances.
On the evening of July 6th, the forces attacking from the west managed to reunite with the Assault A squadron after successfully capturing the Dargol area, following which they did a pincer movement, aiming for control over the city center and Konen subsidiary area. Heavy fighting ensued; the Cascadan 2nd Rapid Movement Armored Reconnaissance Team pushed through Dargol and established a fire support base 3 km north of the breakthrough point. The following day, Cascadan military officials moved the 188th Infantry Regiment to the fire support base and launched a counterattack to recapture large portions of occupied Dargol. The only entrance for logistics and reinforcements was a small reinforced gap that was continuously attacked by the Civil Guard and Cascadan Army. On July 8th, the Cascadan 44th Motorized Infantry Company led a diversionary attack on Xuanowo, depriving forces in the Sinyong of large amounts of reinforcements. The 188th Infantry Regiment and other infantry and armored units launched an offensive to fully recapture Sinyong and Dargol, where they faced off heavy resistance, though they managed to push back the Assault A squadron and elements of the 1st Infantry Division.
The A squadron and elements of the 1st Infantry were forced to withdraw. Remaining 1st Infantry forces in the west, who had made no significant gains, were moved to hold the gap long enough for their withdrawal. On the 11th, the last A squadron troops successfully retreated from Sinyang, and the week-long battle had ended. Morale suffered heavily, and sentiment to end the war grew.
Cascadan counteroffensive
BASILISK attack and Auriellen intervention
Failure to capture the Huinan region devastated the AEG's plans to continue the conflict. On July 15, A-2 contracted I.R.I.S to launch large-scale cyberattacks directed at the Cascadan government. On July 16, the BASILISK malware was installed on terminals belonging to multiple government and military organizations in Cascada. Cascadan forces were left with no clear communications due to the attack, and confusion among the battlefield became rampant. Various small command chains were formed to maintain order among unit groups, though without being able to identify other command chains, friendly fire incidents increased significantly.
Auriellen units that had volunteered were largely unaffected as the attacks only targeted Cascadan sites, and thus the Allied Communication Contingent (ACC) was soon formed. Simultaneously, the AEG began a wide offensive that initially saw relative success. On July 24th, cases of the BASILISK malware were reported in civilian terminals, and on the following day, Auriellen military garrisons in Level 107 reported the same case. On the 26th, Cascada paid for the ransom held by IRIS to return government and military terminals to their original state. On the same day, the Rama Saoman headquarters, Hacerom Lesath, was hit with a BASILISK attack as well.
The Auriellen Minister of Foreign Affairs and Rama Saoman, Head of Diplomatic and External Affairs, called for an immediate statement regarding the attacks from IRIS. Although no public statement was published, IRIS began to mitigate the malware according to declassified Ministry of Foreign Affairs documents.
Soon after the attacks, Cascadan Minister of External Affairs Quanta Xinya met with the Auriellen Security Council and informed them that there was reasonable suspicion that the attacks were commissioned by the AEG. Xinya and the ASC discussed a full Auriellen intervention and agreed that Aurielle was obliged to act. The ASC obtained consent from Congress following the passing of the Authorization for Intervention in the Cascadan Conflict Resolution to deploy Auriellen units. Antlia and Sirilis, being members of the VSESA Military Response Contingent, requested to fight in Cascada; however, Aurielle declined Sirilis' request for reasons not yet clear. Colin Morin, the Head of Security of Rama Saom, convinced the ASC, and Chairman of Rama Saom to deploy the Rama Saom Strategic Deployment Force and Rama Saom Rapid Response Unit under the premise that the conflict was crucial to maintaining Rama Saom's security.
Regaining the initiative
On July 29th, a buildup of Auriellen forces in Level 107 began. At 6:30, the 2nd Combined Arms Brigade, the Auriellen 1st Infantry Division, and the 3rd Motorized Infantry Regiment crossed into Cascada. The destruction of most of the AEGs and K4's reconnaissance drones prior made it difficult for both of the groups to detect Auriellen advances, and officers utilized measures to minimize detection. The army, composed of the brigade, division, and regiment, marched from Mitra to the combat zone without detection in five hours. Two brigades followed closely behind and arrived one hour later.
With the arrival of Aurielle forces, the 2nd Combined Arms Brigade and the Auriellen 1st Infantry Division began a thrust into the south supported by various Cascadan units, attacking advancing AEG forces in Zhefei. AEG forces retreated to Jarkim in the west and Rahung in the center; intelligence from the Civil Guard indicated that Jarkim was considerably more vulnerable. By the next morning, three C24N9SEP Mobile Armored Platform and the 113rd Infantry Battallion established a perimeter near Jarkim, and attacked them using close air support and indirect fire, followed by Auriellen forces moving in to secure Jarkim. General Caida Selen then ordered a reconnaisance-in-force to Rahung and sorrounding areas, which then turned into Operation Three of a Kind. A full-scale advance using Aurielle's aerial superiority to their advantage; the operation was divided in five phases, dictated by lines about usually ten kilometers apart, that'd conclude in a large portion of AEG occupied lands being retaken.
Each line was assigned to a specific unit, with the 2nd CAB-1st Infantry zone being assigned the center to Rahung and north, to then meet up with the 3rd Motorized-Jadan Division, who were assigned the south and east. In the first line, Rahung was already well examined from aerial reconnaissance. The 25th Infantry Brigade and the 87th Armored Company were ordered to make the advances; the 25th Infantry were sent to Road 42 towards Rahung itself, while the 87th Armored were sent over to a secondary road that led to surrounding areas and Minahoro. Jacham ordered the recently arrived Antlian forces to reinforce the 87th Armored Company. The Antlian 22nd Rifle Brigade and the 87th Armored were hit by sharp counterattacks but managed to resist long enough for the AEG to break contact.
On August 2nd, the 22nd Rifle-87th Armored force continued movements alongside the first phase line when, at 09:25, the 25th Infantry arrived at Rahung. The two forces converged on Rahung and quickly occupied the settlement and, as such, were allowed to move toward the second phase line while other units of the 1st Infantry Division moved in to clear what was remaining of the areas along the first. The 3rd Motorized-Jadan Division began their incursion, meeting with 1st Division forces in the designated second phase lines on the 5th.
Both forces began, in full strength, launching an attack into the remaining four lines, surprising defending AEG-K4 forces. Cascada's Piqenq Air Assault Unit (PAAU), Aurielle's 17th Infantry (Air Assault), and the 28th Infantry (Air Assault) conducted the war's deepest air assault operation into enemy territory, where they destroyed various defensive positions. Two hours later, the PAAU and 28th Infantry (Air Assault) captured Road 101, which was a vital supply line for AEG forces. Simultaneously, the 17th Infantry (Air Assault) launched an attack to reunite with friendly forces; the 17th Infantry (Air Assault) faced light, scattered opposition before reuniting with the 12th Infantry Battalion.
AEG and K4 forces began an uncoordinated retreat. Cascadan forces launched a flank attack against AEG forces before they could escape. The movement's right flank was protected by the Antlian 22nd Rifle Brigade and the Auriellen 3rd Motorized; Cascadan forces suffered light casualties and took in a large number of prisoners. A final advance was made to the final line, and 50 kilometers of Cascadan territory had been retaken.
Strategic shift, Soko offensive and Operation Scudeo Sneve
By August 5th, a meeting was held due to the precarious situation in Cascada, in which an effective withdrawal date, September 29, was dictated and a strategic shift from offensive procedures to rescuing as many plausible captured soldiers as possible. Pursuant to changes, around 5,000 K4 offensive troops were withdrawn through Sonne. However, K4 sent 3,000 troops to maintain defensive positions and assist with rescue operations. The AEG knew that they could not maintain territories near the frontlines and thus set various points, the last and furthest being the main base of operations for AEG forces.
Aurielle began a military offensive to retake all of Cascada. Auriellen and Cascadan tanks advanced into the southern provinces of Yashiri and took positions in Pyongjin, though continued advances as reconnaissance reported no targets. Infantry units continued recapturing various territories while meeting light resistance, up until the 7th, when the first defensive point made contact with Auriellen forces. On the same date, Operation Attorney, the first-ever rescue operation, conducted on the Nazrawa POW Camp, was launched.
Several battles took place, but Aurielle and Cascada suffered minimal casualties in spite of heavy resistance. The 44th Infantry Regiment, the 87th Armored Company, the Antlian 2nd Rifle Battalion, and the Cascadan 13th Infantry Battalion managed to make a breakthrough in Zhaomen, K4 and AEG forces retreated, most to the following point, though some stayed to form three sublines; this became general pattern. While Cascadan's and allies successes continued throughout the Soko Offensive, they weren't faring as well in the backhand strikes. Auriellen military officials initiated code-name Operation Scudeo Sneve[3], placing RSSDF, RSRRU, Auriellen Security Council Special Forces Operational Detachments, and Cascadan Special Operations Command units near sites that were most likely to be targeted for counter-special forces.
Meanwhile, the 1st and 2nd CAB performed a direct attack on enemy positions on August 9th, followed by another on the 10th that encircled the Defensive A Squadron and Defensive J Squadron, which couldn't properly retreat. On the 12th, the line was breached again; during K4 troop's retreat, several friendly fire incidents occured. Three Auriellen Mil Mi-24s of the 1st Attack, 3rd Aviation Squad attacked positions in the north, followed by a reconnaisance-in-force of the position by the 244th Infantry Battalion. The Second Battle of Kiajun took place from August 14th to the 17th, and also during those dates a sweeping invasion from the south.
As allied forces reached the third-to-last line, Aurielle concentrated forces in the center, while Antlian and Cascadan forces covered the north and south, respectively. However, combat operations were postponed following a ceasefire on the 19th, providing one week of pause in hostilities to allow the negotiation of the release of AEG and K4 POWs. A resumption of hostilities began as negotiations broke down, and the following day the AGF entered Shinji and attacked further positions. Resistance was stiff, though Auriellen forces managed to reunite with Antlian forces in the north, subsequently collapsing the line.
By the 28th, movement slowed as resistance became tougher, with minefields having to be cleared; AEG forces attempted to counterattack, though they were quickly repelled. Throughout the following days, various roads and areas were cleared in preparations for a continuation of the Soko offensive, with plans coming to fruition on September 5th as Cascadan armor and infantry moved through Road 512, Road 583, Road 544, and Road 344; Auriellen and Antlian support followed shortly behind, which focused on avoiding K4 forces from retreating to the next line. To ease the passing of the expected strong line fortifications, a shock-and-awe doctrine was implemented on designated "exploit points." Cascadan and Auriellen forces managed to bypass fortifications significantly easier and quicker than before by the 12th.
AEG forces in regions further from the Sonne hotel and Huidong abandoned their positions and headed to areas closer, where they strengthened fortifications, creating a ring-like system around it. Last-minute diplomacy was attempted, and another ceasefire was reached whereby more POWs were released, civilians were evacuated, and AEG backside activities were ceased. On September 16, the ceasefire ended, and on the 17th, Auriellen forces moved into the ring, leading to the fiercest and heaviest period of combat in the war that lasted from the 17th to the 23rd. The first defensive outer lines were surprisingly easy to conquer, though resistance became increasingly fierce. The Nomkh Air Assault Unit (NAAU) managed to make a miraculous landing, flanking defenders and causing the burst through in Jeonsan, one of the three cities within the ring.
Five battalions of Auriellen and Antlian forces moved into Jeonsan, where they reconnected with the NAAU. They began their assault in the late hours, preceded by an intense artillery barrage. By the morning of the next day, AGF and ANLF troops entered Kusan and the Januijin city district; NAAU, meanwhile, attacked Xiaonhosu. Reinforcements came the following day, with the Cascadan 97th Infantry Battalion coming in from the north to help AGF and ANLF troops in Kusan and Januijin. The 2nd CAB arrived in a column of C24N Sebornas and Ocelot tanks, where they split their forces, one heading towards Kusan and another towards Xiaonhosu. Soon, on 19 September 2020, Jeonsan had been considered cleared.
Auriellen and Cascadan Special Operation Forces (SOF) alongside the RSSDF were sent to assist with the attacks of Huidong and Sunai. The two cities were jokingly called "Huillujah" and "Huếnai" by Auriellen commanders, in reference to the Battle of Huế and the Second Battle of Fallujah, which were what they were compared to. On the noon of September 20th, the 138th Infantry Company and Cascadan 23rd Infantry Regiment, supported by three Sebornas and two tanks, made the cross towards Sunai. They were met with heavy fire, although air support from Mil Mi-24s kept AEG fire down. Units of the Jadan Division went to help during the attacks on Sunai; so did the Antlian 12th Rifle Company. Sunai Central Hospital was retaken by the Auriellen Security Council Special Forces Operational Detachment—Detail F "Kaspetin" and Auriellen Ground Forces troops soon after.
Other units made advancements into Huidong in the night of the 20th. The next day, in Sunai, two Sebornas managed to reach the city center, raising an Auriellen and Cascadan flag to celebrate victory. Cascadan Army troops continued movement until reaching downtown Sunai, stopping to resupply before heading west to cut off AEG reinforcements. The Army troops caught the reinforcements off guard, and they were then encircled, where they then left the level altogether through the exit in Sonne. Cascadan troops broke off the encirclement and advised military units to push the enemies towards it. By the 22nd, most of the fighting in Sunai subsided, and in the following day all units that were fighting there had abandoned their positions and exited the level.
The AGF then focused all efforts into Huidong, taking it considerably quicker than Sunai, as most units in the position were already in the process of withdrawing. On the 23rd of October, the last AEG soldier left through Huidong, ending up in The Delta Mall, marking the effective end of hostilities and the war.
Aftermath
Salvemini Security Treaty
The immediate aftermath of the withdrawal saw the making of the Salvemini Security Treaty (full name: Cascadan-Auriellen Treaty of Collective Security and Guarantee to Defense). Under the terms of the treaty, the Republic of Aurielle undertakes the responsibility of defending Cascada in the occasion where it is attacked by foreign or internal power, and in turn, Cascada must provide assistance to Aurielle in its own times of need or conflict and also allow for greater Aurielle presence within Cascadan lands. More Auriellen forces are stationed on Cascadan forces than any other group other then the Republic of Aurielle due to the treaty.
The treaty was ratified by the Auriellen Congress and Cascadan National Assembly on the 27th of October and was signed into law by Arenet Matlon on the following day. The treaty was, however, put into effect later, in conjunction with the effectuation of the Daveron Agreement.
It also led to Cascada joining the VSESA—Mutual Defense Treaty.
Daveron Agreement
Soon after all AEG-K4 forces were withdrawn, the National Assembly contacted A-4 in relation to reaching an agreement for peace. A-2 and A-5 refused diplomatic talks, though A-1 and Aurielle began pressuring them to attend, which they eventually did. The involved Daveron Peace Conferences lasted from the 28th of October to the 12th of November, with the culminating Daveron Agreement being put into effect, alongside other treaties, on November 12th. In spite of being a belligerent in the conflict on the side of the AEG, the K4 and IRIS did not participate.
The solution to diplomatic issues was central to the agreement and established longstanding peace and cooperation between the two groups. The Daveron Agreement mandated the establishment of cordial relations, war reparations, the establishment of the symbolic Waypoint Emissary, and the signing and implementation of several treaties that stemmed from the Daveron Peace Conferences, being the Level 107 Intergovernmental Mutual Cooperation Treaty and the Asuken Guarantee; the Level 107 Intergovernmental Mutual Cooperation Treaty being for the purpose of providing relief in case of disaster, conflict, or likewise.[4] While the Asuken Guarantee is a guarantee to Cascada from the AEG that commits the two governments to defend each other if one or the other is attacked "in the territories under the administration of Cascada" alongside committing the AEG to not invade Cascada again.
Following the signing of the agreement, two AEG APC-10s entered Level 107 waving white flags, where they traveled towards the designated location that would become Waypoint Emissary. The AEG was also removed from the Group Sponsors of Violence.
Emerging conflict
The invasion led to sectarian violence against humans by some Cascadans. The Cascadan Black League (Kǎsùdié Hěra Ligeu), a radical ultra-nationalist organization that calls for an expulsion of humans, saw a steady rise in member counts. On November 23rd, at least 12 humans were assassinated by KHL members. On the 30th, at least five senior Black League members were arrested on charges of hate speech and conspiracy to murder.
Sectarian violence decreased greatly as the AEG made further moves to reconcile and gain popular support in Cascada, alongside greater crackdowns on crimes targeted towards humans. On March 2nd, 2021, the KHL launched a set of attacks against Cascadan military and government installations and locations where humans lived. The attacks, which came to be known as the Red March attacks, led to a state of emergency being declared on April 6th, subsequently initiating the Cascadan Emergency.
On February 28th, 2024, 20 days after the capture of the KHL's leader, Yu Fang, the KHL was systematically pushed back and was forced to make a last stand in the city of Peiyang. After nearly two months of intense fighting, Peiyang fell on April 11th, marking the defeat of the Cascadan Black League.
Impacts
Cascadan Conflict Effect
A 2020 survey on returning AEG soldiers from Cascada reported that many considered themselves Partialists rather than Annihilist, a phenomenon considered the Cascadan Conflict Effect (CCE) or Cascadan Effect (CE). The traumatic experience, coupled with the generally nice behavior exhibited by Cascadan individuals, such as allowing the housing of AEG soldiers, is said to have led to the drastic change in thought. Veterans who have been affected by the CCE have been reported to be more unwilling to kill intelligent and docile humanoid entities, even among those who share Annihilist views.
In 2022, a study by The Eta Contingent of 534 AEG veterans who participated in both the Cascadan Conflict and the Day of Dying Flames found that the majority said the exposure to a dead Cascadan was more grieving than one of a Glowfolk. The study also found that "the presence of blood and organs has also been found to influence the risk and trajectory of post-deployment PTSD symptoms or Cascadan Conflict Effects in military personnel." The cute factor exhibited by the Cascadan species may have also played a factor due to correlation to that of military personnel's own animals, which was backed by AEG radio messages during the conflict.
Human-Cascadan Relations
The Cascadan government took extensive measures to avoid the radicalization of Cascadans and the distrust of humans. Propaganda posters often portrayed Task Force 116, and throughout the conflicts, schools were, by law, mandated to teach children about the origins of Cascadans, how they diverged from the homo sapien sapien species, and human-Cascadan compatibility. This, coupled with historical Auriellen assistance and a speech by Pin Yaoxi, meant that popular opinion on humans wasn't widely affected.
Some animosity towards humanity, especially among areas that were initially invaded and as such had to experience the entire duration of the AEG's genocides, was experienced, which was the reason for the Cascadan Black League's initial rise; however, hate began to subdue as under the Daveron Agreement, AEG took extensive steps to acknowledge the crimes done throughout the conflict.
Impact on the AEG and K4 military
The war called into question army doctrine for both of the groups and Alpha Contingent cooperation. Major John Baker criticized the Alpha Contingent for their uncoordination. Military strategy was extensively reformed, and unit compositions were altered to better fit fighting conditions. Calls to change the Pact of Repression in order to favor cohesion and avoid failures were made but went unanswered. K4, meanwhile, witnessed its historically special operations-like doctrine changed in favor of a flexible one that allowed for its entrance into large-scale conventional warfare. Additional inquiries, such as duration of deployment, were added to contracts.
Footnotes
- ↑ white sea
- ↑ a denomination given by Cascadan military officers following the attack on the Qinyang Army Base to a boundary whereby enemy forces would be stopped
- ↑ snow shield
- ↑ the treaty's members are currently embarking on a journey to demine various sectors of Level 107 and general reconstruction of the level