Warno

Lore:

The partial success of Operation Black Spade left the town of Hanski partially secured. Most civilians willing to evacuate were safely extracted, but the core of the Spades suit cell remained active. Intelligence and civilian reports confirmed that Viktor Sokolov (King of Spades), Sampo Laine (Queen of Spades), and Dmitry Volodin (Jack of Spades, IED specialist) were all spotted in close proximity to a fortified hideout west of Hanski.

From this strongpoint, the Spades leadership coordinated ongoing insurgent operations: orchestrating raids, planning urban sabotage, and deploying IEDs along critical access routes. The combined presence of all three leaders represented a significant concentration of insurgent operational capability. The IED threat remained elevated, civilian populations were at risk, and insurgent morale and coordination were strengthened by the leaders’ proximity.

Civilians previously rescued during Black Spade provided critical intelligence, revealing the location and strength of the western hideout. The IED threat, previously rated high due to Dmitry Volodin’s expertise, could drop to minor if these leaders were neutralized. Operation Iron Talon is designed as a decisive follow-on: locate and destroy the hideout, eliminate or capture the Spades leaders, and reduce the IED threat. Success would significantly degrade Vympel 322’s urban warfare capabilities in the Hanski sector, restore mobility and safety, and give NATO forces a window to rebuild civilian trust.

Date:

Time:

Weather:

Situation:

Spades Suit Cell Leadership: Located west of Hanski King – Viktor Sokolov: Tactical planner, urban warfare mastermind Queen – Sampo Laine: Assault commander, Hamina zone Jack – Dmitry Volodin: IED specialist, responsible for roadside and vehicle-borne threats

Enemy Forces

~~OPFOR:~~Forces:

Lightly to moderately armed infantry Technicals with mounted weapons Fortified hideouts and strongpoints Elevated IED threat in western approaches

Enemy Capabilities:

High IED threat, including roadside, vehicle-borne, and booby-trap explosives Use of civilian infrastructure for cover Urban sabotage and raids

Friendly Forces

BLUFOR:

17th Ranger Battalion 74th Special Forces Group (PSI Detachment) NATO support elements: UAV reconnaissance, engineering teams, CASEVAC

Civilian Considerations:

Nearby populations may be used as cover by insurgents

Mission:

Locate and destroy Spades suit cell hideouts west of Hanski Eliminate or capture Viktor Sokolov, Sampo Laine, and Dmitry Volodin Reduce IED threat from high to minor Protect civilian populations during clearance operations

Execution:

Conduct deliberate urban and hideout clearance operations UAVs provide overwatch, track insurgent movement, and identify potential IEDs Engineering teams sweep all approaches and main routes for explosives Rules of Engagement (ROE): Minimum necessary force; civilian lives and property must be preserved Expect ambushes and fortified resistance; success relies on coordinated assaults and persistence

Mission AO and relevant imagery:

Objectives:

Available Assets:

Ground

SERVICE

& SUPPORT

Resupply and CASEVAC positioned at secure LZs

Engineering teams prioritized for IED detection and neutralization UAV reconnaissance focused on hideouts and suspicious civilian movement

COMMAND & SIGNAL

Naval

Secure NATO communications for coordination between Ranger assault elements and Special Forces reconnaissance teams

Information operations continue to rebuild trust with civilians following prior operations Commander’s Intent: Neutralize the Spades suit cell leadership, dismantle the IED network, and restore safety, mobility, and civilian confidence in Hanski and surrounding regions. Precision, intelligence, and civilian protection are critical for operational success.

Airframes

Changes can be requested from Units leads and HHC.