THE OPENING GAMBIT episode 1

OPERATION HEAVEN'S FALL

WARNO 01 – THE OPENING GAMBIT

Date:
06 June 2026

Time:
04450345 Local (Pre-Dawn)

Weather:
Clear skies, light winds, good visibility expected after sunrise.

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Situation

Following the nuclear retaliation against Res Publica and the subsequent expulsion of the United States from NATO, international sanctions have crippled American access to strategic resources worldwide.

Facing economic collapse and growing instability at home, the United States has initiated Operation Heaven's Fall, a large-scale military intervention into West Africa aimed at securing vital resource deposits and critical infrastructure throughout the Kujari Region.

The invasion marks the opening phase of the Continental Recovery Directive and is intended to establish a foothold before international forces can fully mobilize against U.S. operations.

The 17th Ranger Battalion has been selected as the lead assault force and will conduct the initial penetration into Kujari. Their mission is to establish control of key terrain, secure crossing sites, eliminate resistance, and prepare the region for follow-on occupation forces.

This operation will be the first major combat action of Heaven's Fall.

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Enemy Forces

OPFOR:

The Kujari Defense Force (KDF) has mobilized local military units throughout the region and is expected to resist any American incursion.

Enemy forces consist of:

• Light infantry companies defending major settlements.
• Entrenched Armor positions scattered around the AO.
• Mortar positions supporting local garrisons.
• Local militia fighters embedded among civilian populations.
• Small reconnaissance teams operating throughout the AO.
• Limited anti-air capability near major population centers.

Recent intelligence reports indicate elements of the Bundeswehr and UN military advisors are operating within the region assisting local defense forces and coordinating resistance efforts.

Enemy forces are expected to delay and disrupt our advance long enough for international intervention forces to arrive.

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Friendly Forces

BLUFOR:

United States Armed Forces

17th Ranger Battalion

• Alpha Company
• Echo Company
• Battalion Headquarters

Supporting Elements:

• Naval Task Force operating offshore.
• Strategic Air Command assets on standby.
• Special Activities personnel operating inside Kujari.

Additional support may be provided by Pentastar Elite PMC elements operating independently throughout the region.

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Civilian Considerations

The Kujari Region remains heavily populated despite escalating tensions.

Civilian populations are expected to:

• Remain inside settlements.
• Resist evacuation efforts.
• Provide intelligence to local military forces.
• Potentially assist militia operations.

Rules of engagement remain flexible in support of mission objectives.

Civilian movement throughout the AO should be expected at all times.

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Mission

At H-Hour, the 17th Ranger Battalion will conduct offensive operations within the Kujari Region to establish the first American foothold of Operation Heaven's Fall.

Battalion forces will link up with friendly contacts, secure key crossing points, neutralize resistance forces, and seize control of strategic population centers in preparation for continued operations deeper into the region.

Success will ensure follow-on U.S. forces can continue the advance into western Africa.

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Execution

The operation will occur in phases.

Phase I

• Insert into the AO under cover of darkness.
• Establish contact with friendly assets in Isufuri.
• Gather updated intelligence on enemy dispositions.

Phase II

• Conduct operations against Danashiwa.
• Secure local compliance and remove resistance.
• Establish control of the settlement and surrounding terrain.

Phase III

• Seize the low-water crossing south of Danashiwa.
• Destroy enemy forces defending the crossing.
• Enable follow-on forces to move eastward.

Phase IV

• Conduct clearing operations southwest of Mawa.
• Eliminate remaining enemy resistance.
• Secure staging areas for follow-on assaults.

Phase V (Follow-On)

• Assault and clear Mawa.
• Assault and clear Gouara.
• Destroy remaining enemy military infrastructure throughout the sector.

Commander's Intent:

Rapidly overwhelm local defenses before organized resistance can form. Maintain operational momentum and deny the enemy the ability to establish coherent defensive lines.

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Mission AO & Relevant Imagery

Operational Overview

The Kujari AO contains multiple settlements, key transportation routes, and several terrain features suitable for defensive operations. Enemy forces are expected to use villages and crossing sites to slow American advances.

Primary Objective Area

Primary operations will focus on Isufuri, Danashiwa, the low-water crossing, and the approaches toward Mawa.

Enemy resistance is expected to increase as battalion forces advance south.

Follow-On Objective Area

Mawa and Gouara are expected to serve as enemy strongpoints and logistics hubs supporting regional defensive operations.

Destruction of these positions will allow follow-on forces to continue offensive operations deeper into Kujari.

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Objectives

Primary Objectives

Link Up with Contacts in Isufuri

• Establish communications.
• Receive updated intelligence.
• Prepare for offensive operations.

Assault Danashiwa

• Secure the settlement.
• Convince the local population to evacuate by any means necessary.
• Eliminate resistance.

Secure Low Water Crossing

• Destroy enemy defenders.
• Establish a crossing point for follow-on forces.

Clear Area Southwest of Mawa

• Eliminate enemy patrols.
• Secure key terrain.
• Establish staging areas.

Secondary / Follow-On Objectives

Assault and Clear Mawa

Assault and Clear Gouara

Destroy Maiwa

• Eliminate military infrastructure.
• Deny enemy use of the settlement.