Steel in the Shadows: Heroism, Strategy, and War Crimes in North Zagoria

By Svetlana Golikova, National Defense Writer

ZELENOGORSK — In the rugged valleys of North Zagoria, the men and women of the 43rd Mountain Rifle Corps are writing a new chapter in the defense of our homeland—one marked by sacrifice, decisive leadership, and grim revelations of enemy atrocities.

Two recent operations—codenamed OP2508-22-7 (PRIUTNOYE) and OP2508-29-1 (MIKHAILOVKA)—culminated in both the salvation of a trapped task force and the unmasking of a campaign of terror carried out by separatist elements in the region. The Zelenogorsk Pravda has obtained access to a classified after-action report prepared for senior military command, offering rare insight into the complexity and stakes of the ongoing conflict.

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The Battle for Priutnoye: Holding the Line

On the evening of August 27, a task force from the 4th Battalion, 10th Separate Tank Brigade, was dispatched to the village of Priutnoye after intelligence confirmed separatist forces were preparing a major assault.

The defenders, though outnumbered and under-equipped, successfully repelled multiple night attacks by enemy armored and mechanized infantry. In the midst of this chaos, a rescue mission was mounted to recover a downed Chernarussian pilot north of the village. The recovery was successful, though not without cost: the escorting T-55 tank was destroyed by a hidden T-72 operating from the village of Mikhailovka, revealing the presence of a broader enemy armor formation.

Faced with mounting losses and encirclement, the task force commander made the difficult decision to split his force. A dismounted rear guard held the line while the command element attempted a daring nighttime exfiltration through enemy territory—an act of resolve that resulted in the destruction of several enemy vehicles, and the return of the command squad under fire, assisted by none other than the rescued pilot.

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The Assault on Mikhailovka: A Race Against Atrocity

Two days later, Operation OP2508-29-1 was launched. This high-stakes offensive, supported by the 2nd Battalion, 19th Separate Mechanized Cavalry Regiment, aimed to break the enemy armor block and liberate the stranded defenders of Priutnoye.

The operation achieved its goals with swift, aggressive maneuvering and precise fire coordination. Enemy armored elements were destroyed, supply caches neutralized, and their command structure decimated. But the battlefield revealed horrors far beyond the tactical.

Captured documents and the testimony of survivors confirmed the presence of a "civilian criminal command group" operating within Mikhailovka. These separatists had begun a brutal campaign of so-called “cleansing operations,” abducting and executing civilians—men, women, and likely children—in a sickening attempt to terrorize and control the region.

A task force commander involved in the assault recounted the moment the orders were uncovered: “I read those orders and I could not believe it. They were killing civilians… They were crazy.”

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Tactical Innovation and Tragic Loss

The operations exposed a significant shift in enemy strategy. Using long-range armor engagements and deep blocking positions, separatist forces sought to isolate and eliminate Chernarussian units before they could regroup or receive reinforcements. These new tactics are already being studied for future countermeasures.

Tragically, the operations were not without loss. The task force commander who led the exfiltration from Priutnoye, and his executive officer in the Mikhailovka assault, were killed in a precision UAV strike.

“They alone bear the responsibility for the results of their decisions,” said Lt. Colonel Dmitry Ostrovsky, commander of the 4th Battalion. “And I will tell you—those decisions saved lives.”

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The Cost of Victory—and the Road Ahead

In total, enemy losses were severe: at least eight armored vehicles and dozens of infantry eliminated. The recovery of intelligence regarding war crimes will be handed over to international bodies for further investigation and prosecution.

For the people of North Zagoria, the outcome of these operations means more than a temporary military victory. It is a message—that even in the face of brutality, the Chernarussian Defense Forces will not yield, will not falter, and will always stand between the innocent and those who would do them harm.

As the sun rises again over the fields of Priutnoye and Mikhailovka, it does so over ground defended by valor, sanctified by sacrifice, and reclaimed by our soldiers’ resolve.

Svetlana Golikova
National Defense Writer
Zelenogorsk Pravda

This is based on the Arma 3 wargame. The report and reporter are AI generated and represents no individual, living or dead. The text of the transcript, while AI generated, is based on data provided by the channel author.

After-Action Report for Combat Operations OP2508-22-7 (PRIUTNOYE) and OP2508-29-1 (MIKHAILOVKA) in North Zagoria

 CLASSIFICATION: CHERNARUS DEFENSE FORCES - EYES ONLY

REFERENCE: AAR-43MRC-INT-20250830
COPY NO.: 1 of 5

TO: Commander, 43rd Mountain Rifle Corps, Maj. General Sergey Gladkov
CC: Deputy Commander ChCOG, Vice Admiral Boris Kravchuk; Commander Intelligence ChCOG, Rear Admiral Igor Kasatonov
FROM: Deputy Head of Intelligence Staff, 43rd Mountain Rifle Corps, Colonel Sergei Glukharev
DATE: 30 August 2025
SUBJECT: After-Action Report for Combat Operations OP2508-22-7 (PRIUTNOYE) and OP2508-29-1 (MIKHAILOVKA) in North Zagoria

1. REFERENCES:
(A) COMINT, SIGINT, and HUMINT reports from 43rd MRC Intelligence Staff, dated 26-27 Aug 2025.
(B) After-Action Debriefs: Task Force Commanders, OP2508-22-7 and OP2508-29-1.
(C) SitReps from 4th Bn, 10th Sep Tk Bde and 2nd Bn, 19th Sep Mech Cav Regt.
(D) Operational Orders 2508-22-7 and 2508-29-1.

2. BACKGROUND:
On 27 August 2025, intelligence assets from the 43rd MRC and 10th Tk Bde identified a significant separatist force, estimated at reinforced battalion strength, preparing to assault and occupy the village of PRIUTNOYE. Intercepts confirmed advanced enemy elements were already in contact with local constabulary and civilians. In response, 4th Battalion, 10th Separate Tank Brigade, was ordered to form a task force (TF) and deploy to intercept and destroy the enemy main force. This operation was designated OP2508-22-7.

3. SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS:

a. Operation OP2508-22-7 (PRIUTNOYE DEFENSE/EXTRACTION):
TF 4th Bn arrived at PRIUTNOYE on the evening of 27 AUG 25, engaging enemy advanced parties and technicals. Our forces established a defensive perimeter on the northern edge of the village. The enemy initiated intense, coordinated armored and mobile infantry attacks under cover of darkness. These attacks were repelled with significant enemy losses, though friendly forces sustained casualties and material damage.

During the defense, the TF Commander became aware of a downed pilot 2km NE of PRIUTNOYE. A recovery team was dispatched under escort of a single T-55 tank. The recovery was successful; however, the escort tank was engaged and destroyed by an enemy T-72 at extreme range (~4000m) from the village of MIKHAILOVKA during its return. This engagement revealed a previously unknown enemy armored screen.

Upon return to PRIUTNOYE, the TF Commander assessed the situation. With mounting vehicle losses and identifying an enemy armor block forming to the south, he made the tactical decision to avoid a direct breakout. Elements of the task force (2nd and 3rd Squads, now dismounted) were ordered to fortify positions and await further instructions, while the command element attempted to exfiltrate to report.

The Command Squad, during its exfiltration, engaged and destroyed two disabled enemy BMPs in the woods. Upon reaching MIKHAILOVKA, they encountered the core of the enemy armor block (1x T-72, 1x T-55, 1x BMP). After destroying the BMP and expending all anti-tank ammunition on the T-55, the dismounted squad was extracted by their BMP, now driven by the recovered pilot, and successfully evaded the enemy position to return to base.

b. Operation OP2508-29-1 (MIKHAILOVKA RELIEF):
On 29 AUG 22, a relief operation was launched to break the enemy armor block at MIKHAILOVKA, enabling the stranded TF at PRIUTNOYE to withdraw. The operation was reinforced by elements of 2nd Bn, 19th Separate Mechanized Cavalry Regiment.

Intelligence gathered during the assault confirmed the enemy operation in MIKHAILOVKA was not solely a military blocking action. The separatist forces were under the direction of a civilian criminal command group conducting "cleansing operations," involving the abduction and execution of local civilians. Documentation seized from eliminated command operatives confirmed these war crimes.

The assault on MIKHAILOVKA was a coordinated, multi-axis attack. Friendly forces rapidly penetrated the enemy cordon, destroyed supply and armored vehicles, and neutralized enemy infantry. Intense enemy counter-attacks were broken up by effective counterfire at ranges no closer than 500m.

With the enemy block broken and their command structure decapitated, the way was cleared for the remnants of the PRIUTNOYE TF (four dismounted rifle squads and one T-72 tank) to withdraw successfully to base without further casualties.

4. ASSESSMENT:

a. Enemy:

• Demonstrated improved tactical coordination, particularly in night fighting and the use of long-range armor engagements.

• Employed a deliberate strategy of establishing deep armor blocks to isolate and destroy friendly units.

• Operations in MIKHAILOVKA confirmed a shift towards targeted violence against the civilian population (war crimes), indicating a terror-based strategy.

• Enemy Losses (Confirmed): 4x BMP, 2x T-55, 2x T-72, 2x Technicals, 1x BTR. Significant infantry casualties estimated.

b. Friendly:

• Tactical commanders demonstrated critical initiative and flexibility under fire, particularly during the exfiltration from PRIUTNOYE and the defense of the village.

• The decision to launch a dedicated relief operation (OP2508-29-1) was correct and prevented the encirclement and potential destruction of the stranded force.

• The recovery of intelligence on enemy war crimes is of significant strategic value.

• Friendly Losses: 1x T-55 tank, multiple BTRs. Task Force Commander and his XO (OP2508-29-1) were KIA by enemy UAV attack.

5. PERSONNEL ACCOUNTS (Relevant Excerpts):

• TF Commander, OP2508-22-7: "Moving the remnants of the task force through Mikhailovka, even if it was at night, would have been suicide. I would not, I could not issue that order."

• Acting TF Commander, OP2508-29-1: "I read those orders and I could not believe it. They were killing civilians... They were crazy."

• Lt Colonel Dmitry Ostrovsky, 4th Bn Commander: "Task force commanders have such wide leeway in the field... he alone bears the responsibility for the results of his decisions."

6. CONCLUSION:
Operations OP2508-22-7 and OP2508-29-1 were successful in denying the enemy a key objective (PRIUTNOYE), rescuing a downed pilot, and destroying a significant enemy force and its command element. The operations also uncovered evidence of systematic war crimes. While costly, the actions of the tactical commanders on the ground were justified and ultimately preserved combat power. The enemy's use of long-range armor and deep blocks is a new tactical development that requires immediate dissemination and counter-doctrine development.

S.GLUKHAREV
COLONEL, CHERNARUS DEFENSE FORCES
DEPUTY HEAD OF INTELLIGENCE STAFF
43RD MOUNTAIN RIFLE CORPS

This is based on the Arma 3 wargame. The report and reporter are AI generated and represents no individual, living or dead. The text of the transcript, while AI generated, is based on data provided by the channel author.

Strategic Victory Seized from the Jaws of Deceit in Czero

August 25, 2025

FROM THE FRONT: Strategic Victory Seized from the Jaws of Deceit in Czero
By Svetlana Golikova, National Defense Correspondent

DATELINE: ZELENOGORSK – In a stunning display of tactical brilliance and unwavering resolve, elements of the Chernarus 2nd Army Corps have delivered a crippling blow to separatist forces in the western sector, decisively halting their offensive ambitions and reclaiming the initiative for loyalist troops.

The victory, secured in the village of Czero on Sunday, was born from the fierce and sacrificial fighting of Chernarusian soldiers in the nearby village of Nozyba earlier on Friday. While initial reports from the chaotic front lines suggested a setback in Nozyba, a leaked after-action report from Corps Intelligence reveals the operation was, in fact, a critical catalyst for the overwhelming triumph that followed.

According to the confidential dispatch from Colonel Denis Rozhkov, Deputy Head of Intelligence for the 2nd Army Corps, a task force was ordered to clear separatist insurgents from Nozyba after intelligence confirmed the establishment of an enemy forward base. Our brave soldiers fought their way into the village, destroying enemy supply trucks and engaging the occupiers.

Though forced to withdraw under the weight of a savage enemy counter-attack and the unfortunate delay of reinforcing units, our operatives secured a priceless prize: intelligence documents from a eliminated high-value target. These documents revealed the enemy’s entire strategic plan—a major assault aimed at seizing the village of Czero to establish a firm defensive line.

“The intelligence seized during the initial operation provided critical, actionable intelligence on enemy strategic intentions, directly enabling the successful defense,” Colonel Rozhkov’s report states.

Forewarned, a new Chernarusian task force was immediately deployed to Czero to meet the anticipated attack. What followed was a masterclass in defensive combat. The separatists, believing they were launching a surprise assault, instead threw themselves against a prepared and determined defense.

The report details a fierce battle where infiltrating enemy infantry were systematically eliminated by our counter-attacking commandos. The heart of the separatist force, an armored column including seven BMP infantry fighting vehicles and three T-55 tanks, was lured into a kill zone north of the village and utterly annihilated by our gunners.

When the smoke cleared, the scale of the enemy’s defeat was staggering. Separatist losses amounted to a confirmed seven BMPs, three tanks, multiple light armored vehicles, and an estimated company of personnel. Our own losses, while painful, were a fraction of the price extracted from the invaders.

“OP2508-22-3 was a decisive defensive victory,” Colonel Rozhkov concludes. “The strategic initiative in the sector has shifted in our favor.”

This victory demonstrates the courage of our frontline soldiers and the shrewd adaptability of our command staff, who turned seized information into a devastating trap for the enemy. The momentum has now swung decisively. The report confirms that planning is already underway for operations to capitalize on this victory and liberate Nozyba from its temporary occupation.

The heroes of the 2nd Army Corps have not only defended our soil but have shown that the spirit of Chernarus remains unbroken.

This is based on the Arma 3 wargame. The report and reporter are AI generated and represents no individual, living or dead. The text of the transcript, while AI generated, is based on data provided by the channel author.

AFTER ACTION REPORT (AAR) - COMBAT OPERATIONS OP2508-22-1 & OP2508-22-3 IN NOZYBA AND CZERO

 FROM: Deputy Head of Intelligence Staff, Chernarus 2nd Army Corps, Colonel Denis Rozhkov

TO: Corps Commander, Chernarus 2nd Army Corps, Maj. General Vadim Nabokov
CC: Deputy Commander of Chernarus Coastal Operation Group, Vice Admiral Boris Kravchuck; Command ChCOG, Admiral Vadim Ivanov
DATE: 26 AUG 2022
SUBJECT: AFTER ACTION REPORT (AAR) - COMBAT OPERATIONS OP2508-22-1 & OP2508-22-3 IN NOZYBA AND CZERO

1. REFERENCES:
A. Report from Commander, 3rd Separate Tank Brigade, Colonel Igor Maltsev.
B. Intercepted Enemy Communications (Email/Text).
C. Field Reports from Task Force Commanders.
D. Intelligence Gathered from Enemy POWs and Seized Documents.

2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This report details the outcomes of two sequential company-level operations conducted on 250822. OP2508-22-1 was a tactical assault to clear separatist forces from NOZYBA. The operation initially succeeded but culminated in a withdrawal due to a delayed reinforcement schedule and overwhelming enemy counter-attacks. Intelligence seized during this operation enabled the successful defensive action, OP2508-22-3, in CZERO, resulting in a significant defeat of separatist forces and the regaining of operational initiative in the sector.

3. NARRATIVE SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS:

A. OPERATION OP2508-22-1 (NOZYBA):
a. Situation: On Friday morning, 1st Bn Intel received confirmed reports from local agents and SIGINT indicating a separatist force had occupied NOZYBA with accompanying supply trucks (ammo/fuel), establishing a forward operating base.
b. Mission: A task force was ordered to assault, clear NOZYBA of enemy forces, and eliminate two high-value civilian criminal command operatives known to be carrying critical intelligence materials.
c. Execution: The task force initiated a coordinated assault with two T-72 tanks providing overwatch from a dominant ridge line. Dismounted infantry (Command Squad & 2nd Squad) and two scout cars entered the village and successfully engaged the enemy. Initial objectives were secured, and the enemy supply vehicles were destroyed.
d. Enemy Action: Separatist forces launched immediate and severe counter-attacks utilizing infantry and armor assets.
e. Key Factor: Scheduled friendly reinforcements were delayed. Upon arrival, these elements were met with intense enemy fire and were unable to effectively relieve the engaged task force.
f. Result: The task force sustained significant losses (both scout cars, two T-72s, one T-55). Command Squad, facing unsustainable casualties, made the tactical decision to withdraw. NOZYBA remained in enemy control.

B. OPERATION OP2508-22-3 (CZERO):
a. Situation: Intelligence seized during OP2508-22-1 (from a eliminated female minder operative) revealed enemy plans to establish a defensive line from NOZYBA (East) to CZERO (West) and launch an all-out assault on CZERO on Sunday. This was confirmed by subsequent drone overflights and agent reports.
b. Mission: A new task force was ordered to occupy CZERO and establish a defensive perimeter to repel the anticipated enemy assault.
c. Execution: Friendly forces made initial contact with enemy MRAPs, suffering casualties. Two T-72s were committed to neutralize the threat. Dismounted elements established a defensive cordon: 2nd Squad securing the eastern sector, Command Squad the west, and a scout element (Scout 2) anchoring the western flank.
d. Enemy Action: The enemy assaulted with determined infantry infiltration attempts and supported by medium tracked armor (BMPs) attacking through the northern approach.
e. Result: The defensive line held. Infantry infiltrators were systematically eliminated by Command Squad counter-attacks. Armored thrusts were destroyed in the designated kill zone north of the village. A total of seven (7) enemy BMPs, three (3) T-55s, two (2) MRAPs, one (1) BRDM, and two (2) UAVs were confirmed destroyed. Friendly reinforcements arrived and secured the northern edge, solidifying the victory.

4. ASSESSMENT OF LOSSES:

A. Friendly Losses (Total):
- Personnel: 8 KIA (2nd Squad: 7, Command Squad: 1)
- Armor: Two (2) T-55 tanks.
- Scout Vehicles: One (1) BRDM scout car.
- AFVs: One (1) BMP-2 (abandoned, 2nd Squad).

B. Enemy Losses (Total):
- Armor: Three (3) T-55 tanks.
- IFVs/APCs: Seven (7) BMPs.
- Light Armor: Two (2) MRAPs, One (1) BRDM scout car.
- Air Assets: Two (2) UAVs.
- Personnel: Significant (Precise count unconfirmed, estimated company-level casualties).

5. SIGNIFICANT INCIDENTS:
During OP2508-22-3, a friendly Su-25 interdiction fighter was downed. The pilot survived but refused evacuation via BMP. Recovery efforts were unsuccessful and the pilot was left in the field. A separate report on this incident is being prepared by Air Operations.

6. INTELLIGENCE GAINED:
Documents seized from a high-value target in OP2508-22-1 provided critical, actionable intelligence on enemy strategic intentions, directly enabling the successful defense during OP2508-22-3.

7. CONCLUSIONS:
a. OP2508-22-1 failed primarily due to the delayed reinforcement schedule, which allowed the enemy to mass and commit its reserves against our isolated task force.
b. OP2508-22-3 was a decisive defensive victory. The effective use of seized intelligence to anticipate enemy action, combined with robust defensive planning and the effective application of combined arms, resulted in the annihilation of a significant separatist combat group.
c. The strategic initiative in the sector has shifted in our favor following the enemy's defeat at CZERO.

8. RECOMMENDATION:
1st Battalion Command and Intelligence Staff are currently planning a follow-on operation to capitalize on this shift in momentum and recapture the village of NOZYBA. Approval to commence operational planning is requested.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Detailed Loss Inventory (Equipment/Personnel).

2. Intelligence Annex (Summarized Seized Documents).

// SIGNED //
COLONEL DENIS ROZHKOV
DEPUTY HEAD OF INTELLIGENCE STAFF
CHERNARUS 2ND ARMY CORPS

This is based on the Arma 3 wargame. The report and reporter are AI generated and represents no individual, living or dead. The text of the transcript, while AI generated, is based on data provided by the channel author.

Chernarus Defense Forces Crush Separatist Offensive in Northwest; Command Changes Announced

 

By Svetlana Golikova, Zelenogorsk Pravda

ZELENOGORSK, August 18, 2025 – Elements of the Chernarus Defense Forces (CDF) have decisively defeated a major separatist offensive in the northwest of the republic over the weekend, according to an official After-Action Report released today. The victory coincides with announced leadership changes within the region's key military formation.

Personnel shifts within the Chernarus 20th Separate Mechanized Cavalry Regiment see Major Sergei Kuzovlev reassigned from his position as Regimental Commander. Stepping into command is the Regiment's former Deputy Head of Intelligence Staff, Captain Evgeny Yanabaev, who has been promoted to the rank of Major. Filling the vacated intelligence role is Captain Konstantin Kozlov, now serving as the 20th's Deputy Head of Intelligence Staff.

The leadership transition follows a critical defensive operation, codenamed OP2508-15-2, conducted on August 15th and 16th. As detailed in a report authored by Colonel Denis Rozhkov, Deputy Head of Intelligence Staff for the Chernarus 2nd Army Corps, intelligence intercepts revealed separatist plans for a large-scale push southwards. Their objective was to establish a defensive line stretching from Yalmta through Pshenichnoye to Yashkul', positioning them for a subsequent major offensive.

The intercepted communications specifically outlined a planned coup de main against the village of Yashkul'. The assault force was formidable: one company of armored vehicles, two companies of light infantry, and including elite elements identified as Wagner Group operators, Russian Naval Infantry special forces, and Serbian regulars – described in the report as "well equipped and highly motivated."

The Defense Holds

Facing this threat, the 3rd Battalion of the 20th Separate Mechanized Cavalry Regiment swiftly organized defenses. At Yashkul', the Command Squad and 2nd Squad fortified the northern edge, supported by two T-72 tanks positioned on the eastern and western flanks.

"The separatists threw large numbers of heavy tracked and medium tracked armor, as well as scout cars, and technicals into their operation," Colonel Rozhkov's report states. The enemy assault was met with devastating resistance. Initial field counts at Yashkul' confirmed the destruction of four BMP infantry fighting vehicles, three BRDM scout cars, one T-72 tank, one T-62 tank, and remarkably, one vintage T-34 tank. Separatist infantry losses were described as "catastrophic in nature."

Relentless Counter-Action

With Yashkul' secured and reinforced, the CDF task force moved west to defend Yalmta on August 15th. There, they faced a similar onslaught of medium tracked and light wheeled armor, again supported by Wagner operators, alongside North Korean and Serbian regulars. The pattern repeated near Druzhniy the following day, August 16th, where defending forces weathered attacks involving tracked and wheeled armor, Russian naval infantry special forces, and Wagner operators.

Decisive Victory, Minimal Losses

The report tallies total enemy losses across all three engagements at 22 vehicles – a mix of armor, medium armor, and light technicals. Enemy infantry casualties were again noted as "similarly nearly catastrophic." In stark contrast, CDF losses were remarkably light: two Mi-24 attack helicopters, one BRDM scout car, and tragically, five infantry soldiers from the Command Squad.

Intercepted enemy radio transmissions at the operation's conclusion, the report notes, made it "clear that the separatist forces in the Northwest Chernarus region had suffered total defeat of their plans." Crucially, CDF forces successfully established control over the very line – Yalmta-Pshenichnoye-Yashkul' – that the separatists had sought to capture for their offensive.

These forces are scheduled to withdraw today, returning the villages of Yalmta, Pshenichnoye, and Yashkul' to full civilian control by tomorrow morning. The operation stands as a significant setback for separatist ambitions in the northwest and a testament to the effectiveness of CDF intelligence and defensive capabilities under the new regimental command structure.

Military Report Confirms Kabanino Victory, Blames Separatists for Church Destruction; Peace Group Skeptical

By Svetlana Golikova

Zelenogorsk National Defense Writer

ZELENOGORSK, 17 AUG 2025 -- A redacted military after-action report, obtained by the Zelenogorsk Pravda and confirmed by the Chernarus Coastal Operations Group (ChCOG), details a costly but successful defense of Kabanino village against a significant separatist assault last Tuesday. While the report claims a tactical victory and attributes the destruction of a village church to enemy action, the peace advocacy group "Trees for Peace" remains deeply skeptical, renewing calls for an independent investigation into civilian casualties and demanding access to the contested area.

The report, classified SECRET but released in a public version per Chernarus Armed Forces Directive 12-5 (Operational Transparency), originates from the 1st Army Corps and the 4th Separate Light Mountain Rifle Brigade. It describes "Operation Kabanino Shield," involving Task Force Kabanino (TF-K), reinforced by tanks and additional infantry, repelling a separatist force estimated at battalion strength.

The Battle: Heavy Losses on Both Sides

According to the military account:

Enemy Forces: Included mixed irregular infantry, Serbian regulars, Russian naval infantry (Spetsnaz), Russian militia, and significant armor: 13+ technicals (including heavy machine gun variants), 2 T-34 tanks, 2 BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles, 1 MRAP, 1 BRDM-2, and 2 UAVs.

Friendly Forces: Initially comprised 4 light rifle squads and 2 BRDM-2 scout cars, later reinforced by 2 T-55 tanks and 4 more rifle squads (totaling 26 additional effectives). Artillery support ("VOLGA") and a Su-25 close air support jet ("FROSTBITE-1") were critical.

Action: The report details intense fighting from initial contact at 0720H until separatist withdrawal around 1010H. Key moments included initial scout car losses, enemy penetration into the village with technicals and dismounts, the destruction of an enemy T-34 tank by infantry inside Kabanino, heavy artillery barrages destroying enemy vehicles, and the loss of both reinforcing T-55 tanks to enemy anti-tank missiles.

Losses:

Enemy (Confirmed): 13 technicals, 2 T-34 tanks, 2 BMP-1s, 1 BRDM-2, 1 MRAP, 2 UAVs, and an estimated 60-70 personnel Killed in Action (including Spetsnaz).

Friendly: 36 personnel Killed in Action (primarily from the reinforcing squads and 3rd/4th Squads), 2 T-55 tanks, and 2 BRDM-2 scout cars.

The report concludes the operation achieved its mission, securing Kabanino and degrading the separatists' offensive capability for an estimated 14+ days, labelling it a "Tactical Victory" but acknowledging "catastrophic losses in vehicles and heavy losses in infantry."

The Church: Secondary Blast or Deliberate Act?

The report directly addresses the most incendiary allegation raised by Trees for Peace: the deliberate destruction of Kabanino's church by CDF forces. The military investigation, detailed in the report, states:

"NGO allegation: Deliberate destruction of Kabanino church."

"Finding: Church destroyed by secondary explosion of enemy technical (neutralized by TF-K CO). Forensic analysis confirms."

This finding explicitly contradicts witness accounts cited by Trees for Peace, who claimed civilians saw a CDF commander deliberately destroy the church and soldiers cheer its collapse. The report includes the church incident within its "Explosive Incident Investigation" section and lists an "NGO allegation rebuttal dossier" among its attachments.

Military Lessons and Peace Group Reaction

The report highlights several "Lessons Learned," including the effectiveness of artillery ("VOLGA’s precision fire pivotal"), the vulnerability of older T-55 tanks ("outmatched by modern AT assets," with an "urgent upgrade to T-72B3 requested"), and the importance of "Post-combat investigations... for legitimacy."

Vyacheslav Komorov, spokesman for Trees for Peace, reacted swiftly to the report's release: "This confirms our worst fears about a whitewash. The military investigates itself, blames the enemy for destruction occurring on territory they were contesting, and ignores the core issue: civilian harm and the need for independent verification." 

Komorov reiterated his group's demand for immediate, unhindered access to Kabanino for international humanitarian observers and journalists. "Where is the data on civilian casualties? The report is silent. Where is the transparency? They release a summary blaming the other side while keeping the village locked down. This is not accountability."

A Pyrrhic Victory?

While the military report asserts a victory, sources within ChCOG, speaking on background as they did previously, characterized the outcome as "pyrrhic," emphasizing the high cost paid by CDF forces – 36 soldiers killed and significant vehicle losses – to hold the strategic village junction.

The redacted report provides the military's official narrative of a hard-fought battle resulting in enemy defeat and attributes the church's destruction to an explosion caused by targeting an enemy vehicle. However, it does not address the specific allegations of civilian casualties raised by Trees for Peace and local witnesses, nor does it explain the continued access restrictions to Kabanino that prevent independent confirmation of the events or the current humanitarian situation. 

The gulf between the military's documented account and the peace group's allegations, fueled by the lack of independent access, ensures the controversy surrounding the battle of Kabanino remains unresolved.

This is based on the Arma 3 wargame. The report and reporter are AI generated and represents no individual, living or dead. The text of the transcript, while AI generated, is based on data provided by the channel author.

AFTER ACTION REPORT: OPERATION KABANINO SHIELD

REPORTING UNIT: 2nd Battalion, 4th Separate Light Mountain Rifle Brigade

AUTHORS:

COL Aleksandr Bogomolov, Deputy Chief of Staff, 1st Army Corps

COL Alexey Lushnikov, Commander, 4th Separate Light Mountain Rifle Brigade

DATE: 16 AUG 2025

CLASSIFICATION: SECRET//ORCON

I. SITUATION

A. Enemy Forces:

Separatist elements (estimated battalion strength) advancing south toward Kabanino, Chernarus.

Composition: Mixed irregular infantry, Serbian regulars, Russian naval infantry (Spetsnaz), and Russian militia.

Equipment: 13+ technicals (incl. HMG variants), 2x T-34 tanks, 2x BMP-1 IFVs, 1x MRAP, 1x BRDM-2, 2x UAVs.

B. Friendly Forces:

Task Force KABANINO (TF-K):

4x Light Rifle Squads (10 effectives each).

2x BRDM-2 scout cars ("Scout 1," "Scout 2").

122mm Artillery Battery (Fire Support "VOLGA").

Close Air Support: 1x Su-25 ("FROSTBITE-1").

Reinforcements:

2x T-55 tanks.

4x Light Rifle Squads (26 effectives).

C. Terrain:

Kabanino village (key road junction). Urban structures with open fields to north, ridgelines southeast.

II. MISSION

Prevent separatist forces from seizing Kabanino and disrupt offensive capabilities.

III. EXECUTION

A. Concept of Operations:

Deploy rifle squads along E-W axis north of Kabanino.

BRDMs conduct recon; artillery and CAS interdict enemy approach.

T-55s and reinforcements counter-penetration.

B. Key Actions:

Initial Contact (0720H):

Scout 1 engaged HMG technical and MRAP NW of Kabanino. Scout 1 destroyed. Scout 2 withdrew to ridge.

2nd/3rd Squads delayed 10 mins by enemy patrol 3km SE of Kabanino.

Enemy Assault (0735–0830H):

Separatists entered village from west/north with technicals and dismounts.

VOLGA engaged vehicles; infantry repelled probes.

Enemy reinforced with T-34s, BMPs, and Spetsnaz elements from north.

FROSTBITE-1 disrupted infantry concentrations (2 sorties).

Critical Defense (0830–0915H):

1x T-34 penetrated southern Kabanino; destroyed by reinforcing infantry (RPG-7).

VOLGA destroyed 1x BMP and 4 technicals in concentrated barrage.

Enemy Spetsnaz repelled by enfilade fire from 1st/4th Squads.

Reinforcement & Counter-Attack (0915–1010H):

T-55s engaged T-34s; both T-55s destroyed by ATGM teams.

3rd/4th Squads wiped out halting infantry surge north of town.

Enemy Withdrawal (1010H):

Separatist forces retreated north after failed assaults.

C. Explosive Incident Investigation:

NGO allegation: Deliberate destruction of Kabanino church.

Finding: Church destroyed by secondary explosion of enemy technical (neutralized by TF-K CO). Forensic analysis confirms.

IV. ASSESSMENT

A. Enemy Losses (Confirmed):

Vehicles: 13x technicals, 2x T-34s, 2x BMP-1s, 1x BRDM-2, 1x MRAP.

Aircraft: 2x UAVs.

Personnel: Estimated 60–70 KIA (incl. Spetsnaz cadre).

B. Friendly Losses:

Personnel: 36 KIA (3rd/4th Squads + reinforcements).

Vehicles: 2x T-55s, 2x BRDM-2s.

Equipment: 7x small arms, 3x RPG-7 launchers.

C. Outcome:

Tactical Victory: Kabanino secured; enemy offensive capability degraded.

Strategic Impact: Separatists unable to conduct major operations for 14+ days.

V. LESSONS LEARNED

Intelligence: Drone/local agent coordination effective but delayed squad movements highlight need for route sanitization.

Artillery: VOLBA’s precision fire pivotal. Recommend allocating additional batteries for future ops.

Armor: T-55s outmatched by modern AT assets. Urgent upgrade to T-72B3 requested.

Transparency: Post-combat investigations (e.g., church incident) essential for legitimacy.

VI. ATTACHMENTS

Interrogation transcripts (TF-K CO/staff).

BDA imagery/video.

NGO allegation rebuttal dossier.

REDACTED PUBLIC VERSION: Released per Chernarus Armed Forces Directive 12-5 (Operational Transparency).

END REPORT.

Signed:

COL A. BOGOMOLOV, 1st Army Corps

COL A. LUSHNIKOV, 4th Sep. Lt. Mtn. Rifle Bde

Distribution:

1st Army Corps HQ // 4th Bde HQ // Chernarus Ministry of Defense (SecDef) // Office of the President (Eyes Only)

This is based on the Arma 3 wargame. The report and reporter are AI generated and represents no individual, living or dead. The text of the transcript, while AI generated, is based on data provided by the channel author.

Peace group accuses CDF of church destruction, civilian deaths in Kabanino; Military confirms operation, promises probe

By Svetlana Golikova

Zelenogorsk National Defense Writer

ZELENOGORSK – Accusations of deliberate civilian casualties and the destruction of a church leveled against the Chernarus Defense Forces (CDF) following intense fighting in the village of Kabanino have ignited controversy, as the military confirms a major operation occurred and promises an investigation.

The Chernarus peace advocacy group "Trees for Peace" alleges that during combat operations last Tuesday, CDF forces deliberately destroyed the church on the western side of Kabanino and caused significant civilian deaths. Vyacheslav Komorov, spokesman for the group, stated their investigators have been unable to access the village due to CDF military police checkpoints blocking all non-military traffic on approach roads – checkpoints Komorov claims violate existing political agreements.

"Our information comes directly from residents present during the events of the last 36 hours, via texts and social media," Komorov told the Zelenogorsk Pravda. He described a scene of devastation: fighting erupted between CDF and separatist forces, trapping innocent civilians in a fierce crossfire. Komorov claimed informants reported corpses of combatants and civilians littering the ground, alongside several destroyed vehicles blocking roads.

The most severe allegation centers on the church's destruction. "Multiple civilian witnesses reported seeing a CDF unit commander deliberately level the church after destroying a vehicle with explosives nearby," Komorov asserted. "Disturbingly, our witnesses heard several CDF soldiers cheer aloud when the structure collapsed."

The Chernarus Coastal Operations Group (ChCOG) acknowledged the Kabanino operation, designated OP2508-08-5. Senior Staff Engineer Analyst Colonel Irina Volkova confirmed that a task force from the 2nd Battalion, Chernarus 4th Separate Light Mountain Rifle Brigade, was dispatched to Kabanino based on intelligence indicating a significant separatist troop movement into the village.

"Normally, such task forces have duties limited to preventing the hostile takeover of a village by separatist forces," Colonel Volkova stated. She acknowledged the operation resulted in heavy casualties, describing "catastrophic losses in vehicles and heavy losses in infantry" for both the CDF and separatist fighters.

Regarding the specific allegations made by Trees for Peace, Colonel Volkova stated that neither the ChCOG command, the 4th Brigade commander, the 2nd Battalion commander, nor the task force commander on the ground have yet been formally interrogated about the incidents recounted by Komorov. "An investigation will soon be launched to determine the facts surrounding these events," Volkova pledged.

Komorov expressed deep skepticism about the military's promise of an inquiry. "The CDF military never determines facts. It buries the facts over the worst incidents, and its field commanders never suffer consequences for their actions," he said. "This will probably be yet another whitewash by the military."

Sources within the ChCOG, speaking on background, characterized the outcome of OP2508-08-5 in Kabanino as a "pyrrhic victory" for the CDF, suggesting the gains came at an exceedingly high cost.

The situation in Kabanino remains unclear, with access severely restricted. While the military confirms a costly battle took place and promises an investigation into the serious allegations of church destruction and civilian deaths, peace advocates demand independent access and express no faith in the military's ability or willingness to conduct a transparent inquiry. The fate of Kabanino and the truth of last Tuesday's events hang in the balance, obscured by roadblocks and conflicting narratives.

This is based on the Arma 3 wargame. The report and reporter are AI generated and represents no individual, living or dead. The text of the transcript, while AI generated, is based on data provided by the channel author.