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.

AFTER ACTION REPORT: Report Number: AAR-2507-INT-02

Classification: SECRET//REL TO CHERNARUS ARMED FORCES//NOFORN

Date: 28 July 2025

Submitted By: Colonel Denis Rozhkov, Deputy Head of Intelligence Staff, Chernarus 2nd Corps

Subject: Analysis of Combat Operations OP2507-18-7 (Salash) and OP2507-25-1 (Baluvitsa), Leskovets Region

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report details two high-intensity combat operations conducted by elements of the 7th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade (7SMRB) in the Leskovets region on 27 July 2025. Both operations demonstrated effective adaptation under duress, successful integration of drone reconnaissance, and significant degradation of enemy combat capabilities. Heavy casualties were sustained by friendly forces, but tactical objectives were achieved.

II. OPERATION OP2507-18-7: OFFENSIVE ON SALASH

A. SITUATION

Enemy Forces: Separatist units (reinforced by Spanish/Serbian regulars & SF) occupied Salash. Assets included supply vehicles, T-55 tanks, BMPs, BTRs. Civilian collaborators initiated arrests/deportations.

Friendly Forces: 4th Battalion (Task Force: Command Squad, 2x Rifle Squads (BMP), 2x T-72 Tanks).

B. TACTICAL EXECUTION

Initial Maneuver:

Plan: Tank 3 + 2nd BMP Squad flanked east; Command Squad + Tank 1 assaulted via main road.

Contact: Command Squad penetrated southern defenses but encountered heavy counterfire (SF, Spanish/Serbian units). Comms lost during sustained counterattacks.

Command Transition: Per SOP, 2nd Squad Commander assumed control, withdrew, and reestablished comms with Command Squad.

Drone Deployment:

3x combat drones launched to reconnoiter enemy movements.

Drones detected massing enemy armor (T-55s, BTRs) probing southward.

Counterattack & Reinforcement:

Acting commander’s squad destroyed advancing armor, preventing breakthrough.

Reinforcements secured northern village perimeter by nightfall. Enemy withdrew completely.

Acting Commander’s Observation: "The battle was like a great quiet descended on the battlefield, as if the enemy had never been there."

C. ASSESSMENT

Enemy Losses: 3x T-55, 1x BMP, 1x BTR. Separatist command/control disrupted.

Friendly Losses: Heavy infantry/vehicle casualties (exact figures pending).

Drone Impact: Forced enemy withdrawal by revealing dispositions. Direct damage unconfirmed but psychologically decisive.

III. OPERATION OP2507-25-1: DEFENSE OF BALUVITSA

A. SITUATION

Enemy Forces: Mixed infantry (Serbian regulars, Chechen fighters, Russian Spetsnaz), light armor (technicals, BRDM), and tanks (T-55/T-72).

Friendly Forces: 1st Battalion (Task Force: Command Squad, 3x Rifle Squads (BTR), 3x T-72 Tanks).

B. TACTICAL EXECUTION

Defensive Setup:

East-west line established with tanks anchoring flanks.

Premature Contact: Enemy technicals/infantry attacked before positions consolidated. Destroyed by combined tank/AT fire.

Dynamic Repositioning:

Battalion Command redirected forces northwest (40-min mark) to counter enemy flanking maneuver.

During advance, 3x enemy tanks (1x T-72, 2x T-55) engaged and destroyed by friendly armor.

Sustained Assault & Drone Support:

Serbian-led infantry/armor counterattacks pressed south. Command Squad + reinforcements entered 15-minute close-quarters melee.

Drones detected northern enemy movements despite dusk limitations, enabling interdiction.

Final Action: Command Squad destroyed isolated BMP north of village post-melee.

C. ASSESSMENT

Enemy Losses: 5x T-55, 1x T-72, 2x BMP, 1x BRDM, 3x technicals.

Friendly Losses: Heavy across infantry/armor.

Strategic Outcome: Enemy combat power in sector eradicated; no near-term offensive capability confirmed by battalion intel.

IV. KEY FINDINGS

Drone Effectiveness:

Critical for real-time reconnaissance during comms blackouts and fluid battlespace (Salash command transition, Baluvitsa flank detection).

Limitations in low-light (Baluvitsa) require enhanced night-capable variants.

Command Resilience:

SOPs for command transition (Salash) proved effective. Drone use accelerated situational recovery.

Enemy Composition:

Confirmed multinational involvement: Serbian regulars (primary infantry), Spanish/Russian SF, Chechen auxiliaries.

T-55s remain backbone of enemy armor; T-72s rare but high-value.

Casualty Trends:

High attrition in both attack/defense operations underscores enemy tenacity and firepower parity in armor engagements.

V. RECOMMENDATIONS

Prioritize drone allocation to maneuver battalions, with emphasis on night-operation upgrades.

Review armor-infantry coordination SOPs to reduce casualties during repositioning under fire.

Expand intel focus on foreign fighter logistics networks enabling Serbian/Russian force generation.

Commend 4th Battalion’s acting commander (Salash) and 1st Battalion Command Squad (Baluvitsa) for exemplary initiative.

// SIGNED //

Colonel Denis Rozhkov

Deputy Head of Intelligence Staff, Chernarus 2nd Corps

End of Report

Chernarus Military Deploys Combat Drones in Groundbreaking Tactical Shift

 By Svetlana Golikova (Zelenogorsk Pravda) & Galina Timchenko (Novosti Novigrad)

ZELENOGORSK – After 18 months of covert development, Chernarus Defense Forces and Naval Command have initiated mass deployment of armed drones to front-line units, signaling a revolutionary shift in battlefield tactics against separatist forces. The announcement came today from Major General Vassily Chernyakov, Senior Staff Intelligence Analyst for the Chernarus Coastal Operations Group (ChCOG).

"In this era of asymmetric warfare, innovation is our shield," declared Gen. Chernyakov during an exclusive briefing at ChCOG headquarters. "Our analysts and doctrine officers have transformed commercial drone technology into precision combat systems capable of devastating enemy infantry and light vehicles – the primary threats our soldiers face."

Covert Training, Strategic Deployment

According to classified documents reviewed by Zelenogorsk Pravda, over 600 commanders from sergeant to brigade level underwent secret retraining at the Krasnoznamensky Drone Range near Novigrad. Rotated from front-line duty in small groups, they mastered strike techniques using modified quadcopters carrying thermobaric warheads and armor-piercing munitions.

"If used correctly, these systems could fundamentally alter tactical equations," Chernyakov emphasized, noting drones’ ability to bypass traditional defenses and strike from oblique angles. Initial deployments focus on Northwest Chernarus – the restive region bordering separatist strongholds.

---

Commanders’ Perspectives: Cautious Optimism

Front-line officers expressed measured confidence in the new systems:

• "They’re game-changers – in theory," conceded one battalion commander speaking anonymously. "But forests and electronic warfare degrade signals. Real combat will be the test."

• A naval infantry captain described the training as exhaustive: "Every operational concern was addressed – battery life in cold weather, counter-jamming protocols, warhead reliability. This isn’t toy-soldier tech."

• One major drew a darkly humorous parallel: "My twelve-year-old flies a similar drone for photography competitions. The version we’re deploying just... delivers different payloads." His grim chuckle underscored the weapon’s unsettling accessibility.

---

Technical Edge, Tactical Imperatives

ChCOG specifications reveal:

• Range: 8 km (urban) / 15 km (rural)

• Payload: 1.2 kg warheads (anti-personnel/light armor)

• Electronic Resilience: Frequency-hopping encryption

• Unit Cost: 1/20th of a Kornet missile system

Defense analysts note the drones specifically counter separatists’ "swarm tactics" – where technicals (armed pickup trucks) and infantry overwhelm Chernarus positions. "One operator can now eliminate five vehicles before they close within RPG range," explained ChCOG engineer Colonel Irina Volkova (not quoted in release).

---

The Human Factor

Despite technological promise, veterans voice concerns. "Drones won’t hold ground," cautioned Sergeant Pavel Durov (3rd Battalion, 19th Mechanized Cavalry). "When mud freezes or batteries die, it still comes down to bayonets and courage."

Gen. Chernyakov acknowledged the limitation: "This isn’t a replacement for infantry. It’s a force multiplier to preserve our most precious resource – soldiers’ lives."

---

What Comes Next

Phase two deployments begin next month, with naval variants targeting coastal infiltration boats. Meanwhile, captured documents reveal separatists scrambling to acquire Chinese jammers – a tacit admission of the drone threat’s potency.

As Chernarus turns technological ingenuity into battlefield advantage, one truth remains: In the frozen forests of the Northwest, theory is now meeting brutal practice.

— END —

Editor’s Note: Per ChCOG security requirements, operational locations and unit identifiers remain classified. Report drone sightings to Military Hotline 119.

---

About the Authors
Svetlana Golikova is Zelenogorsk Pravda’s senior defense correspondent, embedded with Chernarus forces during the 2024 Stepnoye offensive.
Galina Timchenko leads Novosti Novigrad’s investigative team, specializing in asymmetric warfare analysis.

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.

Disputed Accounts Emerge After Brutal Battle for Horsingen

 

CDF Claims Victory Amid NGO Allegations of Civilian Harm

By Svetlana Golikova, Zelenogorsk Pravda
HORSINGEN, WERFERLINGEN – July 14, 2025

A leaked military report obtained by the Zelenogorsk Pravda details a bloody, four-day battle by Chernarus Defense Forces (CDF) to recapture the strategic village of Horsingen from separatist forces, culminating in a costly victory. However, these official accounts clash sharply with allegations from the NGO Trees for Peace (TFP), which accuses the CDF of widespread destruction of civilian housing and indiscriminate fire.

Military Report: Costly Success Through Adaptation
The After Action Report, authored by Colonel Sergei Glukharev (Deputy Head of Intelligence, 43rd Mountain Rifle Corps) and endorsed by Colonel Roman Shilov (Commander, 13th Mountain Motorized Rifle Brigade), chronicles four distinct operations between July 10th and 12th:

1. Failed Initial Assault (OP2507-04-3): A task force of 3 BTR infantry squads was nearly annihilated in an aggressive assault on July 10th. The report cites a critical failure of promised reinforcements (only 2 T-55 tanks arrived) and underutilized artillery, allowing enemy forces (identified as Russian Spetsnaz, Chechen fighters, militia, and armored units) to counterattack effectively. Losses were described as "near-total" for the task force.

2. Bloody Probe and Partial Intel Recovery (OP2507-04-7): A second assault on July 10th aimed to probe defenses and retrieve stolen documents and High-Value Targets (HVTs). While one HVT (a "female minder") was eliminated and separatist repair depot locations were recovered, the force suffered heavy casualties and failed to retrieve key documents. The report urgently requested substantial reinforcements.

3. Combined-Arms Counterattack (OP2507-11-1): Utilizing newly arrived reinforcements (6 tanks, 4 Mi-24 gunships), the CDF launched a major assault on July 11th. Mi-24s suppressed enemy positions, artillery interdicted river crossings, and HVTs were eliminated. Military documents, hit lists, and informant logs were recovered, and the village was cleared. However, losses were again severe: 23 personnel KIA, 1 T-72, 2 T-55s, and all 4 Mi-24 gunships destroyed.

4. Successful Defense (OP2507-11-2): On July 12th, the CDF repelled a significant separatist counterattack featuring BM-21 "Grad" rockets. Friendly artillery was destroyed early, but Mi-24s, tanks, and timely reinforcements held the northern edge of the village. Losses were comparatively lighter (6 personnel KIA, 1 T-55, 1 BTR).

Military Assessment & Conclusions:
Colonel Glukharev assessed that separatist capabilities in the sector were "crippled" after suffering "catastrophic losses" (15+ armored vehicles, 8+ UAVs, 3x BM-21s). Total CDF losses were 49 KIA and significant equipment, including 4 Mi-24s, 3 T-55s, 1 T-72, and 2 BTRs. The report praised the "tenacity" and "evolving tactical proficiency" of the 3rd Battalion but highlighted critical failures: reinforcement delays, artillery vulnerability, and underutilized intelligence (specifically, known BM-21 locations not being preemptively struck). Recommendations included prioritizing counter-battery radar and improving reinforcement protocols.

Trees for Peace: Allegations of Destruction and Disrespect
Contradicting the military's narrative of precision, TFP operatives visited Horsingen immediately after the fighting subsided. Spokesman Vyacheslav Komorov provided the Zelenogorsk Pravda with their account:

• Widespread Destruction: TFP documented "numerous residential buildings nearly completely destroyed by artillery fire." While military graves details had removed corpses and engineers cleared vehicle wrecks, the physical damage to civilian infrastructure was severe.

• CDF Fire on Civilians: Residents interviewed by TFP alleged that CDF gunships "pursued civilians firing on them indiscriminately" during the operations. Operatives also witnessed CDF artillery firing towards Horsingen during OP2507-11-1.

• Troop Misconduct: TFP operatives reported being mocked by CDF troops in Horsingen who refused to answer questions. Local residents allegedly confirmed this behavior.

• Demand for Apology: TFP demanded an official government apology for attacking civilians and posted photos of the destruction on their website.

Military Rebuttal: Protocols and Context
Vice Admiral Boris Kravchuck, Deputy Commander of the Chernarus Coastal Operations Group, directly responded to TFP's allegations:

1. On Artillery Strikes: Kravchuck vehemently denied any artillery fire landed in Horsingen, citing a strict "300-meter protocol". He explained that both forward observers calling fire and artillery battery commanders are trained and required to abort any fire mission where the impact zone is within 300 meters of built-up areas. A formal record would be made of any refused order, and Kravchuck stated, "We received no data on such an exchange."

2. On Gunship Fire: The Admiral acknowledged the inherent imprecision of high-speed gunship attacks (Mi-24s). "It is impossible to control where these munitions hit," he stated, blaming separatist tactics: "They know... the gunship will make such runs... [so] they will direct their vehicles into town." He also noted that secondary explosions from destroyed enemy vehicles (BMPs, BTRs full of fuel/ammo) contributed significantly to the destruction witnessed by TFP.

3. On Civilian Presence: Kravchuck asserted that civilians typically flee villages before major combat, except when prevented by separatists. This implicitly challenges TFP's accounts of civilians being present and targeted.

4. On Troop Conduct: While promising to "look into" the allegations of troops mocking TFP operatives, Kravchuck expressed skepticism: "I doubt the stories... are true."

Unresolved Contradictions
The battle for Horsingen resulted in a clear, albeit costly, military victory for the CDF, significantly degrading separatist forces in the area according to their own assessment. However, the TFP allegations and the stark evidence of heavy damage to the village raise serious questions about the conduct of the operations and the protection of civilian infrastructure. The fundamental contradiction – TFP's eyewitness account of artillery damage versus the military's absolute denial based on strict protocols and lack of incident reports – remains unresolved. The fate of Horsingen's civilians during the intense fighting and the circumstances surrounding the extensive destruction of their homes demand further independent investigation.

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.