SHOCK AND AWE ON OCCUPIED ISLANDS With members of a fanatical Odinist organisation having taken up occupancy of three islands belongining to the order, namely Vestmanna , Ungbarnaklettur (the Baby Rock) and Fađirrokk (Father Rock). It is estimated that around 75 individuals claiming to be descended from Norse settlers who left the islands in the 13th Century had taken up residence even going so far as to declare themselves an independent nation. Following a string of military manouvers by the Union following provocative exercises arranged by the government of neighbouring Fleur it is understood that assets involved in rapid reaction forces to deal with any Fleur aggression were diverted for a surprise military action on Vestmanna.
At 6am local time a pair of
B-6 Agama bombers deployed a total of 120 freefall bombs onto the island. The aircraft were accompanied by a squadron of
F-30 Dhole aircraft who were utilised to carry out pre attack observations. Footage from one of the Dhole aircraft showed that the bombs largely fell on the small runway that existed on Vestmanna as well as the small harbour which had been used to help supply the island. The small settlement of 10 houses on the island were not targetted. Once the bombs had been dropped the Agama bombers returned to base while the Dhole continued to Fađirrokk were an estimated 15 individuals have been believed to have taken up residence in the islands cave network. The Dhole struck several areas around cave openings but it is thought no casualties were caused as a direct result.
At 7:30 am local time the four
H-53 Swan helicopters operating from the island of Novi Marof some 120km east landed a total of 120 troops on the island of Vestmanna. They were meet with no initial resistance however as the settlement was approached the troops took gunfire and retaliated. It is understood an extremely brief firefight began during which the Union's troops took full control of the island. In the aftermath 10 of those who had illegally claimed the island were dead with a further 22 requiring medical treatment, the remaining 43 were taken into custody. There were a total of 15 children under the age of 16 on the island all of whom are unharmed and now in custody. Meanwhile a force of a further 100 soldiers was landed on Fađirrokk were it is expected they will offer those on the island 24 hours to surrender before rooting them out from their positions.
Those arrested and unharmed have been charged with crimes including treason, terrorism and immigration and firearms offences. The ring leader, Elvar Odinsson, is a citizen of Nya Aland and as such can not be charged with treason however two of his comrades are citizens of the Drenovian Union and prosecutors have said they are likely to seek the death penalty in their case. Pero Zorić who is the Commander of the Household for the Order of Oak has stated that he believes all those involved over the age of 16 should be executed. "We have seen an attempt to once more seize our homeland by foreign religions in order to impose their faith. This has seen nations like Fleur further seek to impose their will upon the world. A message needs to be sent. The Union will live in peace with anyone of any nation or faith but we will not yield one grain of sand to those who would take away our soil." The King is currently in Cassiopeia meeting the monarchs of several nations and is understood to have ordered the operation prior to his departure.