1st Battalion, Parachute Regiment

Situation

We have been tasked to Somalia, the conflict has grown in the last 6 months, Over a year ago at the start of the conflict 43 RM Commando was first deployed alongside the UN to help stabilize the region, the conflict escalated and the UN was withdrawn as they were unable to provide peacekeeping operations and 43 Commando fought the rebels on their own, until they were rotated out and 2 PARA relieved 43 and deployed to the region, 5 months later it was deemed ‘Safe’ and they moved to the north to another AO. Governmental forces were supposed to keep control and protect the region and failed miserably. The rebels have now retaken ground and most of the control of the AO. Clashing in skirmishes actively with the now weary and under equipment governmental forces

“Ongoing conflict has erupted in the country the main causes are due to the long standing lack of law and order due to pirates operating in the Indian ocean and tipping the balance of political power in favour of local warlords”

We should also note this is NOT a religious war, All factions have Christian, Islamic and traditional African religions.


Situation AO

From the limited intel from NATO they estimate that there are at least 4 ‘rebel’ tribal groups that operate in the area and are unsure what their intentions are.
Two groups we are certain that operate in the area are from the rebel group of Obegen and Hariti, these ‘Tribes’ ethnic groups have been contesting for power in Somalia since the revolt started. Due to their pirating action in the last decade intel does suggest government hold the main cities with outlying regions (towns and villages) are held by local rebel forces.
In the area that 1 PARA will be deployed to the rebel hold the entire region, minus a few local police centres and possibly an army barracks (Intel not confirmed).

1PARA Mission

Disrupt and destroy the rebel factions ability and willingness to wage civil war (and commit genocide)
Support the Government of the Somalia in exercising its responsibilities and protect civilians.
Support the government in developing its capacity to provide security.

We have been given authorisation to conduct this conflict using any warfare 1PARA deem necessary within the rules of war.

Enemy Forces

Obegen - The main rebel force, controls the Western part of the AO
Hariti - Small force control most of the Eastern part of the AO
Boko Haram - East African version of Al Qaeda - Unknown in strength in the AO believed to be supplying both/all tribes with heavy weapons.



Friendly forces

1PARA = We are the only blue force in the AO.
UN - possibly deploying to the AO, unknown if and when

Other forces

PMC - Most of them are retired African/European Military service personnel. They tend to favour commercial equipment and limited camouflage clothing (bush hats) tends to drive black SUV’s
Government - Somaliland Army / Police - No information at this point on composition. Best estimate is to be armed with eastern bloc purchased weaponry, extremely low quality of training and unknown allegatinces.


The Chief of the Defence Staff has given 1PARA instructions that protection of our force is primary objective, when/if the UN mission collapses we are break off from the main UN force and consolidate our forces within the AO and await directive.

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