Mercenary I am the king

Chapter 1306 Fatal Flanking Force
Just half an hour before Song Heping and Lieutenant General Miller reached a deal, the 1515 army was advancing northward through the desert and hilly region northwest of Titrick.

The scene here is a stark contrast to the orderly atmosphere of Baiji, filled with the clamor of the victors and the desolation of the defeated.

The dry, hot wind whipped up dust, but it couldn't dispel the pungent smell of gunpowder, blood, and diesel exhaust.

Along the highway, which stretches for tens of kilometers, the scene is shocking.

Abandoned or destroyed vehicles were everywhere. Mine Protected Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles painted with Thunder Defense logos lay overturned in roadside ditches, their burnt wreckage still emitting black smoke. Some of the Kold'd armed pickup trucks were upside down, while others were burned to the skeleton. Scattered ammunition boxes, personal equipment, and even torn flags covered the road and the sand on both sides.

What's even more chilling are the fallen corpses, soldiers in different uniforms, forever left on this land in various contorted postures, many half-buried by sand and dust, with swarms of flies buzzing around them.

Some of the wounded, too badly injured to keep up with the retreating enemy, leaned against the wrecked vehicles or rocks, staring blankly at the sky, groaning softly or falling silent.

This is the most realistic depiction of a rout. Once an orderly retreat turns into a rout, casualties often occur on the way to escape.

Amidst this devastation, a massive and fanatical army is advancing with unstoppable momentum.

This is the main force of the 1515 armed group commanded by Ahmed.

These extremists traveled in a long, seemingly endless line of vehicles, ranging from captured American-made Humvees and MRAPs to modified Toyota pickups and trucks equipped with heavy machine guns, recoilless rifles, and even rudimentary rocket launchers.

The vehicle and its surroundings were crowded with armed men dressed in black or dark-colored clothing, wearing black hoods or Arab headscarves.

They waved their AK-47s and RPG rocket launchers, fired shots into the sky, and shouted excitedly and chanted religious slogans.

The black flag fluttered on the roof of the car, its white Arabic declaration standing out starkly against the sandstorm.

Beside a command Humvee equipped with armor, heavy machine guns, and numerous antennas, Ahmed leaned halfway out of the roof, holding binoculars, gazing at the faint outlines of villages and towns appearing on the distant horizon—the Hurmatu region.

The wind and sand whipped against his bearded face, but could not extinguish the burning light in his eyes.

His radio was filled with excited reports from various unit commanders:
"The vanguard has reached the Salah al-Din River crossing and encountered no resistance!"

"Right-wing groups have captured K town and seized a large quantity of ammunition!"

"Warriors of Allah, Hurmatu is just ahead! Speed ​​up!"

Each message fueled his lust for power and sense of "mission."

Titrick's victory not only dealt a heavy blow to the forces supported by the Americans, but also greatly boosted the prestige of the "Islamic State" and solidified his position within the organization, second only to Bakdadi.

Taking Hurmatu would be another personal peak for him, and would also add a crucial piece to the map of the "Caliphate".

He picked up the microphone of another encrypted radio, tuned it to a channel directly connected to Supreme Leader Bakhdadi, and spoke with a tone full of respect and excitement:
"Revered Leader, may God bless you. Your warrior Ahmed reports to you: With God's assistance, Titrik has been completely purified, the armies of infidels and traitors have collapsed, and we are relentlessly pursuing them. Now, the banner of victory is guiding us toward Khurmatu! The defenders there are terrified, and we have absolute confidence that we will bring Khurmatu under the rule of the 'Islamic State' within twenty-four hours! This is the will of God, and the result of your wise leadership!"

"Very good, well done! Ahmed!"

Bakdadi's deep, slow voice came from the other end of the radio.

The 1515 leader, far away in Celia, gave Ahmed a brief praise and religious encouragement, and asked him to keep abreast of progress and pay attention to possible reactions from "other forces".

Ahmed put down the microphone, beaming with satisfaction.

Other forces?

What else can the Americans do besides dropping bombs from the sky?
The Ilgo government forces they support are separated from themselves by Ozam!
Russians?
They are more concerned about the coastal areas of Syria.

As for Song Heping...

Ahmed sneered. He might have some power in Baiji, but would he dare to leave the fortified oil refinery base and provoke the 1515 main force, which was at the height of its power?
Moreover, we now have a steady stream of aid coming in from Syria.

Unless he's crazy.

Thinking of this, Ahmed felt an unprecedented surge of confidence.

He then turned to the staff officer inside the car and gave the following order:
"Order the vanguard not to advance too far, and maintain overall formation pressure. Artillery units advance and, upon reaching their designated positions, immediately begin firing on the outer defenses of Hurmatu. Tell the spies inside the city to prepare for the bombardment to create chaos within the city and coordinate with our assault!"

"Yes, sir!" the staff officer responded loudly.

Victory seemed within reach.

The radio stations of the garrison in Hurmatu were already picking up panicked conversations and calls for help.

Ahmed could almost see the black flag rising over the Hurmatu government building.

However, just as he was brimming with ambition and preparing to issue the final orders before the general offensive—

Sudden……

"Commander! Urgent communication! Tuz Town is in distress! Tuz Town is in distress!"

A panicked voice suddenly came from the vehicle radio, originating from the rear communication node.

"Tuz town is under massive attack! The enemy has armored vehicles and heavy artillery! Identification confirmed... they are likely from the Persian Holy City Brigade! Their offensive is fierce; the outer outposts have fallen, and the town is being attacked simultaneously from the east and south!"

Ahmed's smile froze instantly.

Before he could process the news, another, more urgent call broke through: "Fairhart! Emergency in Fairhart town! We are under attack by elite mercenaries! Their firepower is extremely fierce, and their tactics are highly skilled. We can't hold them off! Requesting backup! Requesting immediate backup!"

Tuz?

Faith?!

Ahmed abruptly retreated into the car and lunged at the unfolded map. The staff officer had already nervously marked the two locations with red circles.

Touz, to the west of Titrick, controlled the flank passage and an oasis area; Fayhat, to the north of Titrick, guarded the main route to the desert and mountains.

These two places are not big cities, but they are like two nails driven into the joints of Titrick's outstretched tentacles.

More importantly, if these two points are firmly held by the enemy, the flanks and rear of his army advancing towards Hurmatu will be seriously threatened! The logistical supply lines may also be cut off!
"Song...he...peace!"

Ahmed spat out the name through clenched teeth, slamming his fist heavily onto the map, his eyes bloodshot with rage.

He understood everything!
Previously, Song Heping had remained inactive, and he had assumed that Song had suffered heavy losses in the pursuit of Baiji and therefore dared not provoke him.

It seems...

It's not fear at all!
It's all an illusion!
This cunning fellow had been waiting for the right moment, waiting for him to launch a full-scale attack, far from Titrick's stronghold, towards Hurmatu, before suddenly striking with ruthless precision at his weak point!

This is no coincidence; it's a meticulously planned conspiracy!
Attacking Tuz and Fehat would force him to divide his forces or return to reinforce them, thus thwarting his offensive against Hurmatu!
"Damn infidels! Despicable bastards!"

Ahmed launched into a tirade of curses.

Should we continue the attack on Hurmatu?

The risk is too great.

If Tuz and Fehat fall, and the enemy gains a foothold, or even continues to pressure Titrick, his army may be isolated beneath Hurmatu, facing a desperate situation of being attacked from both sides.

If logistics are disrupted, an army of tens of thousands will collapse on its own without the enemy even needing to attack.

Return immediately to defend and recapture Tuz and Fayhat?
What about Hurmatu, which was almost within their grasp?
Is this how we give up a victory that's within our grasp?

Can a highly motivated army accept such an order?

Moreover, reinforcements take time to arrive. By the time the flank threats are cleared, the defenders of Hurmatu may have recovered, strengthened their defenses, or even received other reinforcements.

Ahmed's chest heaved violently as he stared intently at the two glaring red circles on the map, and the dotted line between them that vaguely pointed to his rear and flanks.

Song Heping's move was both accurate and ruthless, hitting him where he was most vulnerable.

He could almost see that Easterner far away in Baiji calmly manipulating this game through a map.

"Order……"

Ahmed's voice trembled slightly with extreme anger.

He made the difficult final decision.

"The vanguard continues to pressure Hurmatu, conducting reconnaissance and harassment, but postpones a large-scale siege. The right flank group is to be redeployed... no, the left flank group must immediately turn around and rush to the aid of Fehat! A portion of the central reserve is to be detached and swiftly reinforce Tuz! Tell the defenders of Tuz and Fehat to hold out at all costs until reinforcements arrive! God will protect the steadfast warriors!"

He had no choice but to divide his forces.

Hurmatu's offensive has been forced to slow down, and may even be aborted.

The enormous fruits of victory were snatched away just before they could be tasted.

"Song Heping...I will tear you to pieces!"

Ahmed stared in Baiji's direction, his eyes burning with resentment and madness. But he knew that right now, he had to deal with this deadly threat from his flank.

On the chessboard of this game, the initiative seems to be quietly shifting.

The sun had completely sunk below the horizon, and the desert was shrouded in twilight.

The unstoppable black torrent of 1515 armed forces showed obvious chaos and divergence not far from the city of Hurmatu.

Some continued to eye the city with predatory intent, but more vehicles and people began to turn around, filled with resentment and anger, kicking up clouds of dust as they sped towards the direction they had come from—the direction of Tuz and Fehart.

Song Heping, far away in Baiji, soon received a report from the frontline reconnaissance unit about the changes in the movements of Unit 1515.

He walked outside the command post and looked at the new moon that had just appeared under the night sky.

Compared to the previous sandstorm, the air today is much fresher and more refreshing.

just now.

The crisis in Hurmatu has been temporarily resolved, or at least greatly alleviated.

The two thorns, Tuz and Fahit, have been driven in; now it remains to be seen how Ahmed will remove them and at what cost.

Next up is the contest between myself and Ahmed.

And Americans...

They gained a temporary respite, but also saw their own "value" and "means" clearly once again.

However, this power struggle in northwestern Iligo is far from over, and the raids on Tuz and Fayhat were merely a brilliant move.

The real test of patience and wisdom will come in the subsequent counterattacks, defenses, and behind-the-scenes trading.

The night in northern Iligor is still long and dark.

　Fourth update!!!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)