UPDATE: Zharan Declares Martial Law on Pohnarras; KFNS Ship Attacked - 27 Killed; At Least 112,000 Trapped in North Pohnarras; At Least 84 Civilians Killed
By Korra Ootzar
Summary of Key Developments:
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Martial law declared on Pohnarras Island by the Krauanaet.
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Federal Navy says 2 helicopters downed by insurgents and KFNS Tappatahwee disabled off the coast after being struck by an anti-ship missile, leading to casualties.
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Federal forces, including the Army and Navy, engaged in intense combat with insurgents.
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Evacuation efforts and humanitarian operations underway for affected civilians.
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Federal Army says at least 112,100 trapped in North Pohnarras.
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At least 84 civilians, 17 FPA agents, 34 Parnasos city police officers, 92 Kevpríg Provincial Guard members, and 35 Federal Navy sailors reported killed.
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Hundreds injured, with thousands unaccounted for.
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Mitallduk offers military and humanitarian assistance.
The crisis on Pohnarras Island continues to escalate as the Krauanaet declared martial law yesterday, responding to the growing unrest instigated by armed Red K militants. Federal forces, including the Army and Navy, are engaged in intense combat with the insurgents, leading to “significant casualties on both sides,” according to the Department of Defense. The measure grants command authority to federal forces, aiming to restore order, protect civilians, and apprehend those responsible for the violence. Krauanaet Lyra Zharan emphasized the necessity of martial law, stating, “Our primary focus is to bring a swift end to the violence and protect the lives of our citizens. Martial law is a crucial step to ensure the safety and well-being of the people affected by this crisis.”
The crisis has already inflicted a toll, including the downing of two Navy helicopters engaged in surveillance operations over Pohnarras. The Federal Police Agency (FPA) confirmed the loss of 8 Navy helicopter crew members during the incident. Eyewitnesses on the ground reported the helicopters engaging with armed insurgents before being hit by shoulder-fired Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs). In another setback, the Department of the Federal Navy reported today that the KFNS Tappatahwee, a Kevluarital-class littoral defense vessel, was struck by an anti-ship missile launched by the insurgents. The navy says the vessel is disabled off the coast of Pohnarras, with 27 crew members lost, and 21 evacuated to receive secondary medical treatment. Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Talon Kakoroa, expressed condolences and stated, “The Navy is deeply saddened by the loss of our crew members. We are fully committed to investigating this act of aggression and ensuring that those responsible face consequences.”
The FPA held a press conference yesterday confirming the loss of control in Northern Pohnarras Island and parts of Parnasos. Federal forces, including the Army and Navy, are actively engaging the insurgents in intense combat. The situation is fluid, with casualties reported among law enforcement, city police officers, Navy personnel, and Provincial Guard members. The Director of the FPA today said, “The situation on Pohnarras Island is rapidly deteriorating, with intense combat erupting across multiple fronts. Our agents, along with local law enforcement, are facing a relentless onslaught from well-armed insurgents. The loss of lives is tragic, and we’re doing everything in our power to restore order and protect civilians.”
Today the Federal Army stated, “We are facing a highly organized and determined adversary. Our forces are committed to restoring order, and we will spare no effort to bring those responsible to justice.” Federal forces, including the Federal Army and Navy, are actively engaged in intense combat with what officials are now referring to as “insurgents.” The situation has led to casualties among law enforcement, military personnel, and local police. At least 84 civilians, 17 Federal Police Agency (FPA) agents, 34 Parnasos city police officers, 92 members of the Kevpríg Provincial Guard, and 35 Federal Navy sailors have lost their lives. Many more have sustained injuries.
As federal forces engage insurgents, evacuation efforts are ongoing to ensure the safety of civilians. Authorities are facing challenges reaching most parts of North Pohnarras due to hostile forces. Evacuated civilians recount scenes of chaos and fear as they fled violence-stricken areas in. One mother, clutching her child tightly, recounts the terrifying ordeal, “Gunshots echoed through the streets, and we were running for our lives. My little one was crying, and I couldn’t stop to think. Federal forces were shouting at us to keep moving, but I saw people fall. It felt like a nightmare, but we had to keep going. As we were fleeing along the coast I saw a missile hit a navy ship… flames engulfed the vessel, and you could hear screams from the crew all the way on the shore. It… it was chaos. Black smoke started billowing into the sky. I can’t shake off the scene… the horror of it all… I am just glad he won’t remember,” she said as she gestured to her child.
A young man who evacuated from Parnasos, one of the most violent areas, describes the panic: “It was like hell broke loose. People were screaming, and you could smell the gunpowder in the air. I saw wounded civilians, and the sound of gunfire was relentless. We were running through streets filled with chaos, not knowing if we would make it.” An elderly woman, visibly shaken, recounts witnessing the violence in Parnasos, “I saw armed men in the streets, firing at anything that moved. The bodies… oh, the bodies on the ground. I thought I was dreaming. The authorities were doing their best to control the situation, but it was pure horror. I don’t know how I am here alive right now, it is a miracle.”
KFN correspondent on the ground, Amalia Takoahm, reported, “Civilians are caught in the crossfire, but federal forces are doing their best to assist. Evacuation points are crowded, and emotions are running high. The situation is dire, but there’s hope that the declaration of martial law will bring an end to the chaos.” She continued, “The Federal Army estimates that there are still at least 112,100 individuals trapped behind the frontline, and unable to evacuate safely.” Governor Luavi, in a press conference, made a heartfelt plea, “The situation is dire, and the people of Pohnarras are suffering. We need urgent assistance from the international community to bring an end to this nightmare. Innocent lives are being lost every moment, and we cannot face this crisis alone.”
An administrator from the World Forum who requested to remain unnamed issued an urgent appeal, “The scenes emerging from Pohnarras Island are deeply distressing. The international community must come together to provide immediate humanitarian assistance and support efforts to restore peace. The urgency cannot be overstated.” The Mitalldukish Ambassador said in a statement earlier today, “We stand ready to assist our Krauanagazan neighbors in any way possible. The situation is of grave concern, and regional stability is at risk. We urge all parties to seek a prompt and peaceful resolution.” Despite the grim realities on the ground, officials and civilians alike emphasize resilience and determination in the face of adversity. “We will not be intimidated by violence,” stated Governor Mitka Luavi of Kevpríg Province, echoing sentiments of solidarity and resolve echoed by leaders and citizens across the region.