Aerial view of Podagorsk, image supplied from PFC Cianfrano of the 506th
Dateline - Febuary 10, 2015 IGT, Bolshevik, Podagorsk
Over the last two weeks US forces have began operations aimed at securing Podagorsk. So far, there has been two main pushes by American forces, who are backed by British and French supporting assets. The first assault into RPLA territory was made on the 1st Febuary by helicopter and mechanised infantry. This push appears to have been a massive success for the Americans, who captured the capital city of Zirnitra and the smaller town of Kovrov.
A disabled RPLA vehicle taken from the helmet camera of CPL T. Morris of the 30th IR
The battles of Zirnitra and Kovrov were then followed up by another assault two days ago which appears to have pushed RPLA forces further away from the South of the Peninsular. So far, we can report that in the insuring conflict, US forces have lost approximately 7 Service Personnel killed in action. The majority of these losses are reported to have came from US forces which were tasked with driving over the land bridge which connects Bolshevic to Podagorsk. It is reported that the US forces which were en route to capture Kovrov were heavily engaged before they reached their destination, and as a result of this, casualties were taken. From the banks of Bolshevic, one wrecked vehicle could be seen being towed away after the battle was over.
Inside a Bradley Fighting Vehicle, the vehicle which is spearheading the American assault into Podagorsk, taken from the helmet camera of CPL T. Morris of the 30th IR
Amidst the recent battles, one USAF helicopter limped back to base with apparent rotary damage, however, we can confirm that this CH-47F returned to base safely. At this time RPLA casualties are reported to be very heavy and the world watches to see how they manage to recover from such a spectacular defeat so early in the campaign. However, at this time, there appears to be no negotiation upon a peace on any side and so the war in Podagorsk continues.
The battle for Kovrov, CPL T. Morris spots burning RPLA vehicles in the distance while he stands next to a destroyed shack
Sadly, while the battles in the South of Podagorsk rage on, the people who continue to suffer are the unarmed civilians of the land. Although US forces are taking the utmost care when conducting battle, it is inevitable that sometimes civilians are harmed. Thus far, no civilian casualties have been reported, but we have unverified reports that buildings in both Zirnitra and Kovrov were damaged by both American air and ground forces. However, these reports are sketchy as before US intervention, there was a large number of reports cataloguing heavy bombardments by RPLA forces particularly in Zirnitra. It may well be that the town was already heavily damaged before US forces arrived.
Private First Class Cianfrano of the 506th captured this image and it is believed to be somewhere in Podagorsk. The young soldier is said to have been wounded in his first action but is recovering well.
So far, the battle for Podagorsk is being won by US forces, although, the situation could change at any moment. There is reports of a large build up of RPLA forces North of US positions, which could indicate a possible counter offensive in the coming weeks, however, at this time, the front is relatively quiet, and morale is very high amongst the men and women of the 506th Infantry Regiment.
Thomas Atkins - International Times - East European Branch
* This news report is a fictional work to support the 506th ARMA game play
