2022 Holyn invasion of Kifathe

2022 Holyn invasion of Kifathe
Part of the 2022 Holyn-Kifathe crisis
Top photo: A Holyn SOKO So-21 attack aircraft taking off from an air base in Skoskie. Bottom: Holyn troops in the city of Nzeho.
Date 21 September - present Location Skoskie, Holynia and Kifathe Status Ongoing
Belligerents
Holynia CUK Support: Wrutesh	Kifathe Support: Simtambe West Wrutesh	BTUW
Commanders and leaders
Renáta Mišurová (PM) Oliver Rezek(DM) Rostislav Čanda(FM) Miloš Stejskal(CODS) Václav Holeček(LC) Hodari Ekwensi Hansie Cloete	Shany Okiro Shafira Sekibo Mosiya Iweala Nikhil Nhlahla † Bongani Nqobani	Jaleel Nnamani Zuwena Bamgboshe
Strength
Holynia: 530,871 (Active military) 821,703 (Reserve) 62,187 (Skoskie Guard) 81,000 (Royal Skoskie Police) 35,000 to 45,000 active and reserve personnel deployed to Skoskie. CUK 15,000 Wrutesh: 71,043 (Active military) 15,100 (Reserve) 105,000 (Paramilitary)	Kifathe: 270,000 (Active military) 500,000 (Reserve) 1,000,000 (Militia) 75,000 (National Police)	WSLF: 19,500 rebels

The 2022 Holyn Invasion of Kifathe is an armed intervention in the Kifathe Civil War by the Holyn military. The current operation formally began on 5 September 2022. The aim of the operation is to forcibly end the fighting between the Kifathe government and various rebel groups scattered across the country. Holynia's overseas territory of Skoskie saw several spillover incidents in the preceding years leading to both civilian and military deaths. Tensions rose in 2022 as a result of these spillover events, a water dispute and a growing refugee crisis resulting from the civil war. The invasion has led to varying levels of international support and condemnation against Holynia. The International Assembly's Security and General Councils failed to pass resolutions condemning the invasion. The Navron Union condemned the invasion, but did not issue sanctions against Holynia.

Background

Main article: 2022 Holyn-Kifathe crisis

Water crisis

Main article: Western Navron water crisis

Eastern Skoskie's water supply is heavily reliant on the Pungasha River, which lies in Kifathe. The 2012 Chumwek Dam opening caused the water supply for Skoskie to drop, but remained within acceptable levels. Holyn government officials reached a deal with Kifathe in 2016 to maintain an adequete flow of water to Skoskie for 50 years. In the summer of 2021-22, a drought hit the region, causing immense damage to the Skoskie agricultural industry. Distributary's within Skoskie had completely dried up by January 2022. The drought and heat wave led to almost 100 deaths in Skoskie. Holyn government officials attempted to negotiate a deal to open up the Chumwek Dam to increase the flow of water, however, Kifathe refused.

The water issue became an issue as early forecasting for the 2022-23 summer showed a high chance of drought. Holyn officials again attempted to reach a deal with the Kifathe government in March 2022.

Invasion

Opening strikes

On the evening of 5 September 2022, Holynia's military began to attack targets throughout Kifathe. An opening volley of PS-17N land attack cruise missiles were launched from destroyers HMS Ledetz and HMS Úžín in the Gulf of Tammer. These missiles struck military bases and airfields in Kifathe. Holyn Vlach-Krejčí Vk-90 helicopters attacked Kifathe border posts in the early hours of 6 September.

In the early morning of 6 September, Holyn Air Force Aero Stežery AS-12 unmaned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) were spotted overhead of Pintwama. Explosions occured outside the Presidential Palace and the city's airport. Holyn PS-17 cruise missiles attacked the city's main power plant.

Several explosions were reported on roadways in Pintwama, conducted by Holyn drones. A few hours after the strikes, the Kifathe government reported the Defence Minister, Nikhil Nhlahla, was killed in one of these airstrikes.

Between 7 September and 10 September, Holyn manned and unmanned aircraft launched almost 300 air strikes throughout Kifathe. On 7 September, Holyn missiles struck an apartment tower in Pintwama. This attack resulted in almost 100 casaulties. The Pintwama International Airport was hit by Holyn cruise missiles on 7 September, disabling the runways and destroying the main terminal building.

Eastern Front

In the late afternoon of 6 September, the first Holyn ground troops crossed the border into Kifathe. The 1st Tank Brigade Combat Group, 1st His Majesty's Life Guards Tank Division, captured the city of Luama, which is situated along the border with Skoskie. The Holyn forces faced minimal resistance, mainly from police and scattered army units inside the city.

Much of eastern Kifathe is dense jungle, which was unsuitable for heavy mechanized formations. This meant the armored forces would be limited in what they could do. Instead, light infantry would be required to secure most of this region.

Battle of Lumegesa

On 12 September, the 1st Tank BCG, 1st HM Life Guard Division, advanced northward towards Lumegesa. A Republican Guards Brigade, along with roughly 2 brigades of regular Kifathe National Army, were stationed in the city.

Fighting began to take place on the outskirts of Lumegesa, where Holyn troops faced fierce resistance from Republican Guards and KNA troops. A Holyn HT-85BM tank was lost on 13 September. A SOKO So-21 was shot down on 14 September east of Lumegesa. On 15 September, a Holyn Aero Stežery AS-94 was shot down over Lumegesa.

On 16 September, Holyn troops engaged in close quarters fighting with Kifathe troops throughout the southern portion of Lumegesa. Holyn artillery began regular attacks on the city. A police station was destroyed by a Holyn missile strike on 17 September.

On 20 September, Royal Holyn Marines Special Forces troops ambushed a Republican Guard convoy north of Lumegesa.

On 21 September, Holyn troops began crossing the Chumwek River in central Lumegesa. Kifathe sappers blew several bridges, delaying the advance of Holyn troops. By 22 September, the entire city south of the Chumwek River was captured by Holyn troops.

Kifathe mortars struck a Holyn forward operating base south of Lumegesa on 23 September.

On 24 September, Holyn forces began advancing to the west of Lumegesa. The 21st Guards Tyszowce Motor Rifle Division captured the Lumegesa airport on 25 September.

On 4 October, Lumegesa had fallen to Holynia. Sporadic clashes continued between Kifathe militias and Holyn troops.

On 9 October, the Holyn military began to advance northward towards the capital.

Western front

Holyn laser guided artillery and cruise missiles destroyed a military base south of Mayuko. On 11 September, Holynia intesified strikes on the city of Mayuko.

On the evening of 11 September, Holyn Ground Forces crossed the western border with Kifathe. The Holyn forces on the western front consisted of eight Brigade Combat Groups. These BCGs were formed from the 5th Guards Trutnov Tank Division, 15th Guards Hankovce Light Rifle Division, 19th Guards Bystrica Motor Rifle Division, and 46th Guards Rašov Motor Rifle Division.

A contingent of forces assaulted the Chumwek Dam on the morning of 12 September. Kifathe troops withdrew from the dam on 13 September. By 14 September most territory south of the Chumwek River in western Kifathe had fallen to the Holyn military.

Kifathe troops marching towards Mayuko.

On 15 September, Holyn forces began crossing the Chumwek River directly east of Mayuko. By the evening of 15 September, Holyn conventional artillery was within range of the city.

On 16 September, a single Kifathe Air Force Dassault Mirage 2000 intercepted two Holyn SOKO So-21 close air support aircraft east of Mayuko. One SOKO So-21 was destroyed, while the other aircraft landed undamaged. A pair of nearby Holyn Aero Stežery AS-100 fighters shot down the lone Mirage.

On 17 September, four SOKO So-210 strategic bombers launched 20 PS-51 cruise missiles at targets around Mayuko. One of these strikes destroyed the main power plant for the Mayuko region.

Holyn aircraft bombed a hospital Ruhenho on 18 September, killing roughly 45 civilians. On 19 September, a church in Kaselenzi was destroyed by a Holyn cruise missile. The attack killed roughly 100 civilians. The church was being used as a evacuation point for civilians from around Mayuko. Holynia later blamed the incident on poor intelligence and outdated maps.

Battle of Kayayi

Holyn troops moved on the town of Kayayi, which is adjacent to a key road interchange of the Mayuko-Kamri highway. The 1st Tank Brigade Combat Group of the 5th Guards Trutnov Tank Division captured the highway interchange, while a Brigade Combat Group of the 19th Guards Bystrica Motor Rifle Division led the assault on Kayayi. Holyn 155 mm artillery and 122 mm MLRS attacked positions of the Kifathe military inside Kayayi. By the morning of 23 September, the town was under Holyn control.

Battle of Mayuko

Main article: Battle of Mayuko

The Holyn 5th Guards Tank Division, 19th Guards Motor Rifle Division and 46th Guards Motor Rifle Division advanced to the outskirts of Mayuko on 24 September. On 25 September, Holyn reconaissance units managed to enter the city itself and faced sporadic resistance. These units withdrew back to their previous positions later in the day. Holyn artillery began shelling the city on 25 September.

Soldiers of the Holyn 19th Guards Motor Rifle Division during combat operations in Mayuko.

The city was initially defended by the remnants of the 3 Infantry Brigade and 15 Infantry Brigade of the Kifathe National Army. These units faced desertions and low morale. On 26 September, the initial reinforcements of the Kifathe military began to arrive in Mayuko. The 6 Mechanized Brigade arrived, equipped with Saurer 4K 4FA armored personnel carriers and SIBMAS infantry fighting vehicles.

Holyn Air Force SOKO So-21 attack aircraft struck Kifathe convoys heading to the city. Civilian evacuation convoys were also struck by Holyn attacks. 46 civilians were killed when their bus was hit by a Holyn bomb.

On 28 September, Holyn forces captured the southern portion of the city. On 29 September, Holyn tanks attempted to advance into the city, but were repelled by anti-tank missiles.

Two Holyn aircraft, a Aero Stežery AS-83 and a SOKO So-21, were shot down over Mayuko on 30 September.

On 1 October, Holyn troops reached the center of the city, with sporadic clashes continuing in the northern outskirts of Mayuko. Holyn tanks managed to storm through the main north-south road through the city. Some Kifathe forces made a last stand in an apartment building in the northern part of the city.

By 2 October, Mayuko had fallen to Holyn forces. The Holyn Ministry of Defence confirmed the city was under their control. Electricity and water were no longer functioning in Mayuko.

Central Kifathe

The Holyn forces that had concentrated in the south of Kifathe had captured their first objectives, the cities of Mayuko and Lumegesa. They began to refit and prepare for a northward advance towards the capital city.

On 12 October, Holyn forces advanced towards the city of Kiamlo. They captured the villages of Ruhanma and Kilebule on 12 October.

Battle of Pintwama

Aerial bombardments on the capital had tapered off after 15 September, with limited strikes continuing thereafter. The majority of government and military facilities had been damaged or destroyed. Holyn aircraft prioritised front line strikes in support of ground forces objectives. Only 8 cruise missiles were launched towards Pintwama between 15 September and 8 October.

On 8 October, a second round of aerial bombardments on Pintwama began. Various structures were targeted, some suspected of being adhoc military command centres.

The Kifathe Ministry of Security headquarters in Pintwama was destroyed by a Holyn air strike on 9 October. A palace of President Okiro was destroyed on 11 October. Several air defence sites around Pintwama were destroyed between 11-12 October.

The Holyn Air Force lost four aircraft between 10 and 12 October.

A massive aerial bombardment occurred on 15 October, with roughly 80 cruise missiles launched towards Pintwama. The Parliament building was struck and later engulfed in flames.

Northern Front

On 2 October, an amphibious landing occured along the northern Kifathe coast. Holyn loitering munitions struck Kifathe military bases housing the 9 Mechanized Brigade. In the morning of 2 October, a helicopter formation of 30 helicopters, mainly Vlach Vl-20 transport helicopters, assaulted the Port of Kapsogoma. The assault force consisted of the 51st Guards Air Assault Brigade and 67th Guards Air Assault Brigade of the Holyn Air Assault Forces. This force had deployed from the HMS Prince of Brezovička landing helicopter dock and various other landing ships positioned around the northern Kifathe coast.

The port was swiftly taken by the Holyns after a brief battle with the local police and scattered Kifathe military. 1 Holyn soldier had been killed and 21 wounded.

By afternoon, the HMS Sliačany and HMS Rychnava amphibious transport docks and HMS Krušetnica and HMS Rovinka landing ships arrived at the Port. The 5th Guards Marines Brigade and 8th Marines Brigade began to unload at the Port.

The HMS Krušetnica deploying Marines in Kapsogoma on October 2, 2022.

Kifathe launched a counter attack, with elements of the 9 Mechanized Brigade and 10 Infantry Brigade being deployed towards the city. By the evening of 2 October, they were 30 km from Kapsogoma.

Meanwhile, the HMS Zábidovo, HMS Nemšová and HMS Homok landing ships supported an amphibious assault on a beach west of Kirebi. Kirebi is 50 km to the west of Kapsogoma. The 6th Marines Brigade and 7th Guards Marines Brigade were involved in this operation. This region was under the control of BTUW rebels.

On the morning of 3 October, the Holyn Air Assault troops in Kapsogoma launched a new assault on the Kapsogoma International Airport. After seizing the airport, the Kifathe counterattack force reached the outskirts of Kapsogoma. Clashes were reported around the airport in the late morning of 3 October. The main Royal Holyn Marines assault force linked up with Air Assault Forces at the airport. By 4 October, the Kifathe attack had been repelled. Kifathe aircraft were able to conduct air strikes on Holyn positions in Kapsogoma.

On 4 October, the Holyn forces that landed west outside Kirebi had captured portions of the Kirebi-Kapsogoma motorway,

Additional heavy equipment for the Marines began to arrive in Kapsogoma. In addition, the 21st Guards Tyszowce Motor Rifle Division had deployed to the city, arriving by ship and aircraft. These reinforcements were meant to secure the city and enable future advances.

Air defense had been provided by the HMS Vanov guided missile cruiser, HMS Štramberk and HMS Lapša guided missile destroyers. On 5 October, ground bases long range surface to air missile had been deployed to Kapsogoma.

On 7 October, Holyn forces launched a combined arms assault, seizing several villages along the Kirebi-Kapsogoma motorway. By the end of the day, the isolated Marines Brigades west of Kirebi had linked with the main Holyn assault force. Holyn forces had taken over 100 casaulties, with 46 confirmed dead.

Battle of Kirebi

On 8 October, Holyn troops defeated BTUW rebels in the village of Kwantu, 10 km from Kirebi. Between the Holyn forces and Kirebi lay roughly 3,500 BTUW rebels occupying various small villages. Prior to the Holyn invasion, this region was contested between the Kifathe government and the BTUW rebels. Routed Kifathe troops who were retreating eastward towards Kirebi came under attack from the BTUW.

Holyn unmanned aircraft and loitering munitions targeted BTUW positions throughout the region.

Kirebi is home to roughly 2 million people and is the third largest city in Kifathe. It sits on the estuary of the Zeisa River. The city is the birthplace of Kifathe President Shany Okiro.

The Mayor of Kirebi, Mohlomi Nkoe, announced he would personally lead the defense of the city and formed a volunteer militia. The 72 Republican Guard Brigade arrived on 8 October to bolster defenses in the city.

President Shany Okiro made his first statement on the war since it began. Okiro vowed Kirebi would be a turning point in the war. The threat to Kirebi was significant and losing the city would cut the country off from vital sea trade. The 99 Brigade of the Republican Guard was also deployed to Kirebi on 9 October. The HT-65 main battle tanks of the Brigade were spotted in dugouts to the west of the city.

Kifathe security forces deployed around Kirebi.

In the morning of 9 October, Holyn rocket barrages began striking the outskirts of Kirebi.

A Holyn advance on Kirebi began, with an Tank Brigade Combat Group from the 17th Guards Tábor Motor Rifle Divison securing the Zeisa River's northern bridge. Holyn Airborne Assault troops captured the small village directly east of the brigde.

By evening on 9 October, Holyn troops were fighting Kifathe Republican Guard troops outside the Kirebi Stadium. The stadium was engulfed in flames after a Holyn airstrike. By morning on 10 October, fighting had died down as thunderstorms reduced visibility.

On 12 October, Holyn forces resumed their advance after a brief pause. This pause allowed an additional Brigade Combat Group to arrive from Kapsogoma.

On 13 October, Holyn cruise missiles strike throughout the city of Kirebi. International journalists reported that Holyn forces had captured the remains of Kirebi stadium and were slowly advancing into the city. Fierce street battles raged in the western outskirts of Kirebi throughout the day.

On 14 October, the remaining 3 bridges crossing the Zeisa River were destroyed or severly damaged by Holyn attacks. Holyn Aero Stežery AS-83E strike aircraft used guided bombs to attack these bridges.

On 15 October, a SOKO So-21 was damaged by a Kifathe SHORAD system, however the aircraft managed to return to base.

Order of Battle

All Holyn Ground Forces Brigades are organized as Brigade Combat Groups.

Holynia

• Operational Command (Army Gen. Pavel Volf)
• Operational Group of Forces West (Col. Gen. Martin Vykukal)
  • 1st Brigade Combat Group, 5th Guards Trutnov Tank Division
  • 2nd Brigade Combat Group, 5th Guards Trutnov Tank Division
  • 1st Brigade Combat Group, 19th Guards Bystrica Motor Rifle Division
  • 2nd Brigade Combat Group, 19th Guards Bystrica Motor Rifle Division
  • 1st Brigade Combat Group, 46th Guards Rašov Motor Rifle Division
  • 2nd Brigade Combat Group, 46th Guards Rašov Motor Rifle Division
  • 3rd Brigade Combat Group, 46th Guards Rašov Motor Rifle Division
  • 2nd Brigade Combat Group, 12th Guards Vlesek Light Rifle Division
• Operational Group of Forces East (Lt. Gen. Svatopluk Kozák)
  • 1st Brigade Combat Group, 1st His Majesty's Life Guards Tank Division
  • 2nd Brigade Combat Group, 1st His Majesty's Life Guards Tank Division
  • 1st Brigade Combat Group, 7th Guards Alexandr IV Motor Rifle Division
  • 2nd Brigade Combat Group, 7th Guards Alexandr IV Motor Rifle Division
  • 2nd Brigade Combat Group, 23rd Guards Tyszowce Motor Rifle Division
  • 1st Brigade Combat Group, 52nd Motor Rifle Division
  • 1st Brigade Combat Group, 30th Guards Posadov Light Rifle Division
  • 2nd Brigade Combat Group, 30th Guards Posadov Light Rifle Division
  • 1st Brigade Combat Group, 11th Guards Lopúchov Hussars Division
• Operational Group of Forces North (Maj. Gen. Jan Haušild)
• Royal Holyn Marines
  • 1st Marines Division
    • 5th Guards Marines Brigade
    • 6th Marines Brigade
    • 7th Guards Marines Brigade
    • 8th Marines Brigade
    • 4th Marines Tank Battalion
• Holyn Air Assault Forces
  • 26th Guards Air Assault Brigade
  • 51st Guards Air Assault Brigade
  • 67th Guards Air Assault Brigade
• Holyn Ground Forces
  • 1st Brigade Combat Group, 6th Guards Benedikt IV Motor Rifle Division
  • 1st Brigade Combat Group, 17th Guards Tábor Motor Rifle Divison
  • 1st Brigade Combat Group, 57th Guards Saskal Light Rifle Division

Kifathe

• Kifathe Armed Forces
  • Kifathe National Army
    • 1 Kifathe Division
      • 1 Armoured Brigade
      • 6 Mechanized Brigade
      • 10 Infantry Brigade
      • 11 Infantry Brigade
    • 2 Kifathe Division
      • 9 Mechanized Brigade
      • 2 Infantry Brigade
      • 3 Infantry Brigade
      • 15 Infantry Brigade
    • 3 Kifathe Division
      • 6 Armoured Brigade
      • 14 Mechanized Brigade
      • 7 Infantry Brigade
      • 8 Infantry Brigade
    • Republican Guard
      • 18 Brigade
      • 45 Brigade
      • 72 Brigade
      • 99 Brigade

Reactions

Supranational bodies

• Navron Union — The Navron Union Chairperson Lesego Nyathi condemned the invasion and called on both sides to "reach an immediate ceasefire". The NU Commission formally condomned Holynia and suspended its observer status within the NU. Imports from Skoskie into NU member states were banned until December 31, 2022.
• International Assembly — Secretary General Koyanagi Norio called on both sides to "cease hostilities". The IA called a Security Council meeting, however, Holynia vetoed a resolution to condemn the war. The General Assembly failed to pass a vote condemming the invasion, but a statement did pass the officially called for a ceasefire.

States

Cusco — The Cuscan government called for an immediate ceasefire. The State Department accused Holynia of manufacturing reasons to invade Kifathe, but did not condemn the invasion.