2023 Sateroc conflict

2023 Sateroc conflict
Part of 2018-2023 Saterocian protests
Clockwise from top left: Smoke rises from Elmonton during heavy airstrikes on the city, an apartment complex in Kolkesburg following missile strikes by the FAS, helicopter of the FAS strikes ground targets in Coretas, mother feeds her child outside of Kolkesburg after fleeing the fighting
Date 21 April 2023 - present Location Kolkesburg, Coretas, Saroq, and other strategic locations in Sateroc Result Ongoing • Presidential palace, state TV, Kolkesburg International Airport, and Air Force HQ all seized by the AUN • Evacuation of foreign nationals
Belligerents
Sateroc • Saterocian Army • Saterocian Air Force • Saterocian Navy Vœyetska	National Unity Army Support Bentho
Commanders and leaders
Jonrov Mornes	Paul Cherov
Strength
75,000-100,000	60,000-85,0000
Casualties and losses
Unknown, at least 120 combatants dead	Unknown, at least 150 combatants dead

The 2023 Sateroc conflict is an ongoing conflict between the Armed Forces of Sateroc and the National Unity Army, a rebel factions that splintered from the army before the conflict started. It began on 21 April 2023, when a coup was attempted out in the capital city of Kolkesburg against President Jonrov Mornes's government, however, due to failed momentum, the coup attempt has become an internal conflict spreading to other parts of Sateroc, such as the city of Coretas. As of 4 May 2023, over 480 people have been killed in Sateroc, with at least 3,000 injured.

The fighting began just hours after a 48-hour ultimatum expired, delivered from Paul Charov, the current commander of the National Unity Army. The AUN launched surprise attacks in Kolkesburg, targeting essential infrastructure all throughout the city, using artillery, fighter-bombers, missiles, and ground attacks. After the first few hours of fighting, the AUN claimed control of the presidential palace and Air Force headquarters, along with Kolkesburg International Airport, and the Kolkos TV building. The AUN have also started a campaign within the city of Coretas east of Kolkesburg, with intense clashes reported, as well as the region of Saroq. The fighting between both sides has led the country to the brink of civil war.

Background

After a coup in 2019 which overthrew dictator Georg Puoc, an emergency election was immediately held, overseen by the military, in which ex-military commander and semi-popular politician Jonrov Mornes was elected to presidency. Mornes, who was previously a commander who presided over conflicts such as the Second Wheat War and the conflict in Cascutia, was accused of promoting genocide and war crimes in the region during his years in the military. In the months following up to the coup, Mornes, Charov, and other prominent military commanders would form the National Unity Council, a body of military commanders opposed to Puoc's regime which would see success in the 2019 coup which overthrew and arrested the dictator. Mornes formed a more civilian-styled government guided by the military in accordance with the May 23rd treaty, including both his own cabinet and a National Assembly which held legislative powers.

However, tensions between Mornes and Charov began to arise after Mornes pressured the National Assembly into firing the Minister for Labor and Economics at that time, Laur Haus, for criticizing his government, calling it "authoritarian" after Mornes successfully got the NA into passing laws that would grant him more powers. Charov called on Mornes to resign multiple times, however Mornes responded by threatening to fire him and other commanders allied to Charov. In 2023, after Mornes delayed the presidential elections for 5 more months following the 2023 Kolkesburg airport bombing, civilians erupted into protests, and eventually the case made its way up to the National Assembly a few months later, which threatened to impeach him, and most likely imprison him. During the pre-impeachment process, Mornes declared a state of emergency, and subsequently used his emergency powers to dissolve the National Assembly and arrest most of its members.

National Unity Army

Claiming to be a part of the "real" National Unity Council, the AUN broke off from Mornes's CUN on April 19th, 2023, to form its own armed wing of the political faction, and it saw the allegiance of at least 75,000 troops, mostly from local militias across the country who despised Mornes, along with some support from the Armed Forces themselves. Specifically, popular Air Force chief Nernev Chasques aligned himself with Charov after condemning Mornes's self-coup. On April 19th, Charov delivered a 48-hour ultimatum to Mornes, demanding he step down from power and hand over his authority to the AUN so they could allegedly form a civilian government. However, the ultimatum went ignored by Mornes, and throughout the 48 hours the AUN mobilized its loyal forces to cities such as Kolkesburg in a move thar Mornes called illegal. On the night of April 20th, the government ordered the AUN to leave its cities, however this demand went ignored.

Timeline

21 April 2023

Kolkesburg

See also: Battle of Kolkesburg

On 21 April 2023, the AUN launched a series of surprise attacks on FAS forces all throughout Kolkesburg at around 11:30 local time, with an influx of reports consisting of hearing explosions to seeing fighter jets launching attacks on the city's infrastructure. The AUN, hoping to gain the upper hand and force FAS to surrender quickly, swiftly seized the presidential palace less than 30 minutes after Mornes fled it under cover due to heavy clashes around the building. At 13:32, a video by an anonymous source was uploaded onto the internet showing AUN soldiers celebrating near the building's entrance. However, an SBN correspondent reported that heavy fighting resumed around the building even after the video was published. Mornes was evacuated to a more secure location just outside of Kolkesburg, in which he condemned the attacks and announced the dismissal of Charov and 12 other officers in the military.

Before having been captured by the AUN, Kolkesburg International Airport was evacuated and shut down by the FAS following confirmed reports of heavy fighting on the airport's runway, which later spread to inside the airport's compound. After a violent firefight in which several planes were severely damaged, the AUN announced that it had captured the airport despite conflicting statements from the FAS that said forces remained near the airport. Later in the day, the Saterocian government announced that all airports within the country were closing until further notice, and that the country's airspace was to be shut down to any foreign aircraft. The FAS also accused the AUN of using civilian airliners to begin transporting supplies to and from the airport, however Charov quickly denied these allegations.

Kolkos TV, Sateroc's state TV, was under control of the AUN by around 16:00, before the program restarted broadcasts, which consisted mainly of propaganda against Mornes and the FAS. Earlier, deadly fighting took place just outside the building, and part of it was even damaged heavily after shelling took the lives of eight civilians near the building, which prompted the FAS to withdraw forces from the area. However, this has neither been confirmed nor denied by the FAS, and instead it had been confirmed by SBN reporters reporting on the fighting in the area.

Elsewhere in the city, heavy clashes occurred, especially after the Air Force headquarters was captured by the AUN following a lengthy engagement between both sides. Chasques appeared inside the headquarters on live TV in order to make announcements, before the programming was switched to a biased reporting of the conflict. Fighter-bombers controlled by the FAS reportedly struck multiple residential buildings later in the day, killing at least 11 civilians and injuring a few more. An apartment complex was also heavily shelled for hours on end after AUN forces took refuge within the compound, resulting in more than six civilians dead. Bridges and roads leading in and out of the city were immediately closed, and both the AUN and the FAS set up numerous checkpoints in and around parts of the city they controlled. Reportedlty, civilians were prevented from leaving for a few hours before being allowed to leave once again.

Coretas

An apartment complex in Kolkesburg following missile strikes by the FAS

In Coretas, heavy fighting was reported as well, especially around the city's main airport, which both sides have so far claimed control of. Water supply heading to the city were quickly cut by the AUN after claiming control of a system of water pipelines which connected to the rest of the city. At night, power outages consumed the city for hours on end after scattered clashes at nighttimes took place. Mirnesc II National Prison, which currently holds Georg Puoc, was intensily shelled by AUN forces, which prompted an announcement from the government stating that it was planning on transferring to Puoc to another prison, away from the fighting. Many hospitals across the city were closed after the FAS and AUN clashed around those areas. A convoy of AUN military vehicles was stopped short on a large roadway by FAS forces, entrapping many civilians in the ensuing violence.

Saroq

In the Saroq region, the AUN rapidly took control in the region following a displacement of FAS forces due to fighting in Kolkesburg. In Elmonton, heavy fighting took place around populated centers, causing mass civilians deaths and large-scale evacuations. The Saroqi Capitol building was under AUN control by the end of the day, and across the rest of the Saroq region it was reported that the AUN controlled large swaths of land. As an eyewitness described it, "No matter where you go here, the AUN are in control everywhere. They seem to have won quickly, at least here."

Elsewhere

The FAS announced that AUN forces in Qaqarsville, Barellosgrad, Winsferala, and Chocineina has surrendered after short firefights forced them to cease fire. However, the AUN rebutted these claims, stating that their forces were in the process of reorganizing due to alleged incoming reinforcements. In Karinmaneno, light clashes were also reported, however they died down later that evening, and by the time it was dark, clashes in the city had largely ceased. AUN camps in southern Sateroc were also destroyed by the Saterocian Air Force.

22 April 2023

Throughout the early morning hours of 22 April 2023, whilst it was still dark, citizens allegedly either left their homes to gather supplies, or just fled the city in general before the fighting began once again. At least 2,300 refugees were reported to have crossed the border into neighboring Vœyetska, with refugee camps having been built along the border. A spokesperson for a humanitarian organization called the situation in Coretas "dire", due to the fact that the city was out of water and electricity.

Fighting once again began across the country, with heavy fighting continuing around the airport and presidential palace. The FAS stated that the AUN had failed to reach its original goal of a coup to remove Mornes from power. In Saroq, Elmonton became the target of heavy airstrikes by both sides due to rapidly escalating clashes within the city after the AUN claimed control of over 2/3rds of the region of Saroq. FAS naval forces heavily bombarded areas of Kolkesburg near the coast of Sateroc in the midst of violent and prolonged clashes that had been ongoing since that morning.

In Karinmaneno, short but deadly clashes erupted south of the city, which led to the partial destruction of a vital railway connecting Karinmaneno to Kolkesburg by FAS forces. AUN forces were quickly driven out of the city and forced to surrender.

Later that night, President Mornes officially addressed the conflict from a safe location, in which he condemned the AUN for initiating the fighting, and stated that their coup attempt had 'failed'. He also rebutted remarks made by other nations, saying that he was against the fighting and "for a civilian government". Later he said he was willing to allow a temporary ceasefire which would allow citizens to flee the fighting.

23 April 2023

Commander Charov claimed that his forces had taken control of 80% of Kolkesburg, saying that most, if not all government and military buildings were under his forces' control. The FAS rebutted these claims, with some commanders confirming that FAS forces remained near buildings such as the National Assembly and army headquarters. AUN forces siezed a weapons production center in southern Kolkesburg after heavy fighting was reported in the area, with some soldiers posting videos of AUN forces right outside the building's entrance.

By 13:00 local time, it was reported that FAS forces had retaken the Kolkos TV headquarters after intense fighting forced AUN forces to withdraw their forces from the area. Kolkos TV restarted regular programming, with live footage of the fighting and a biased reporting of developments in the fighting.

24 April 2023

Heavy fighting continued into 24 April, with no signs of slowing down. In Elmonton, AUN forces held conflicting claims about whether or not they captured Elmonton International Airport, with commanders either saying that they did capture it, or that they had captured "most of it". The FAS accused the AUN of sabotaging Saterocian civilian supply lines, after several domestic cargo ships caught fire in Port Hilluois in southern Sateroc. The AUN claimed that these attacks had been done by rouge AUN combatants acting outside of the AUN central command. Five civilians were killed after gunfire erupted in Mais Mall in Kulkesburg.

The city of Coretas saw a complete electricity blackout for several hours, before services were finally restored in some parts of the city.

25 April 2023

There was a lull in fighting for most of the day as a result of negotiations between both sides for a possible 12-hour ceasefire next day. Despite this, there was abrupt heavy fighting specifically in the outskirts of Kolkesburg. FAS forces reportedly took control of a health lab in Kolkesburg and dismissed all of its workers, sparking concerns of a possible biological disaster in Sateroc. This lab, also known as the National Laboratory for Health Research, contained dozens of deadly pathogens stored within its walls.

A truck carrying explosives was destroyed in gunfire somewhere in rural Saroq. FAS forces successfully evacuated the small town before it eventually exploded, causing minor injuries to 2 soldiers. Later that day, the FAS accused the AUN for being the side which caused the truck to detonate due to heavy gunfire.

The AUN claimed control of an airbase south of Coretas, capturing "over a dozen" fighter jets in the process.

26 April 2023

Following heavy fighting near a large military installation in Kolkesburg, the FAS announced that Georg Puoc, and around 10 other imprisoned Puoc affiliates were "missing". In response to this, both sides announced that separate searches were underway, and this also subsequently sped up ceasefire negotiations.

Both FAS and AUN officials announced that there would be a ceasefire in effect from 10:00 to 20:30 local time on 27 April in order to ease the humanitarian crisis, while also allowing for more effective search efforts.

27 April 2023

Despite a ceasefire in place, fighting was reported in Kolkesburg with gunfire having been heard near numerous hospitals. Mornes stated he would not negotiate with the AUN until "every last rebel had surrendered". Mornes also announced that the FAS would begin a campaign in order to recapture the presidential palace, conflicting with FAS claims that the AUN had lost control over the presidential palace.

A domestic civilian airliner transporting refugees was nearly shot down by fighter jets following a confusion over Saroq. There were also reports of increased violence between Cascutian rebel militias and Saterocian forces in Cascutia, however so far this has been proven to have no connection to the ongoing fighting.

28 April 2023

The FAS launched a series of deadly airstrikes early in the day, which continued sporadically further into the same day. The airstrikes caused numerous civilian deaths, and even more injuries, with the AUN claiming that the airstrikes were "ineffective against our forces". Multiple military aircraft were shot down amidst the airstrikes, with the shooting down of one reportedly causing a civilian death on the ground.

Fighting in Coretas dramatically intensified, with the entire city losing electricity for hours on end at times.

29 April 2023

Vœyetska, in support of the FAS, began the shipment of 7,500 troops to assist them against the AUN. Mornes welcomed the support, while Charov made no immediate comment. However, several AUN commanders fiercely lambasted the support, calling on the international community to denounce this.

In the midst of a lull in fighting, citizens looted numerous stores that had been shut down due to the ongoing battle in Kolkesburg. This prompted President Mornes to urge civilians to "remain calm", and warned looters of punishment. The AUN later claimed it had seized portions of an oil pipeline, which sparked fears of a potential oil crisis in the city. The local government of Elmonton also confirmed the loss of parts of oil pipelines to AUN forces.

30 April 2023

Heavy fighting continued all across southern Sateroc, with no signs of slowing. Small trenches outside Kolkesburg had been set up by the AUN, reportedly to "besiege" the city. Artillery strikes caused the deaths of at least 9 civilians in central Kolkesburg.

Later that night, Benethese officials confirmed the first successful shipment of aid to the AUN, which quickly prompted the FAS to begin preparations for a blockade of AUN ports.

1 May 2023

Smoke rises from Elmonton on 1 May during heavy airstrikes on the city

Heavy fighting was reported in Saroq as Vœyetskan forces entered the country in order to conduct military operations against the AUN in support of the FAS and Mornes's government.

Fighting also erupted in Coretas following a short period of relative silence, which left parts of the city without power following intense firefights around the city. The AUN reportedly captured a power plant just north of the city, and threatened to disable it repeatedly after FAS aerial forces struck the compound and surrounding areas.

In Elmonton, heavy airstrikes by the FAS were conducted leading to the deaths of at least 5 civilians, along with several more missing.

2 May 2023

Mornes claimed to have been the target of an attempted assassination by AUN gunmen near an undisclosed private residence in outer Kolkesburg, with the death of two personal guards confirmed by SBN sources. The AUN claimed that they had nothing to do with the attack, instead pointing fingers at rouge militants unhappy with Mornes. As a result of this, Mornes ordered the FAS to hold "no mercy" in the fighting.

The FAS conducted heavy airstrikes and artillery strikes on AUN targets, whilst the AUN claimed to have shot down two fighter jets over Coretas.

3 May 2023

Despite renewed heavy fighting, the Coalition of Crown Albatross Security Council passed Coalition Security Council Resolution 240, which would observe a potential ceasefire between both warring sides, along with the deployment of peacekeepers to the affected areas of conflict. The resolution was passed unanimously, 15-0, by the Security Council. Over 3,000 peacekeepers are to be deployed in the coming days.

Both Charov and Mornes stated they were willing to commit to an indefinite ceasefire if "conditions were right". Despite this announcement, heavy fighting continued, and Mornes was evacuated from Kolkesburg to his private island residence on Juinolle Island.

Evacuation of foreign nationals

The outbreak of violence in Sateroc, particularly in Kolkesburg, led many governments around the world to watch the situation carefully. Tens of thousands of citizens in the country are foreigners, either on trips outside of their home nation, or hold dual citizenship. However, following the death of Zamastanians Kurt Hillens and Barbara Eskenn, governments rushed to evacuate their diplomats out of Sateroc.

22 April 2023

Vœyetska became the first nation to evacuate diplomats from Kolkesburg shortly after fighting erupted, most likely due to both countries' proximity.

North Kandson reportedly evacuated over 500 citizens and diplomats from Kolkesburg.

24 April 2023

Zamastan's military carried out a special operation on the night of 24 April in order to evacuate their diplomats from Sateroc. Four TAH-473 Egret helicopters were involved in the swift operation, and reportedly less than 100 diplomats were evacuated. Emmiria also evacuated a number of nationals from Kolkesburg, however details about this particular operation are sparse.

Casualties

As of 4 May 2023, it is estimated by the Saterocian Medical Union that at least 482 have been killed, with at least 300 civilians dead, and unknown amount of troops dead. It was also estimated that at least 3,000 have been injured so far as a result of the heavy fighting. This includes at least 43 children that have been killed and more than 180 that have been injured. However, individual hospitals stated that the number of civilian casualties was "definitely larger than reported". Most of these civilian casualties have been in Kolkesburg, with a few in Coretas and many in Saroq. At least 11 were killed after a large-scale aerial raid on residential buildings by the FAS, which claimed that the AUN was the one responsible for the attack, and 12 more were killed on 23 April after a missile struck central Kolkesburg. Artillery strikes on 30 April killed 9 civilians in Kolkesburg. On 1 May, at least five civilians in Elmonton were killed after heavy airstrikes by the FAS in the city.

Foreign casualties

At least two Zamastanian citizens were killed in Kolkesburg after a missile struck from an unknown combatant in the war struck a residential building early on 22 April before an explosion was reported in the perimeter.

Humanitarian situation

Mother feeds her child outside of Kolkesburg after fleeing the fighting

The humanitarian situation in areas where clashes had been reported, especially Kolkesburg, has rapidly deteriorated following the start of fighting. Up to millions citizens have so far been affected across the southern parts of the country due to the conflict. Citizens have been unable to exit their homes throughout a majority of the day due to fears of getting caught in the crossfire between the FAS and the AUN. Multiple businesses were forced to close, and hospitals remain understaffed.

Kolkesburg

In Kolkesburg, heavy fighting has prevented citizens from exiting their homes, therefore causing a large-scale unprecedented food and water shortage. Many markets that originally sold food were forced to close, making the situation for people in Kolkesburg much worse. An ongoing internet shortage was reported all throughout the city, accompanied by regular power outages preventing citizens from turning on lights and making food. Those who did decide to venture out during the conflict were often unable due to roadblocks having been set up by both sides all throughout the city. Many hospitals were forced to go out of service due to high demands and low staff, with medications being put out of stock after a large wave of panic caused civilians to purchase all sorts of medications. Currently, there is a shortage of medication within the city due to this, along with low amounts of food and water.

Coretas

Coretas has received an ongoing power outage, accompanied by a large-scale water shortage after the AUN destroyed or disabled several water plants providing water to the city. The city's internet has been cut alongside the power, meaning that civilians aren't able to get the service they need in order to prevent deaths due to injuries from the fighting. On 22 April, a spokesperson for a humanitarian organization stated that the humanitarian situation in Coretas was dire. On 1 May, AUN forces captured a large power plant north of the city, threatening to disable it after several instances of FAS strikes near the compound.

Saroq

FAS forces across the region reportedly stole goods from civilians after having been defeated by the AUN on multiple occasions. Elmonton's mayor urged the international community to send aid to the region in order to help with supply shortages.

Saroq has also been used as a point for refugees to get into Vœyetska, leading to a concerning situation on their border with Sateroc.

Refugee crisis

By 4 May, approximately 45,000 civilians have fled the fighting in Kolkesburg, Coretas, and Saroq, with a large majority of them fleeing to Vœyetska. However, there were also any refugees who have fled Sateroc in order to find a suitable home elsewhere, while many more have been internally displaced. Additionally, at least 180,000 have been internally displaced.

Reactions

Domestic

National Unity Army(AUN): The AUN blamed the conflict on Mornes's inability to keep democratic and moral institutions within the country, and also blamed the current government for forcing the confrontation after Mornes dissolved the National Assembly. Commander Charov stated that he was open to possible negotiations, however that first Mornes must "be removed".

Saterocian Armed Forces(FAS): The Saterocian Armed Forces accused the AUN of conspiring against the state, and also accused Charov of attempting a "clearly failed coup". Charov and other commanders were immediately fired from their positions within the FAS, and the government later issued an arrest warrant for the men. A spokeperson for the FAS stated that the Armed Forces would "not hold back" on fighting the AUN.

President Jonrov Mornes: Mornes was reportedly shocked at the outbreak of fighting, and quickly urged the AUN to cease fighting at once. He was also moved to a more secure location by his presidential secret service following heavy clashes near the presidential palace.

Former dictator Georg Puoc: When told about the conflict on video, Puoc stated, "Without a man to lead Sateroc, this country has losrt any hope for itself."

International

• Bentho's President Nieto blamed the conflict on the President Mornes, stating that Mornes was a "dictator" and a corrupt man who "wants to fire his own men" and that his removal is "necessary to bring peace to the world". It is likely that the AUN will receive Benethese aid following a senate vote on the matter.

• Emmiria: Emmiria closed its embassy and evacuated its diplomatic personnel when fighting engulfed Kolkesburg, and President Akram Sulaiman called for an end to the fighting.

• Molenia closed its embassy and other diplomatic missions in Kolkesburg, with President Shayne Link calling the crisis "terrible" and urging an end to the conflict.

• North Kandson's President Jefferson stated, "We are closely invested in the conflict to our north, we are seriously concerned about the possibility of war crimes being committed by either side in Sateroc". The nation's military was put on "full defensive measures", and the North Kandsonian government criticized Vœyetskan involvement in the conflict, claiming it was a "dangerous escalation with the potential to ignite long simmering geographical tensions in the region of northeast Euronia".

• Shoassau's Prime Minister William Eurenne called for a CCA resolution on the conflict, along with a peacekeeping force to enforce stability in the region.

• Unified Sera condemned "any actions that seek to undermine or diminish essential rights" right before clashes began, most likely referring to Mornes's self-coup

• Vœyetska called the AUN's attack on FAS positions "rebellious activity" following the start of fighting and the wave of refugees entering Vœyetska. On 28 April the Vœyetskan Riksdag allowed President Dexter Emilsson to send military force into Sateroc with the intent of "discontinuing the insubordinate behavior of the National Union Army". 7,500 Vœyetskan troops left for southeast Sateroc, with some of these forces going towards Kolkesburg. President Emmilson also expressed concern over the situation regarding Georg Puoc's disappearance.

• Zamastan evacuated its embassy and other diplomatic missions to Sateroc following the beginning of fighting in Kolkesburg. Zamastanian Secretary of State Chantelle Carson stated "the Zamastanian government, our allies, and the Coalition of Crown Albatross will hold seriously any act which constitute crimes against humanity, including the unwarranted and barbaric massacre of civilians. Our stance, while steering out of direct intervention, is that the situation in Sateroc has degraded substantially and President Mornes is walking a thin line of tyranny, and we support a democratic system which removes such tyranny." Several naval ships were deployed near Saterocian waters to monitor the conflict and any possible escalation in the fighting.