2022 Holyn invasion of Kifathe

2022 Holyn invasion of Kifathe
Part of the 2022 Holyn-Kifathe crisis
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 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.

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

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.

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.