Orinoccovian Civil War
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| Orinoccovian Civil War | |||||||
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 | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
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Orinoccov Government Jautia (After February 10th) |
Supported by: | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Pepe Vermeer  Oswald Prince Martin Bosch Jacob Rubens |
Michael van Rjin Max Anke | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
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Orinoccov Government 230,000 Soldiers 120 Artillery 340 Tanks 270 Other Heavy Weapons 21 Aircraft Liberto-Ancapistan7,500 Soldiers 28 Artillery 58 Tanks 180 Other Heavy Weapons 32 Aircraft Suryadweep 4,500 Soldiers 18 Artillery 12 Tanks 40 Other Heavy Weapons 16 Aircraft Oktadonia 2,000 Soldiers 9 Artillery 4 Tanks 21 Other Heavy Weapons 16 Aircraft Jautia 5,000 Soldiers 17 Tanks 95 Other Heavy Weapons Native Orinoccovian Council 9,000 Soldiers 2 Artillery 3 Tanks 70 Other Heavy Weapons |
True Orinoccovian Kingdom 450,000 Soldiers 260 Artillery 645 Tanks 580 Other Heavy Weapons 110 Aircraft | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
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75,000 Soldiers 57 Artillery 194 Tanks 218 Other Heavy Weapons 23 Aircraft |
180,000 Soldiers 102 Artillery 271 Tanks 320 Other Heavy Weapons 78 Aircraft | ||||||
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The Orinoccovian Civil War was a war fought in Orinoccov over the succession of Grand Duke Milan van Rijn.
Background
On December 21st, 2024, Grand Duke Milan van Rijn died of natural causes in his house. He was well-loved by and a figurehead for the Orinoccovian people. His unexpected death left a power vacuum causing unease, and even unrest among certain groups of the public. The Grand Duke had proclaimed Pepe Vermeer, his adopted son, his heir. However, the Van Rjin political group was uncertain about proposing someone who was not of Van Rjin blood. Some began proposing that the successor should instead be Michael van Rjin, who was actually of Van Rjin blood. Unable to come to an agreement, the Van Rjin political group, which previously held de-facto political hegemony over Orinoccov, fractured itself into two opposing groups. The Van Rjin monarchy group backed Michael van Rjin's claim to Grand Duke, while the Democratic Vermeer-Rjin group backed Pepe Vermeer. Both groups had a large amount of political clout, for Pepe Vermeer was previously ambassador and representative of Orinoccov to the United Federation of Telrova, while Michael van Rjin was a merchant who was establishing an increasing amount of control over the trade of Orinoccov's coast. Political debates devolved with both candidates loudly publicly arguing about who is the rightful successor to Milan van Rijn. On election day, Pepe Vermeer was elected with 53% of the vote. Two days latter, Milan van Rijn would launch a 20 000 man strong rebellion against the Vermeer government, claiming his rule is illegitimate due to his lack of van Rijn blood.
Timeline
Uprising and First TOK Offensive
Micheal began his offensive in the north and was able to take the town of Alzee in the first day. The next day, the Orinoccovian Modern Mercenary Company swore allegiance to Micheal, providing the rebellion with experienced trained troops and an abundance of heavy weaponry. Spurred by confidence, the rebels entered Asmeer, engaging in urban combat against government forces. Attempts at evacuating civilians were made, but were largely unsuccessful. By the end of the second day, rebel forces had captured and established themselves in both the Asmeer and Havenjuweel military bases. The rebels officially branded themselves under the name of True Orinoccovian Kingdom or TOK, establishing a provisional government with Hollandorf as their capital, and Michael van Rjin as leader. Over the next 3 days, TOK would push through the under prepared government forces in a campaign which would become known as The Northern Blitz. Within 5 days, TOK had asserted their control over almost the entire northern half of the country.
The Stable Front
Continued Combat
Government forces would continue to suffer humiliating defeats, including a particularity painful loss at the battle of Fort Rjin. That same day, Pepe Vermeer delivered an impassioned speech, calling on the people of Orinoccov to rise up and fight for sovereignty and democracy. TOK progress was significantly slowed due to government bombing raids on TOK positions. TOK also found themselves unable to counter the government fleet, and saw several ships lost in aggressive naval battles. In response to the slowing, TOK changed it's tactics, and began relying heavily on artillery fire. The city of Vertland found itself destroyed by heavy barrages. Pepe Vermeer used emergency powers to take direct command of the government army. He also appointed Andrew Bruegel as a new state general.
Locotimian Aid
On January 3rd, ally of Orinoccov, Locotima announced it would transfer RAF Fighter Jets and battleships to the government. As the government began to find itself more and more beaten back and overwhelmed by TOK forces who now outnumbered them, the government hopped aircraft and ships would allow them to maintain control of the fronts where they still had power, the sea and the sky.
Situation in TOK controlled territory
Around this time, civilians fleeing TOK began arriving in the south and giving the world a better image of the situation in TOK controlled territory. A full lockdown was being imposed upon civilians as the TOK began to attempt to indoctrinate civilians via propaganda.
Opperation Sea Kraken
On the 6th of January, TOK began a campaign known as "Sea Kraken" in which massive bombing raids were carried out on southern ports. The ports were majorly incapacitated by the campaign, with both military and civilian traffic being required to be redirected to smaller secondary ports, but it largely failed to cause significant damage to the government fleet, as very few ships were sunk by the raids. By the end of Sea Kraken, it was reported that most of the navy was still ready for combat, though they were repositioned to places where they would be harder to hit as a precaution.
Foreign Interventions
UFT Intervention
On January 8th, Oswald Prince announced the United Federation of Telrova had agreed to approve an intervention in Orinoccov in order to support the government in stopping the illegal insurgency. 3 UFT nations, Liberto-Ancapîstan, Suryadweep and Oktadonia contributed personnel and equipment to the intervention force. With the support of UFT forces, the government began a total blocked of the north in an attempt to drain TOK through a war of attrition. TOK attempted to continue areal bombings, but found began to find themselves routinely shot down but anti-air and UFT fighters. Government forces also began counter-attacks against the north, advancing, conducting scorched earth, and then retreating.
Daralnian Involvement
It was discovered that Daralnian general Max Anke had been sent by Daraln to TOK, and was now leading TOK forces, using his expertise. This involvement would prove to be controversial.
Jautian Humanitarian Mission
Jautia remained neutral, but did agree to send humanitarian aid for the civilians affected by the conflict. They landed in government controlled Nieuwehoop before making an expedition northwards towards the front and the city of Waldengen.
Winter's War
With the January weather becoming increasingly difficult to manage, both sides dug into trench style warfare, as supply lines on both sides became strained and stocks ran low. A continued UFT supported government blockade continued to prove especially painful for the TOK, who was struggling to get the basic supplies it needed.
Civilian Uprising
On January 11th, a pro-government uprising led by Jacob Rubens began in TOK controlled territory. Transmitting a radio message simply saying "we are free", they stormed several government buildings in Burgseen and temporarily asserting control of the inner city. Civilian militia units would clash with TOK forces for days to come, as they engaged in various guerrilla tactics. Within 4 days the TOK managed to almost entirely squash the rebellion, but in doing so TOK had to take its attention and troops away from the frontline, weakening its position.
The Duel of the Greats
In what is largely considered one of the largest and most significant battles of the war, government-UFT forces under the command of famed general John Mondrian encountered TOK forces under the command of Max Anke just outside Asmeer. The much anticipated battle between the two great generals began on January 15th. A naval bombardment was attempted, as government ships attempted to sail up the Pas River, but were spotted and forced to retreat. Max Anke prepared himself by blocking all the roads with firing positions in order to reduce the possibility of government forces maneuvering. Both armies would attempt charges and encirclements, but with each attack being repelled by the other, the battle stood at a stalemate. The two armies would remain in battle until the 23rd of January, at which point, during an attempted manoeuvre, the government forces were ambushed by the TOK, who had come to know of their plans. The abush was a disaster for the government, and John Mondrian was wounded in action. Soon after, the battle would be over and the Duel of the Greats would finish in a victory for Max Anke and the TOK.
Renewed TOK advances
Desperate for more supplies, the TOK began to push hard for any territory they could get. On January 19th TOK troops stormed the Zoetlaas defensive barrier and successfully broke through. Their advance was however slowed due to logistics complications from the civilian guerrilla attacks, and this gave government troops the time to regroup and counterattack, successfully halting their advance before it reached the province's major city. Vertland, while still under government control, continued to suffer from incessant shelling, and the TOK began also conduct bombing raids on the government's capital city of Nieuwehoop.
Government in Exile
Faced with TOK forces growing ever closer and more aggressive, Pepe Vermeer announced he would be evacuating himself and the government to Locotima in order to make sure the government would remain safe and able to command the army.
The Battle of Rosrick
On the 29th of January, the TOK attempted to take the city of Rosrick. Both armies lacked enough officers to properly command the battle, and lacked communication or a cohesive strategy. As such, the battle devolved into chaos, and while government officers and reinforcements would eventually arrive and push TOK out, claiming victory for the government, the battle would still be the bloodiest of the war.
Advances in Vertland
As the government blockade continues to press down on the TOK, they became more and more desperate to find a route for supplies. As most of their ports has also been bombarded, they began to make a push for the nearest government controlled port in the south of Vertland. TOK forces successfully defeated government defenders in urban combat and forced them to retreat, as TOK took control of the north of the city. They were, however, not sucessfull in taking the port, which was one of the most heavily guarded strategic points the government held.
The Jautia Incident
On January 30th, it was revealed that the Jautian humanitarian forces that had left on an expedition to Waldengen were under siege by TOK forces. It is speculated that due to the massive propaganda campaigns of the TOK, as well as the Jautian government's friendliness with Pepe Vermeer, the Jautian forces were interpreted to be hostile by the TOK troops and were fired upon. Despite calls for the siege to be let up and for the remaining Jautian workers to be allowed to safely leave the city coming from both the government and Jautia, Michael van Rjin refused to intervene and stop the siege. With no other option Jautia personally requested a rescue operation take place, and on February 10th, 20 000 troops, including 5 000 from Jautia, marched into the city in an attempt to make a corridor through which the humanitarian workers could escape. The operation was a success and the force, along with the rescued workers, returned to the defensive line. Despite their actions being largely viewed unfavourably, TOK refused to admit any wrongdoing for the incident, instead choosing to claim the Jautians were poisoning and indoctrinating the citizens.
The Native Orinoccovian Council
The Native Orinoccovian Council or NOC was a council formed to give the natives of Orinoccov a certain amount of independence and self-governance. The NOC initially announced it had no interest in supporting either side, in order to not jeopardize its status, and this neutrality was respected, as both avoided engaging on native land. But due to the increasingly concerning behaviour of the TOK, there began a large movement within the native community for the NOC to officially join the war in support of the Government. This movement was spearheaded by activist Martin Bosch until it culminated in a massive demonstration. A few days latter, the NOC announced its intention to officially enter the war on the side of the government. The NOC provided a much-needed replenishment of fresh troops enthusiastic to fight, allowing the government so sustain it's fighting and hold on to hope of victory.
A Turning Point
Building A Link
One of the first goals in the renewed government offensive was to create a land bridge connecting the forces in Maunau to Sowalkachila, which would also have the added benefit of splitting the TOK forces. Supplies were airdropped into Sowalkachila allowing the forces there to begin pushing outwards into the surrounding areas.
The Status of the TOK airforce
By late February, the TOK was beginning to feel the consequences of their aggressive use of aircraft in the early war. Their risky raids successfully damaged government infrastructure, but they often lost planes in the process, and by now they had lost most of their best aircraft. With UFT air defences in place, the TOK would struggle to conduct any new air operations past this point.
The Eastern Push
Government logistics, especially in the east, were significantly simplified due to supply lines now being able to pass through native land. By late February, the troops in Vertland were recovered and resupplied and ready to make a push to retake the city. On February 29th managed a breakthrough in Upper Vertland from where they proceeded to encircle almost the entirety of the TOK force in occupied Vertland, dealing a massive blow to the TOK. Elsewhere, general Jan Wildens would distinguish himself by successfully securing government control of the province of Odomek through his advanced tactics and relentless assault. Elsewhere, government forces also managed to encircle Fort Rjin.
The battle of Sint George
Government forces would once again meet on the battlefield with Max Anke, but this time it would be the new Jan Wildens who would face him, along with his veterans from Odomek. The forces met on March 11th, on opposite sides of the Soirent River. A single bridge provided crossing, however, it would likely be a deathtrap for either side which attempted to advance through it. The troops remained in a standoff for a few days until, at 9am under the cover of fog, Jan Wildens ordered all the AFV's he had at his disposal to begin pushing across the bridge. Using the fog and the element of surprise, the armoured spearhead pushed towards the TOK's artillery position. Realizing what had happened, Max Anke moved forward with his own mechanized brigades in an attempt to crush their advance. The Government infantry hit the TOK positions before proceeding to retreat north, leading Max Anke and his mechanized brigades to chase after them, abandoning the bridge. The TOK forces which remained prepared to charge across the bridge, but immediately upon crossing are met with heavy artillery fire. The heavy fire dealt significant damage to the troops attempting to cross the bridge, incapacitating their advance. Once again, using the lack of visibility to their advantage, the civilians, as instructed by the government, begin making as much noise as possible, to trick the TOK into believing a charge is imminent. Max Anke ordered his troops back across the bridge, in order to prepare for the incoming assault, but the government forces circumvent the bridge by crossing on log rafts. Upon their landing on the north shore, they overwhelmed the TOK forces, and dealing a humiliating defeat to Max Anke.
The Final Battles
The TOK would never recover from their catastrophic loss at Sint George. Nieuwehoop would become safe enough that Pepe Vermeer would return from his exile in Locotima to once again take direct command of the military. At Vento despite being in a numerical disadvantage, they were once again able to use deception and manoeuvrability to confuse, outsmart and encircle the TOK forces, in doing so capturing Michael van Rjin. The remainder of the TOK tore itself apart deciding his successor and eventually, on April 1st, the Nieuwehoop peace treaty was signed, putting an end to the conflict. Pepe Vermeer would only rule over reunified Orinoccov for 3 days, as on April 4th, before his speech in the presidential palace, he was assassinated.