Mercenary I am the king

Chapter 1228 Mobile Warfare

It's 12:15 at night.

Fifteen kilometers outside Hurmatur, in an abandoned farm, Song Heping set up his temporary command post.

Instead of staying in the stuffy command vehicle, Song Heping moved a folding chair and sat in the shadow of a half-collapsed earthen wall. On the ammunition box in front of him was a combat map with dense markings. Next to him were an emergency light, an encrypted military laptop, and a satellite phone.

He held three intelligence summaries from different sources in his hand, his gaze sweeping back and forth between the different colored markings and the slightly contradictory data.

One of the messages came from Afanti, a Persian ally, via an encrypted channel. In the message, Afanti confidently claimed that the garrison at Hurmatu had increased to 7,500 men, and that at least one battalion of elite "foreign mercenaries" had arrived.

The other document, "helpfully provided" by Russian military intelligence, is rough in style and highlights the newly added anti-tank missile positions and artillery locations in Hurmatu, but its estimate of the total troop strength is relatively conservative, at around 6,500.

The last document was a high-tech reconnaissance report "shared" from Colonel Kurt. It contained clear images, abundant signals intelligence, and clearly indicated that the defending forces numbered over 8,000. It also detailed the approximate strength and equipment of the "Black Flag Regiment" that was rushing to reinforce from the direction of Ozham.

The three sources of intelligence each had their own focus and differed from each other.

The advantage of cross-validating intelligence is that it makes it easy to spot which piece of intelligence is most heavily manipulated.

"Sergeant, whose side should we believe?"

Jiang Feng squatted down beside him, frowning. "The Russians said 6,500, the Persians said 7,500 including experts, and the Americans just said 8,000 plus... That's a huge difference."

Song Heping did not answer immediately. He used red, blue and black pens to mark the corresponding locations on the map, representing the three intelligence sources respectively.

Soon, the area around Hurmatu was covered with various symbols.

"You can't believe everything, but you also can't believe everything."

Song Heping finally spoke, his voice steady, "The Persians want to exaggerate the difficulties to make their follow-up support seem more important; the Russian intelligence network has deteriorated somewhat in recent years, and the details may be lagging behind."

He paused there, scratched his chin, and continued:
"The Americans... Hmph, their technology is undeniable, but their analysis and conclusions, who knows if they've rigged them up to scare us or try to lead us to follow their ideas."

He pointed to several areas on the map that were highlighted by all three: "Look here, the abandoned factory area in the east of the city. All three mentioned strengthening their troops and fortifications, so this can be basically confirmed."

He then pointed to a residential area in the south of the city, “Only the Persians and Americans mentioned the newly added reserve assembly point here, but the Russians didn’t… Have Samir send two of his best teams to confirm this area.”

"understand!"

"in addition……"

Song Heping's gaze deepened.

"The Americans mentioned Ozam's reinforcements, and the Persians also hinted at reinforcements from an unknown source... Samir!"

He looked up and shouted.

Samir immediately jogged over.

"Boss, what can I do for you?"

"Contact your undercover agents in the northwest, especially in the direction of Mosul."

Song Heping pointed to Mosul and said:
"I need to know if there are any other troops moving toward Hurmatu besides Ozam. The key is Mosul, which is 1515's main base in the northwest and the hub connecting the two war zones of Ilig and Seria. Find out for me the current situation of the garrison in Mosul and whether there have been any unusual movements."

"I'll contact you right away!"

Without hesitation, Samir immediately stepped aside and began using encrypted phones to contact his informants hidden in various locations.

The wait was agonizing.

Song Heping remained seated in his folding chair, his fingers unconsciously tapping the edge of the map, his gaze fixed firmly on the point representing Mosul.

Time passed by minute by minute.

Finally, Samir ended the call and walked back quickly, his face showing a mixture of excitement and seriousness.

"Boss, I've got it figured out!"

Samir lowered his voice and said, "My sources in Mosul say that just yesterday, nearly 3,000 of the original 6,000 garrison in Mosul were suddenly transferred away in batches! The direction was Hurmatu! Now there are only about 3,000 garrison troops left in Mosul!"

This news was like a boulder thrown into a calm pond, causing a stir among the core members of the command post.

"Mosul has also mobilized troops?!"

Jiang Feng gasped.

"Two thousand in Ozam, three thousand in Mosul... This is... Judging from this, there are probably close to ten thousand madmen in Hurmatu... Bakdadi has brought almost all his resources, determined to fight us to the death in Hurmatu!"

Samir cursed, "He really thinks highly of us! Now we probably have almost ten thousand in Hurmatu! How are we supposed to fight? Besides, they're defending while we're attacking, which is a huge disadvantage. Even if we break through the outer defenses, these terrorists inside the city won't be easy to eliminate; it'll take a lot of effort, maybe even..."

He wanted to say that "many people will die," but perhaps he felt that would be too demeaning, so he held back.

All eyes were once again focused on Song Heping.

The pressure is like a mountain.

Hurmatu has transformed from a tough nut to a steel fortress that could break a person's teeth or even choke them to death.

Song Heping showed no sign of panic; he even chuckled softly.

The laughter was soft, yet it made those around him exchange bewildered glances, wondering what he meant by being able to laugh at a time like this.

His finger moved slowly across the map, from Hurmatu to Mosul in the northwest, and then back to Hurmatu.

"It seems that Bakdadi wants me to suffer a crushing defeat in Hurmatu."

Song Heping muttered to himself, a sharp glint in his eyes, "You all like to pile up troops, don't you?"

He suddenly stood up, his movement so fast it created a gust of wind.

"Jiang Feng! Record the order!"

"Yes!"

Jiang Feng immediately took out his tactical tablet, ready to input data.

"First!" Song Heping spoke quickly and clearly, "Order the Abuyu Brigade to immediately detach from the main force, fully motorize, travel light and with minimal equipment, and secretly move to the hilly area 20 kilometers outside Mosul at top speed to await orders! Tell them to hide well, and without my order, they are not allowed to move even if a fly lands on their face!"

The Abuyu Brigade is the most mobile light infantry unit under Song Heping's command. All members are equipped with armed pickup trucks and motorcycles and are adept at rapid infiltration and raids behind enemy lines.

Second! Bring Milos here.

Jiang Feng turned and left. Not long after, he returned with Milos, the battalion commander of the "Musician" mercenary battalion.

Milos walked up to Song Heping and asked in a low voice, "Boss, what are your orders?"

Song Heping lifted the map, took out another map from underneath, and handed it to Milos.

"I have a map here provided by the Persians showing a secret passage leading to the abandoned qanats (a type of underground water system) and ancient drainage system in the city of Hurmatu. The entrance should be less than three kilometers from here. Now, immediately take two mercenary battalions, equipped with melee, explosives, and communications gear, find the entrance according to the map markings, and then everyone enter the secret passage and lie in wait for my attack order!"

After saying that, he glanced at Milos and emphasized, "Remember, send out scout teams, keep a low profile, and if you spot the enemy, try to avoid them. If you can't avoid them, kill them quietly without alerting the enemy in the city."

"I understand, boss."

Milos said confidently, "I guarantee not even a fly will be disturbed."

"third!"

After Milos left, Song Heping continued to issue orders:
"Immediately select one thousand elite troops from the main force, fully equipped with anti-tank missiles and heavy machine guns, and transported in highly mobile vehicles to the vicinity of Hadise, the transportation hub between Mosul and Hurmatu. They will ambush the enemy along the highway from advantageous terrain! Their mission is not to attack the main force, but to intercept reinforcements! If reinforcements appear on this road, or if the enemy in Hurmatu tries to return to reinforce, stop them at all costs!"

"Fourth! The remaining 5,000 main force troops shall advance to a point 5 kilometers from the outer perimeter of Hurmatu 1515, select favorable terrain, construct field fortifications, and set up camp! Make a show of force! Patrols and reconnaissance detachments shall be dispatched as usual, making it appear ready to attack at any time, but without my permission, no one is allowed to engage the enemy without authorization!"

The series of orders left Jiang Feng and the other officers somewhat stunned.

This style of play...

That makes absolutely no sense!
Instead of concentrating all its forces to attack the city, it divided its troops to go to Mosul, even sending men to ambush along the way and sending small units to tunnel through the city...

"Boss, are we... going to switch our attack to Mosul?"

Samir couldn't help but ask.

Instead of answering his question directly, Song Heping picked up the satellite phone and dialed a number.

"Avanti, my old friend."

Once the call connected, Song Heping got straight to the point: "I've been in Dagug these past few days, and it seems the situation has changed. I need the support you promised before. Please immediately mobilize at least five thousand Revolutionary Guard troops to cross the border to the designated area outside Mosul and join my Abuyu Brigade, under my unified command. I'll send you the specific coordinates later."

Afanti on the other end of the phone was clearly taken aback: "Song, what do you mean by this? Hurmatu has a large force gathered here. Instead of concentrating your forces on dealing with Hurmatu's 1515 militia, you're going to send troops to attack Mosul? Isn't this a bit risky?"

Song Heping said, "Only children make choices. Hurmatu, I want it. Mosul, I'm also interested. Bakdadi wants to concentrate his main force here to fight me, then I'll play along and see how he tries to cover up this gap with his many tricks."

"Are you planning a mobile war?" Afan asked.

Song Heping said, "Afanti, if a turtle is holed up in its shell, even if you hit it hard with a stone, it won't do much good, and you might even hurt your hand. But if you burn the turtle's butt, its limbs and head will stick out. Hurmatu is an iron-shelled turtle right now. I don't want to fight it head-on, but I'll burn Bakdadi's butt and make him show me his damn ass."

Afanti remained silent for a few seconds on the other end of the phone, clearly weighing the pros and cons quickly.

Ultimately, Song Heping's strong self-confidence seemed to convince him.

"Alright, Song, I trust you. I'll mobilize the troops immediately and get them to the designated location within 24 hours."

"Pleasant to work with."

After hanging up the phone, Song Heping looked at his bewildered subordinates and smiled, "Did you all understand? Execute the orders. Remember, be quick and keep it strictly confidential!"

"Yes!"

The entire war machine began to operate efficiently according to Song Heping's seemingly scattered and even somewhat risky plan.

Thousands of soldiers from the Abuyu Brigade quickly boarded various armed pickup trucks and motorcycles, kicking up clouds of dust, and then began to break away from the main force, speeding towards Mosul in the northwest like an iron torrent.

The reinforcement team heading to Haditha also quickly assembled, boarded armed pickup trucks, carried heavy weapons, and disappeared into the night.

The main force of 5,000 men continued their slow advance, stopping about five kilometers north of Hurmatu, where they began to dig trenches, set up roadblocks, and establish observation posts.

At the same time, patrol teams and reconnaissance vehicles were dispatched to conduct close reconnaissance from time to time, making the 1515 members on the defense line very nervous. They frequently fired into the darkness, but dared not launch an attack easily.

And to the northwest of Hurmatu lies the outline of a desolate Gobi desert.

A combat unit consisting of two mercenary battalions moved silently like ghosts among the jagged rocks and dried-up riverbeds.

They wore desert-colored combat uniforms without any markings, their faces were heavily painted, and they were equipped with short assault rifles, shotguns, submachine guns with silencers, as well as large quantities of explosives and night vision equipment.

Milos, who was leading the team, held a map in his hand, on which the entrance to the secret passage leading to the city of Hurmatu was clearly marked.

Following the map, they found a cave entrance partially hidden by a huge rock at the end of a dry riverbed that was almost buried by sand and gravel.

The cave entrance was dark and gloomy, emanating a cold, damp, musty, and dusty smell.

Milos gestured, and two scouts took the lead, donning head-mounted quad-eye night vision goggles and carrying short rifles equipped with tactical flashlights, before crouching and crawling inside.

A moment later, a slight tapping sound came through the earphones—safe.

Milos waved his hand, and the rest of the team filed in.

The tunnel was more spacious than I had imagined, but I still had to bend over to walk through.

Underfoot was slippery mud and gravel, and water dripped from above, making a clear "drip-drip" sound in the silence.

The air was murky, carrying a strong earthy smell and the odor of something rotting.

Through the night vision goggles, the world was a monotonous green, with only the blurry silhouettes of the team members ahead and the rugged road beneath their feet visible.

No one spoke, only suppressed breathing and the soft rustling of equipment.

They were like a group of parasites infiltrating the intestines of a giant beast, silently creeping towards the heart of Hurmatu along ancient underground veins.

　Asking for a monthly ticket! Asking for a monthly ticket!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)