Warlords: Rising from the Northwest Border and Sweeping Across the Powers

Blagoveshchensk, Northern Division Command.

Otto stood in front of the huge sand table, his eyes fixed on the map of the Far East. Inside the headquarters, the heads of various combat departments sat upright, waiting for the division commander's deployment.

"The Battle of Blagoveshchensk," Otto tapped his fingers on the sand table, "gave us a lot of inspiration. The effect of electronic warfare and information-based command far exceeded our expectations."

His eyes moved to another point on the map: "Now, it's time to set our sights on the next target - Boli."

In front of the sand table, Deputy Division Commander De Lan stepped forward and began to report intelligence: "According to our aerial reconnaissance and ground intelligence network, Khabarovsk's defense system is more complete than Blagoveshchensk. The enemy has built three lines of defense around the city, and the underground fortification network is also more complex."

"Where are the defenders?" Otto asked.

"One mechanized infantry division and two independent regiments, with a total strength of about 30,000 men," the intelligence chief replied. "They have learned lessons from the Battle of Blagoveshchensk and have begun to strengthen their electronic defenses and air defense systems."

Otto sneered: "But they still don't get the point. In the face of information warfare, simple defense is meaningless."

He turned to the communications battalion commander: "I want faster feedback this time. Blagoveshchensk took 41 hours. In Khabarovsk, I want to reduce the time to less than 30 hours."

"Understood, Commander. We have improved our signal acquisition equipment to locate the enemy's command system more quickly."

"Very good," Otto nodded. "What about the Air Force?"

The Air Force Liaison Officer immediately replied: “The Lancaster formation has completed its replenishment and overhaul. This time we have prepared more goblet bombs, which can carry out more intensive bombing of the target area.”

"Remember," Otto stressed, "our goal is not to destroy the city, but to undermine the enemy's will to resist. Precision strikes are the key."

His finger drew an arc on the sand table: "The attack route must be changed. This time we will break through from here. Let the enemy never guess our tactics."

"Commander," Delan reminded, "the Russian Far East Army headquarters is in Khabarovsk. Taking over Khabarovsk is equivalent to cutting off their north-south connection."

Otto's eyes flashed with a sharp light: "That's right. This is not only an urban battle, but also a strategic deployment. Taking Khabarovsk will completely disrupt the deployment of the Russian Far East Army."

"Everyone," Otto looked around at everyone present, "the victory in Blagoveshchensk is only the beginning. In Khabarovsk, I will show the world what real modern warfare is. Get ready for action. The offensive will begin in 48 hours."

Everyone in the headquarters could feel the exciting tension. The Northern Division was about to embark on a new journey, and this time, they were going to create an even more brilliant record.

Khabarovsk, city headquarters.

The garrison commander, Lieutenant General Kuzmin, stood in front of the sand table and introduced the city defense deployment to the newly arrived commander of the 64th Armored Division, Vasilyev, and the commander of the 127th Motorized Infantry Brigade, Popov.

"Everyone," Kuzmin pointed at the sand table, with a bit of confidence in his tone, "We have learned the lesson of Blagoveshchensk. Here, here, and here," he pointed his finger at three lines of defense on the sand table, "We have built deeper trenches and more densely packed bunkers."

"Where are the underground fortifications?" Vasilyev asked with a frown.

"That's exactly the point," Kuzmin said with a smug smile, "Our underground fortifications are designed to be divided into independent areas. Even if one area is destroyed, the other areas can still fight independently. Each area has an independent communication system and command center."

Popov nodded. “This will prevent us from being wiped out like in Blagoveshchensk.”

"That's right," Kuzmin walked to the communication equipment, "We have also installed the latest radio jammers. The electronic warfare that the Chinese are so proud of may not work here."

"What about the air defense system?" Vasilyev asked.

Kuzmin opened another deployment map: "Three anti-aircraft artillery regiments have been deployed, covering the entire city. Those damn Lancaster bombers, don't think it will be so easy this time."

"What is the total number of troops?" asked Popov.

"Including your two reinforcements, there are more than 280 people in total," Kuzmin said confidently, "more than 150 armored vehicles and more than artillery pieces. With such a strong defense, they can't even break through an iron plate."

“Where are the logistics supplies?”

"We have three months' worth of ammunition and food in reserve," Kuzmin assured, patting his chest. "Even if it's a protracted war, we can hold on."

Vasilyev and Popov looked at each other and seemed quite satisfied with these deployments.

"Comrades," Kuzmin's voice was full of confidence, "the failure of Blagoveshchensk has taught us a profound lesson. But in Birobidzhan, we are fully prepared. Let those Chinese come, this time we will let them know what real fortifications are!"

In the command room, the three commanders continued to discuss the details of the deployment. However, what they didn't know was that at this moment, the Northern Division's offensive plan had already begun counting down. This new battle was about to take place in Khabarovsk.

It's five o'clock in the morning in the Far East wilderness.

Heavy snow fluttered in the cold wind, and the temperature had dropped to minus 21 degrees. The armored forces of the Northern Division advanced slowly in the snow, their tracks rolling over the thick snow, making a dull sound.

"This is horrible weather," said Deputy Division Commander De Lan, standing in the command vehicle, looking at the snow and wind outside through the armored glass. "The snow has accumulated more than half a meter."

Otto seemed calm: "This kind of weather is actually good for us. The snow curtain can cover our actions, and..." He paused, a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, "The Tsarist Russians would never have thought that we would launch an attack in this kind of weather."

The armored column stretched for several kilometers in the snow. The engines of tanks and armored vehicles roared in the cold wind, and the white smoke from the exhaust pipes quickly dissipated in the wind. The soldiers were wrapped in heavy cold-proof clothing and remained highly alert in the armored vehicles.

"Attention all units," the communications battalion commander's voice rang over the radio, "Electronic jamming equipment is in place and can be activated at any time."

“Air Force report,” the Air Liaison Officer interrupted, “the Lancaster formation has taken off as planned despite poor visibility. They will use this blizzard as cover.”

Otto nodded. "Very good, proceed as planned. Get the electronic warfare team ready and wait for my order."

The armored troops continued to advance in the snow. The tracks left two deep gullies on the snow, but they were soon covered by the heavy snow. The severe cold of more than 20 degrees below zero made the metal groan under the heavy load, but the specially modified engine continued to run.

"Commander," a staff officer reminded, "at this rate, we will enter the outer defense circle of Khabarovsk in two hours."

"Notify all units," Otto ordered, "to enter combat status. Remember, this time I want not only victory, but also speed. Let us tell those Tsarist Russians that even in this weather, the Northern Division is still the most formidable opponent."

The armored column continued to advance in the snow, winding its way across the vast snowfield like a giant steel dragon. Everyone knew that a new battle was about to begin. And this time, they were going to create another glory on this snow-covered land.

Snowflakes were still falling relentlessly in the sky. This blizzard seemed to be the best cover for the Northern Division, allowing them to approach their target silently. The defenders in Khabarovsk City might not know that the god of death was quietly approaching in this blizzard.

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