Chapter 1556 - 1262: The Hardliners (Part 2)

"That place is not just a hub for a few roads; in the future, it might involve more of the resource extraction security and regional influence that we care about. If we choose to retreat this time and tacitly allow them to take over Checkpoint 4 under the guise of 'assisting defense,' it would be akin to admitting Song Heping's absolute authority there in front of the international mercenary market and local forces, and admitting our inability to protect our own partners and interests. Next time, he might use even more despicable tactics against us!"

The Major advisor who spoke earlier tried to argue:

"But, from a purely military and return on investment perspective, is it wise to continue pouring substantial resources into Checkpoint 4, which is now fully exposed and has become a focal point of attention for various forces? Song Heping and his local allies clearly do not welcome our military presence and intervention methods. This time, it might be a 'mistaken attack,' what about next time? Should we completely reassess our presence and strategy in the Hulmatu Region? Perhaps we could consider adopting a more low-key and flexible cooperation model, such as exerting influence through training, intelligence sharing, and limited equipment support, rather than deploying a large number of military personnel directly, creating a head-to-head confrontation?"

"Cooperate? Cooperate with that ex-PLA Special Soldier, now profit-seeking war hyena?"

The hardline Lieutenant Colonel suddenly raised his voice, slapping the table with a muffled bang.

"He's like a war parasite, initially growing himself by the military contracts we provided, and once he was strong enough, he immediately turned back to bite the hand that fed him! If we retreat now over a single 'mistaken attack,' it's not just losing a checkpoint; it's sending an extremely dangerous and weak signal to all potential partners, hesitant forces, and opponents in Illiguo and the entire Middle East! They will think that the United States of America cannot even protect its own contractors, let alone respond to a provocation from a mercenary leader! Who will still believe our promises in the future? Who will still take us seriously? We must respond forcefully, without hesitation!"

The debate was clearly focused on whether to continue, and in what manner, to maintain the military presence in the Hulmatu Region.

The atmosphere in the conference room grew more tense.

Finally, Colonel Kote, who had been silently listening, made a move.

He raised his right hand and tapped his finger joints on the table three times, neither too lightly nor too heavily.

"Tap, tap, tap."

All the sounds of debate and discussion fell silent instantly.

Everyone instinctively focused their eyes on this highest-ranking commander present.

Colonel Kote's gaze slowly swept over everyone present, finally settling on Hoffman.

He said in a deep voice, "Gentlemen, I believe that the concerns and judgments of the Lieutenant Colonel and Mr. Hoffman are closer to the truth."

He paused, letting the weight of this sentence fully sink in, before continuing:

"No matter how cleverly packaged, Song Heping's actions are essentially a carefully planned provocation against us. His core aim is to use the complex local security situation and gray areas in the rules to create a fait accompli, forcing us to withdraw from the Hulmatu Region under the pressure of potential casualties and political concerns."

He stood up and walked steadily to the large military map of the Northwest Illinois hanging on the wall, picked up the laser pointer beside it, and the red dot accurately landed on the position of Hulmatu.

"Here,"

he emphatically pointed at the symbol representing the town:

"is not just an ordinary traffic node. Controlling this place means having significant influence and control over the vast desert area of the Northwest, several critical cross-border smuggling routes, and multiple influential tribal regions. We cannot allow, and will never allow, an uncontrolled private military company to grow strong here and form an independent sphere of influence. This is entirely inconsistent with our long-term strategic interests in Illiguo, and throughout the entire region."

He turned around, turned off the laser pointer, supported his hands on the edge of the table, eyes sharp as a knife, and scanned the room:

"Retreat, or any form of showing weakness at this moment, is tantamount to admitting defeat. This will only embolden Song Heping and his possible backers, making him act with greater impunity, using more aggressive means to squeeze our space in the future. Therefore, not only should we not withdraw, but we must immediately reinforce our presence there and make an unmistakable response."

His gaze shifted to Hoffman: "Mr. Hoffman."

"Yes! Colonel!"

Hoffman immediately stood up.

"Notify Thunder Defense Headquarters, I need you to immediately dispatch reinforcements to the Hulmatu Region. I want no fewer than six hundred contract employees with rich combat experience deployed there within two weeks, no, ten days. Equip them with the corresponding heavy equipment, including but not limited to more armored vehicles, mortars, anti-tank missiles, and effective battlefield surveillance systems."

Colonel Kote's speech was not fast, but every word was resolute.

"The mission is: First, immediately rebuild and significantly strengthen the defense of Checkpoint 4. I want it to become a strong fortification capable of withstanding a battalion-level attack, equipped with comprehensive air defense and anti-artillery facilities. Second, using the reinforced Checkpoint 4 as the main forward base, radiate to the surrounding area. Within a week, seize and effectively control at least three other key road checkpoints or tactical high ground positions. I want you to anchor there like nails, forming a powerful barrier. This operation should demonstrate to Song Heping and all forces observing in the shadows that the U.S. presence and determination in Northwest Illinois cannot be shaken by Song Heping's minor cleverness and petty tricks!"