Chapter 1608 - 1290: A Rocky Start (Part 4)

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His brain was racing.

Possibility one: The intel was completely wrong.

Possibility two: The 1515 Armed secretly brought in massive reinforcements from other war zones.

Possibility three: Not all of these are combat units — but thermal signals mainly show vehicles, and their movement is orderly.

Whichever possibility it is, it means the fundamental premise the "Balance Beam" plan was based on — the comparison of enemy and our forces — is incorrect.

And it's extremely incorrect.

If these reinforcements join the battle, the total enemy forces in Tetric City may reach thirty thousand?

Even more?

Kote felt a chill rising from his spine.

Eight thousand against thirty thousand.

Even with some air and technological advantage, this ratio in brutal urban warfare is enough to offset all advantages.

More terrifying is the tactical situation.

His troops have already launched an attack, Kurd's vanguard deeply trapped in a brickyard ambush, Thunder's main force yet to be deployed.

If the enemy's thirty thousand fresh troops arrive, not only can they reinforce city defense, they can even encircle his attack forces.

"Order Kurd's vanguard to stop advancing! Establish circular defense on-site, hold and await reinforcements!"

Kote's voice remained steady, but fine cold sweat already appeared on his forehead, "All Thunder aerial assault contingents, mission canceled, stand by! Repeat, all aerial assaults, canceled!"

The communications officer quickly conveyed the orders.

Kote turned to James: "Contact the rear command headquarters for an emergency intel assessment. We need to know the scale, equipment, and origin of these reinforcements."

"Yes, sir."

Kote looked at the main screen again.

The battle at the brickyard still continued, but Kurd's forces, supported by Apache and the subsequently arrived F-16s, barely stabilized their position.

However, that was just at the tactical level.

At the strategic level, the "Balance Beam" plan had already developed its first crack.

Can we really rely on reconnaissance intel and information flow?

Do they really "see everything"?

If they couldn't even prewarn enemy's thirty thousand reinforcements' movements, how much truth is there in the so-called "information superiority"?

What about the heavy hammer of the firepower flow?

Airstrikes destroyed many targets, but the enemy's core combat strength was evidently well-preserved and even set a perfect ambush.

Kote took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm.

Warfare isn't a chess game, opponents aren't chess pieces.

Opponents think, deceive, endure, and can deliver a lethal strike when least expected.

He made a mistake: underestimating the enemy.

Not underestimating their courage or fanaticism — he never underestimated those.

He underestimated the enemy's tactical intelligence and campaign planning ability.

The new Commander, Ahmed.

Intel said he was merely an "experienced 1515 Commander, formerly served in Silia Government Army."

But now it seems he might be far more than that.

Kote walked to the small coffee machine in the corner of the command vehicle and poured another cup of coffee.

This time he didn't add sugar or milk, he directly drank the hot black liquid.

The bitterness could help him focus.

"Reassess battlefield situation."

He told the staff, "Assume total enemy forces are thirty thousand, at least ten thousand of which are fresh troops. Assume the enemy intends to lure us in deeper. Then, what is their next move?"

Intelligence analysts brought up the map: "If they want to encircle us, reinforcements will try to maneuver to our flanks or rear to cut off retreat. But our air force can intercept..."

"Air power isn't unlimited." Kote interrupted, "Ammunition, fuel, pilot fatigue, sortie numbers — we have limits. Moreover, if the enemy employs 'adhesive tactics', engaging our forces in close ground combat, air power would be constrained."

He thought about the brickyard ambush.

KPV heavy machine guns, ZPU-4, SA-16 missiles... These are all weapons requiring training for effective operation.

The enemy not only possesses them but uses them tactically well.

"Tell Kurd's forces to establish strong defenses at the brickyard, do not rush to advance into urban areas. We need to re-reconnaissance and re-evaluate."

Kote ordered, "Thunder's companies switch to defensive posture, protect main channels and logistics lines. Air power prioritize striking enemy reinforcement convoys, delay their arrival time."

Orders were issued, and the command center became busy.

Kote sat back in the command chair, hands clasped, thumbs rubbing against each other — this was his habitual action when tense, something years of military career hadn't fully eradicated.

On the main screen, red arrows representing enemy reinforcements were steadily approaching Tetric City. Blue symbols stalled along the attack line.

The initially perfect opening turned into a stalemate, even a crisis, within just an hour.

He recalled his pre-battle words to the troop: "Tetric isn't a fortress, it's merely the target of our tactical demonstration."

Now, this "target" was striking back. And striking back so fiercely, accurately.

Kote looked out the window.

The sky was already bright, the sun glaring. Smoke pillars from Tetric City continued to rise, but at this moment, they no longer symbolized victory to him but rather unknown and danger.