Chapter 1894 - 1406: Mission Termination_3

A young officer who had been staring at the simplified radar display reported with trembling lips:

"They... they've entered the final bombing position... Radar shows multiple aircraft circling in standard pre-attack positions over the target... altitude and speed stable... this is... this is the last preparation before dropping bombs..."

Everyone's eyes were once again fixed on Song Heping's back.

Song Heping stood there like a silent sculpture.

In his heart, he was repeating the only belief that kept him standing there:

Washington must compromise. Obama needs time to persuade Hillary, persuade the generals of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and persuade those advisors weighing political gains and losses in the security office to accept those three conditions.

This is not just a military gamble, but a dance at the edge of a political cliff.

Yet the stakes are Samir and Abu You's years of work, as well as the lives in this command post.

Every passing second felt like a dull knife slicing meat, testing the limits of his willpower.

Samir looked at Song Heping's cold profile, his voice almost pleading with a raspy tone: "Boss... Song... I beg you... don't do this... it's not courage, it's stupidity... it's suicide..."

Song Heping did not respond, not even glancing at Samir.

He slowly raised his wrist again, his gaze falling.

On the dial, the luminous hand indicated: 1:19 AM.

At the same time, above Mosul, under the sky where dawn met night.

"'Ghost 01' calling 'Bayonet'. Final assessment confirmed: Radar signals from the second main air defense system ('Armor') have completely disappeared for over ninety seconds with no sign of reboot. Electromagnetic spectrum monitoring shows all pre-designated threat radiation sources within the target area are in silent mode. Current electromagnetic environment assessment is 'clean'; no fire control or search radar signals detected. Recommendation: Precision strike can proceed unimpeded." Lieutenant Larson completed the final battlefield electromagnetic situation assessment, his voice clearly transmitted through the data link to every aircraft cockpit.

In Major Mike's F-15E "Strike Eagle" cockpit, the symbols representing the target area on the multifunction display had completely changed from yellow or red, indicating "threat exists," to green, representing "safe" or "low threat."

The preset air defense threat circle on the tactical electronic map had also disappeared.

This means, at least on the electronic warfare level, the key to the gates of Hell had been handed to him.

He gently took a breath to steady his mood, then issued clear and definitive attack orders through the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System data link and radio encrypted channels:

"All formation members attention. Confirm air defense threats suppressed. Commence bombing mission procedures."

His voice was transmitted into the ears of every pilot through noise-canceling headphones.

"'Villain' Squad, ascend to 25,000 feet as planned, establish high-altitude combat patrol barrier, continuously monitor potential aerial threats from the east and north, and provide early warning for the strike formation. Maintain ground surveillance and be alert for any sudden appearances of portable air defense missiles or artillery fire."

"Villain Squad received. Ascending to CAP altitude, establishing barrier."

Captain Daniels responded on behalf of the squad.

Four F-16CJs elegantly lifted their noses, with afterburners spewing light blue tail flames, climbing to higher altitudes, like a spreading surveillance net.

"'Wild Horse' Squad." Mike continued to call the strike formation composed of three F-15Es: "Prepare to execute precision strikes according to the target list. Priority Alpha targets: Tenth Division underground command post bunker entrance, spare exit, and suspected ventilation structure. Priority: highest, targets: identified artillery positions (coordinates Tango-41 to Tango-47). Priority: High. Targets: armored vehicles and suspected ammunition accumulation points within the assembly area. Weapons systems officer, final confirmation of target coordinates and weapon status."

"Wild Horse Squad received, preparing to execute strike." The pilots of the other two F-15Es responded.

Behind Mike, the weapons systems officer had long locked the crosshair of the advanced target designator pod "Sniper" firmly on the ground concrete structure repeatedly confirmed and marked as the "command post main entrance."

High-definition infrared/electro-optical images displayed ground details; despite the early morning haze, the target's outline was clearly discernible.

"Bayonet 01, WSO reports: All predetermined target coordinates injected into attack sequence. 'Gem Road IV' laser/GPS dual-mode guided bombs ready, laser code set (1688), GPS reception good, bomb loop (INS) calibrated. Sniper pod lock stable, laser range/illuminator on standby."

The weapons systems officer's fingers moved quickly and accurately over the touchscreen and joystick, conducting final checks before bomb release.

His voice was equally calm, as if he were not preparing to destroy a sturdy bunker possibly hiding dozens or even hundreds of people, but completing a routine training subject.

The weapons systems officers of the other two F-15Es also successively reported readiness.

One aircraft was armed with GBU-38 JDAM, ready to cover artillery positions; another mixed GBU-12 laser-guided bombs and AGM-65 "Little Bull" air-to-ground missiles for precise strikes on armored targets.

The sky seemed to have become the top theater box of an impending death performance.

Seven fighter jets took their positions, engine roars being the only background sound.