Assault on Bartolomeo Fortress

The Assault on Bartolomeo Fortress is a major campaign during the Anean Continental War. Emmerian forces in Khesed attempted to retake the fortress above Mt. Marcello in an attempt to drive the Estovakians out of the island.

Strategic Importance
A month after the Emmerian military's victory at Sipli Field, the Emmerians went in for the heart: Bartolomeo Fortress at the center of Khesed Island. Due to the location of the fortress at the top of Mt. Marcello, the fortress featured a commanding view of the entire island. Retaking this military installation will effectively loosen Estovakia's grip on the island and ultimately liberate Khesed.

But the two routes to the fortress were no walk in the park. Pillboxes and bunkers guarded the routes to the fortress, as well as logistical facilities at the base of the mountains. Howitzers were placed in the mountains and posed a big threat to advancing Emmerian ground forces. At the west route to the fortress, a few rail bridges supported several armored trains armed with machine guns and cannons to take out any air or ground threat that comes close. On the other hand, the airspace above the fortress isn't any safer. Radar facilities on top of the mountains provided effective ESM for Estovakian fighters and surface-to-air missile units on the ground.

Order of Battle
Despite their string of victories, the Emmerians were still outnumbered; yet the fortress was just too important to ignore. Two armored battalions advanced along the two routes, Warlock Battalion to the west and Quox Battalion to the east. Several fighter squadrons flew escort for Snake Pit, an E-767 electronic support plane providing ESM for Emmerian aircraft. Garuda Team would provide both air and ground support throughout the entire mission to allow a breakthrough in the enemy lines.

Despite heavy resistance from the Estovakian garrison, Emmerian forces were within striking range of the fortress several minutes later. In a desperate attempt to save the fortress from falling to Emmerian hands, two fighters from the famed Strigon Team engaged the Emmerians. With the fortress' radar domes still providing ESM, the battle was hard-fought. Garuda Team continued to provide air and ground support for the advancing Emmerians, taking out vital facilities and garrison units with the help of artillery support and fighter squadrons.

Finally, Bartolomeo Fortress was retaken by the Emmerians, forcing an all-out withdrawal of Estovakian forces from Khesed. Frustrated, the two Strigon planes broke off and fled the area, swearing that Estovakia will crush them in due time.

Trivia

 * If you shoot down the two Strigon planes, they won't say their lines at the end of the mission.