Jilachi Desert

Jilachi Desert
Other Names	N/A
Type	Desert
Location	Central Yuktobania
Coordinates	Unknown
Events	Jilachi Desert Invasion

The Jilachi Desert is a desertic plain located in the central regions of the Union of Yuktobanian Republics.

Description

The northern section of the Jilachi Desert is almost a barren and an inhospitable landscape. There are a few farmers in the area along one of the main desert highways that run near the edge of the desert. The type of crops that they are growing is unknown, possible wheat or other grains for the people of Yuktobania. There is evidence that a river ran through the Jilachi Desert and dried up in the previous centuries. This small river possibly flowed into the Semya River and to provide irrigation for these farmers.

The southern area of the Jilachi Desert is even more desolate as you travel further south into the Jilachi Desert. One of the many major rivers, the Semya River winds its way down from the Javoronok Highlands, through the southern part of the Jilachi Desert and flows down to the coast and empties somewhere into the Pacific Ocean. This region offers one of the richest places within the borders of Yuktobania, several oil refineries sit on top of the vast deposits of crude oil. It is unknown on how long the Yuktobanians have established these refineries.

During the Circum-Pacific War, there were two Yuktobanian defensive lines setup in this desolate landscape, ahead of the advancing Osean Army and Osean Air Force, as they pushed their way through the Bastok Peninsula and to the very “heart” of Yuktobania, the capital city of Cinigrad. When the Osean Forces reached the Jilachi Desert area, they formed two pairs of fighting forces to capture the Yuktobanian defensive positions and forward airbases.

History

Circum-Pacific War

Main article: Jilachi Desert Invasion

Having gained control of several strategically important positions in Yuktobanian soil, the Osean Armed Forces commenced a large-scale invasion of the Jilachi Desert in November 25, 2010, which is possibly the largest deployment of Osean troops in the entirety of the Circum-Pacific War. The invasion was divided into two parts: Operation: Desert Arrow, which consisted of the raid of the enemy's main HQ and airfield in northern Jilachi, and Operation: Desert Blitz, which consisted of attacks to an oil field and airstrip located in southern Jilachi.

(Op. Desert Arrow)

The first pair of Osean offensive ground and bomber groups is dispatched along with the 108th "Wardog" Tactical Fighter Squadron in the northern area of the Jilachi Desert. Their orders are to capture the Yuktobanian forward airbase and the Yuktobanian Field Headquarters. The Wardog Squadron was forced to cover both air and ground forces, which participated in Operation Foot Print, at the same time. This put much strain on the Wardog pilots as they crisscrossed across the desert. The Osean Squadron ofB-52 Stratofortress(Viking Squadron), supported by A-10A Thunderbolt II aircraft was defended from relentless attacks from Yuktobanian Air Forces, which were operating from the near by Forward Deployed Airbase. Osea Ground Forces managed to make their way across the desert after the Wardog repelled waves of fighters, two AC-130 Spectres and a formation of two Avro Vulcan bombers and two B-52 Stratofortress bombers. The Osean Ground Forces took the Air Base’s runway and effectively shut down all air operations in the area. The Osean Bomber unit bombed the Yuktobanian Field Headquarters and left the area. At that time, a Yuktobanian Air Group entered the battle area with orders to reclaim air superiority and destroy Osean Ground Forces. The Air Group consisted of two E-767 AWACS aircraft, one KC-10 Extender Tanker and multiple fighters. The Wardog squadron engaged the Yuktobanian Air Group and destroyed all aircraft in the area. The 108th then landed at the recently captured air base and ended their operation.

Circum-Pacific War (Op. Desert Blitz)

The second pair of Osean offensive ground and air forces focuses on capturing the southern Jilachi airbase and other strategic facilities. Wardog Squadron also participated in this offensive campaign. The 108th’s task was to support the advance of two Osean Armored Divisions as they advanced on Yuktobanian positions. The Wardog Squadron fought off Yuktobanian Fighters and engaged Yuktobanian Ground Forces; in the southern area of the battlefield a Yuktobanian Defensive Position was destroyed by heavy air strikes, allowing Osean Forces to continue to the Oil Fields. In the northern area of the battlefield, the Osean Forces were engaged by Yuktobanian AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopters and were attacked from the rear by airborne tanks, which were dropped into the battle by Yuktobanian transports. The Wardog quickly destroyed these forces and struck targets on the runway and surrounding the runway at the Yuktobanian Air Base. The Oil Fields were also secured; Osean forces successfully met their mission objectives. However, as the Osean Forces began to claim the Yuktobanian Facilities, a Yuktobanian Naval Unit, consisting of one Krivak-class frigate and one Iowa-class Battleship (the YNS Upor), supported by Yuktobanian Multi-Long-ranged Rocket System Units, Mobile Artillery and Anti-Aircraft Gun/Missile Launchers; entered the battle area as they followed the Semya River. The combined Yuktobanian force began to strike all Osean positions with heavy artillery fire. The 108th quickly intercepted the Yuktobanian Warships and other ground units; the 108th’s attack destroyed the Yuktobanian ships and vehicles, thus ending the battle.

Sources

• Ace Combat 05: The Unsung War (the game)

Gallery

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  A Yuktobanian Air Base seen in the Jilachi Desert