[Ribbon-Grey]

Bartolomeo Fortress
- Mt. Marcello's Natural Fortress -


- Battle view over range of Mt. Marcello -

- Bartolomeo Fortress A - Bartolomeo Fortress B -

Geography:
Built on Mt. Marcello and the surrounding system of ridges and valleys, Bartolomeo Fortress is a sprawling fortification in Central Khesed. There are two valleys that run North to South directly South of Mt. Marcello itself. The fortifications in the valleys consist of staged defensive positions and fortifications, such as bunkers and howitzer positions, as well as railway bridges that support armored attack trains. The mountain itself serves as the fortress's command center. Due to it's position and elevation, the Mt. Marcello area is the most strategically important position on Khesed, giving who ever controls it almost full control of the island.

Retaking Khesed Island - EE War:
Built by the Emmerians, the fortress fell to the Estovakians in their pursuit of the fleeing Emmerian forces who had evacuated the Anean mainland. After Estovakia's forward forces were defeated at Sipli Field, most of Estovakia's forces on the island fell back to defend that position. The Emmerian ground forces, encouraged by their success over the Estovakian's at Sipli, staged a daring assault on the fortified position, assisted by several Emmerian air squadrons (including Garuda Team) and the ESM support craft, "Snake Pit". Two armored battalions moved up the valleys near Mount Marcello. Estovakian outer defenses were sperad between four bases and two railroad bridges which deployed armored train cars. With air support, the battalions eventually linked up to assault the mountain command center. Despite fierce resistance from the Estovakian ground forces and the showing of two aircraft of the Strigon team, the Emmerians were able to take the fortress, cementing their control over Khesed.

Sources:
Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation
Official Ace Combat 06 Website

*Original Article by Ribbon-Yellow*