Operation: Sandstorm

Erusea's Last Defensive Stand - Operation Sandstorm
-- ISAF -- vs. -- Erusea --

DATE: 8/15/05
LOCATION: Whiskey Corridor, Erusea
EVENT: The last stand for Erusean military forces to stop the advancing ISAF ground forces.
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-ISAF Objective
--Advance deeper into Erusea
--Eliminate the Erusean capabilities to fight.
-ISAF Units Involved
--118 TFS
--Tank Divisions
--Airborne Infantry Units
--Mechanized Infantry Units.

-Erusea Objective
--Prevent ISAF advance into Erusea
-Erusea Units Involved
--Various Aircraft
--Tank Divisions
--Artillery Units
--Air Defense Units.
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Before the Battle
Erusea's forces had been demoralized from the ISAF advances, and a loss of air superiority made it difficult for them to continue to support their ground units. A large scale withdraw took place from Erusea's borders into the Whiskey Corridor, a narrow strip of land between the Lambert and Amber mountains. A massive defense line was prepared, as minefields, trenches, and tank positions were formed on the eroded ocean.

The ISAF, meanwhile, had been enjoying great success as they advanced further into Erusea. ISAF ground troops had been battle hardened and experienced from previous operations, far superior to Erusea's conscript army. However, the enemy forces defending the corridor vastly outnumbered the ISAF units approaching. ISAF Air Support needed to work perfectly in order to ensure a victory.

The Battle
The actual battle in the Whiskey Corridor was brutal. The blistering heat of 120 degrees and sand both provided a logistical nightmare for both sides, and attrition took a heavy toll on both sides. The ISAF slowly advanced, while Erusean forces were being pounded by enemy aircraft. A pilot, known as Mobius 1 and nicknamed "The Ribbon" by the Eruseans, was able to destroy the Erusean HQ. Without a coordinated defense, the Erusean forces collapsed. ISAF aircraft destroyed Erusean Air Support, and then attacked the devastated Erusean ground units. Realizing that the end was near, Erusean forces hastily retreated.

The Result
The Erusean Army had taken major damage, and lost it's last defense position. The conditions in the desert took a heavy toll on Erusean forces, due to the cost of maintaning equipment. The final defenses were then being prepared at Farbanti, to make one final stand against ISAF. ISAF now had an open road for the capitol, and the stage was now set for the defeat of Erusea.

SOURCES
Ace Combat 4: Shattered Skies (the game itself)