Syrtænzna Dissolution War
| Syrtænzna Dissolution War | |||||||
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| Part of Syrtæn'at-Blaskovian Wars | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 East Ragnarstat  Blaskog  Kæra'zna (since 2022)  Nystatiszna (since 2022)  Lapliszna (since 2022)  Za'lyra Rætsær'zna (since 2022) |
 Syrtænzna | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
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Johanns Ragnarson Carl IX (2022-present) Hilda Stenberg (2022-present) Kosaky Tsøka'fa (2022-present) Ingrid the Reclaimer (2022-present) Ayo Hoshi (2022-present) Esta the Protector (2022-present) Fezn’æt Øfesak’fa (2022-present) |
Bernt Ry'en (2005-2006) Carina Brahe (2006-2008) Ny'Kønn'tore (2008-2011) Kåre Dal'en (2011-2017) Ny'Akørikok (2017-2019) Irma-Sigrid Lyn'doþ (2019-present) Ylva Siridatur (2022-present) | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
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93,000 | ||||||
The Syrtænzna Dissolution War is an ongoing war between a coalition of Blaskog, Kæra'zna and Nystatiszna - alongside a number of militant separatist organizations - against Syrtænzna. Conflict began between Syrtænzna and Blaskog in 2005, though it remained limited to the Ragnarstat region, with Blaskog supporting secessionist violence in East Ragnarstat. Following the military buildup of Blaskog in 2022, tensions escalated rapidly. Blaskog launched a full-scale invasion into Syrtænzna on 1 July 2022, followed shortly after by Kæra'zna on the 11th and Nystatiszna on the 15th.
Background
Following the Anti-Storda protests in the Ragnarstat capital of Eribyen, the unrest led to the resignation of the supposed pro-Blåskovian Minister-President of Ragnarstat, Hannah Storda, in 2004. Members of the Pro-Blåskovian separatist group called the Legion of Jarls did a series of terrorist attacks in the city of Østbrønby in December of the same year. Several government buildings were bombed and burned, with the kemonomimi mayor of the city being lynched. With an attempt to arrest the separatists by the orders of the new Minister-President Bjørn Måleløs, the group began to occupy large portions of East Ragnarstat, with many soldiers deserting to the separatists cause. The separatist leader, Johanns Ragnarson, declared the creation of the State of East Ragnarstat that would seek unification with Blåskog, kick-starting the East Ragnarstat War. This led to Blåskog sending material and military support to the separatists, despite condemnations from Norgsveldet.
In 2014, the Hirdvik Protocols were signed between Syrtænzna and Blåskog in Hirdvik. A ceasefire was declared between the Pro-Blåskovian separatists and Syrtæn'at's Armed Forces. The ceasefire held until December of 2016 in which airstrikes against Syrtæn’at troops by the Blåskovian Airforce broke the ceasefire. After which neither side attempted to renew the protocols.
Many have pointed to this war as being the result of the Blåskovian foreign policy being defined by the ideology of Terism, which suggested that Blåskog should become a dominant power in East Borea. Part of this ideological framework included the taking over of lands that used to belong to Blåskog - including Syrtænzna, which was a former colony. With the rise of Terism, Carl IX held a speech on 25 March 2021 condemning Syrtænzna and calling it an artificial state that is a “historical abnormality” and “a mistake to exist”.
Course of the war
During the early stages of the East Ragnarstat War the separatists was quick in taking majority of the Ragnarstat province with mostly western parts belonging to Syrtænzna mainly as the result of the Blåskovian Air Force bombing campaign in the region. Which resulted with the Syrtænzna army almost being completely obliterated by the second year of the war. It was only after extensive army reforms done by Ivar Dumskalson during the ceasefire and the military leadership of Ylva Siridatur after 2018 were the separatists pushed back by the Syrtæn'at army. This led many to suggest that if it was not for Norgsveltian involvement in the Hirdvik Protocols, war might already have been won by the separatists. Despite Blåskovian extensive support to the separatists no formal Blåskovian soldier was sent in until an armoured brigade known as Brigade Vestjarl was known to be in active combat during the 20th of March. During the same period of time a long military buildup by Blåskog started.
It was not until the 1st of July that the Blåskovian invasion of Syrtænzna started as infantry and armoured divisions moved into the Ragnarstat province after dozens of airstrikes against civilian and military infrastructure was done by the Blåskovian airforce. All of it happened at the same time as the Blåskovian king held a speech in Kungstad proclaiming the military operation of Torden skjold. Blaming the conflict on the Syrtæn'at government and stating he had no other option but to invade. Proclaiming that Blåskovian military intervention is to “protect their people" in Ragnarstat. Within first 24 hours of the invasion airstrikes done by Blåskovian HK-45s and missiles attacks from the missile systems west of Blåskog already destroyed most of the Syrtæn’at air force and communication centres in Ragnarstat and massively damaging one's stationed in Troinheim. On the same day mass mobilisation was announced by the Syrtæn’at government and army. Within the first week of the invasion almost all of Ragnarstat was either controlled by the Blåskovian army or Blåskovian separatists. Despite successes on the ground the international situation for the Blåskovian side was being diminished as within only a day after the invasion Blåskog was kicked out of the NCEF and the Norgsveltian king announced his condemnation of the invasion on the 3rd July. Accusation of war crimes against the separatists soon came forth as well as several kemonomimi mayors and local government officials was lynched by separatists often at the orders from Johanns Ragnarson. By 5th July the Ragnarstat capital of Eribyen was encircled by Blåskovian troops and a brutal siege was started. With guerilla warfare with support from the fundamentalist Ny’Sænuri helped delay the full capture of the city. Even after its official capture on the 7th July, combat in the city continued on as insurgents and Blåskovian troops battled each other on the streets.
Though the Blåskovian military only announced a death toll of five men during the first week, an NCIS report proclaimed that the number of casualties during the first week was around 45 to 60. With the report concluding that Blåskog had lost three tanks during that week. The report was shortly after banned to be reported on by Blåskovian media. On 8 July, the assassination of the Minister-President of Za'lyr'zna, Dyr’yf-Tsøke, led to the leader of Silent Majority, Fezn’æt Øfesak’fa declaring themself as the new Minister-President. On the 10th July, the government of Kæra’zna sent a 24-hour ultimatum to Syrtænzna demanding the independence of Za'lyr'zna. In which after no answer from Syrtænzna, a declaration war towards the Syrtæn’at government was sent. Not long after, troops from the Kæra National Army were sent into the region, securing key areas of the province quickly with very little troops opposing them as the majority of the Syrtæn’at army was busy dealing with Blåskovian forces.
International reactions
Recognition of East Ragnarstat
On 29 January 2022, the Compact of Free Borean States held a formal discussion on the recognition of East Ragnarstat, brought forward by the delegation of Kæra'zna. The motion received support from a firm majority of the membership, passing without considerable issue on the same day. While the Compact had existed throughout most of the escalation period of the war, the 2022 motion was seen as notable for being the first multilateral statement of the organization on Syrtænzna.
Reactions to the invasion of Syrtænzna
NCEF
On the 2nd July a day after the invasion started the NCEF held a discussion on the Blåskovian invasion in the North Concordian Council. In which the council was quickly split in between two camps. With the Anti-Blåskovian camp being led by Vakrestrender and Pro-Blåskovian camp being led by Vistaraland. After long hours of discussion with little agreement between the two camps a vote was held on expelling Blåskog from the NCEF. Which resulted with Blåskog being kicked out with 8 members voting aye, 6 voting nay and 2 abstaining. In which it became later known that the President of the NCEF, Mæra Saradatur, voted in favour of expelling Blåskog after a phone call with Olav I of Norgsveldet. This despite Johanna Sverdrup’s wanting to keep Blåskog in the NCEF, causing a constitutional crisis between her and Olav I. Result of being kicked out of the organization led to the Blåskovian economy going on a free fall, in which it was forced to return to the weaker Blåskovian Krone. Mæra Saradatur stated her condemnation of the invasion and proclaimed that:
Vistaraland
The Vistari position on the issue was notably mired in allegations of collusion between it and the belligerent state of Kæra'zna. While Vistaraland has historically lacked a strong antiwar stance in regards to nations it has previously existing ties with, the broadly negative portrayal of Syrtænzna given by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade was one which lacked significant precedent. According to Vistari officials, the escalation of war was brought about by Syrtæn’at refusal to properly accommodate the desires of its constituent groups - painting the actions of Kæra'zna and Blaskog as ones brought about concerns for their former expatriates.
Such allegations, which came both from domestic opposition and critics of Vistari policy overseas, pointed towards trade agreements such as MIDAS, which underpin a significant amount of unwritten collaborative actions made by Vistaraland and the Borean ethnostate, which suggest further diplomatic talks kept out of public reports. Some, including several members of the Popularist party, have made the suggestion that these talks could have extended to a point in which Vistaraland had been previously aware of the Kæra plan - though this has been regarded as conjecture or conspiracy by most reporting on it.
Vakrestrender
The Valkyr released a statement on the war - condemning Nystatiszna, Blaskog and Kæra’zna for their invasion of Syrtænzna. The statement demanded the Norgsveltian government cease all relations with the three countries, citing the numerous civil right abuses, war crimes and crimes against sapientkind enacted towards the civilian population, especially regarding Blaskovian actions in the war.
In the topic of Kæra’zna and its abuses in the war in comparison to Blaskog, the Vakrestrender government stated that their crimes were to be expected - whereas Blaskovian crimes in the war were completely beyond the pale for what was accepted for any civilized nation.
The Valkyr doubled down on Nystatinne involvement in the war. Stating that not only the people of Vakrestender, but Akuanists all across Urth are extremely disappointed and felt betrayed by Ingrid the Reclaimer for her actions in the war. In addition to ceasing of relations, the Valkyr spearheaded the removal of Blaskog out of the NCEF.
Several requests by news agencies were made to interview Jarl Bjørn the Vth, citing his close friendship to Ingrid the Reclaimer. He has not made any public statements on the matter, nor accepted any interviews. To this date, he has not made any public appearances and, for the first time, he did not open or close the Ulvrikian Animation Expo.
Norgsveldet
Response from Norgsveldet was delayed and hindered by the disagreement between the Norgsveltian government and the Crown, with Johanna Sverdrup giving comments about the invasion that contradicted the ones made from Olav I. Causing the Norgsveltian constitutional crisis of 2022 as the prime minister questioned the king’s authority in front of the parliament on the 10th July. This led to many Norgsveltian diplomats giving contradicting comments as well depending on which orders they took from. Biggest example being President of the NCEF, changing her vote after a phone call with Olav. The king himself giving a speech on the 11th July stating:
Johanna Sverdrup on the other hand stayed mainly silent over the issue and simply stated the war was not “Norgsveldet’s issue” and that the king should “know his limits”. The prime minister’s stance led to many protests against her government and demanding her resignation, with her coalition partner in the LNP leaving the government quickly afterwards. With the LNP leader, Carl Agnar, stating that his party stance is fully against the war and that as long the war is ongoing he can not work with a prime minister that won’t oppose it. Proclaiming that he also was not notified about Johanna’s stance prior stating she has “betrayed” his trust.
Aduraszna
According to statements made by Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Heras Leilik, Aduraszna was deeply concerned about the movement of military forces into previously undisputed sovereign territory of Syrtænzna, as well as the precedent such action sets for non-intervention principles in East Borea.
Allegedly, a series of encrypted messages were leaked showing Leilik conversing with a senior civil servant, who recommended use of such language in the statement - noting that, “If it goes to shit even more, we can always switch our stance to strongly condemn, even if we were going to do fuck all.”
Leilik firmly denied such allegations, stating that neither he nor his colleagues would use such unprofessional language in discussing such an important issue, and the messages present stances shared by neither him nor the Aszar government.
Hadena
In a statement made by Supreme President Chriki Paka-Fifia, the nation of Hadena expressed support for the partition of Syrtænzna along ethnocultural lines in order to create borders better suited to the people of the region. Fifia made heavy criticism towards Norgsveldet, stating that the true reason such a conflict had to arise on this scale was due to the postcolonial interventionism of the Norgsveltian state into the affairs of Blaskog. In her speech, the leader stated her belief that:
Akuanist reactions to Nystatinne involvement
The general feeling of Akuanists across the Urth, was one of shock, horror and complete betrayal of Akuanist values and trust.
Background
Previously, before Ingrid enshrinement onto the throne and before Hoshi took office. The general consensus for Akuanists about Nystatiszna was that it was the homeland and birthplace of Akuanism. It was in a state of perpetual torment and violence, with the majority of Akuanists fearing that the birthplace would never be true Akuanist state again after the colonization by the Borean Trading Company, then later after Naylorbrookisza dictatorship of the country and finally with the Speciest Republic that came after her death.
The dictatorship of Naylorbrookiza came as a shock to Akuanists all across the Urth. As it was originally believed there was going to be a democratic country after the independence war, as such when Naylorbrookiza coup the government and took control of the country. The reaction was mixed, while publicly, Naylorbrookiza proclaimed that the country was going to be ruled by traditionalist Akuan values with anti-imperialism additions to it. However after the increases in secret police, militarism and the geocide of slave-owning class shocked the Akuan world enough for them to cut all relations with the new country. As well refused pilgrims and stories sent to the Grand Shrine of Lilith.
When the Nystatinne Republic came into being, at first there was hope there were signs of the homeland normalizing. The Republic, while still fairly isolationist, allowed Akuanists to send stories to the Grand Shrine of Lilith, which was closed off since the dictatorship. As well later, allowing the Association of the Servants of Akua (ASA) to catology the various shrines located within the country. However when the republic started pushing the speciest rhetoric and passing laws restricting Kemonomimi, causing another feeling of disappointment and betrayal. While the Akuanists countries restricted their involvement and pulled their embasses from Nystatiszna, the ASA was still tolerated to catology the shrines. They banned pilgrimages to the Grand Shrine of Lilith however they still allowed stories to be sent to Lilith.
During the first reforms of the Republic, creating the president’s office. Hopes were once again raised for Akuanists that the country might normalize and return to the original promise of becoming an Akuan country, with Akuanist values. President (Now Prime Minister) Ayo Hoshi made several reforms and several dozen promises to improve Kemonomimi into the government. Such as including more Kemonomimi in government offices and renewed Akuanism shrines. The increasing promotion of Akuan values and the perception of Nystatinne Republic greatly increased in the eyes of the Akuanist perception.
Ingrid’s Enshrinement
The enshrinement of Ingrid, was met with heavy skepticism and widespread disapproval from the general Akuanist community. Primary reasoning being she only recently converted to Akuanism, thus wasn’t raised in the faith and as such giving such an important spirit to be enshrined was extremely controversial. Arguments have been made that Ingrid should have been given a lesser spirit than the incredibly important Fyllikenkrasjlander (Spirit of Borea) if she had to be enshrined with a spirit at all. The nature of having such an important spirit, given to a foreign royal, born outside of Akuanist faith and being seen as an “unworthy” shrine to host such a spirit.
It should be noted there was minor push back against this argument, most significantly from the Brewmaster of Lilith and a few minor brewmasters in Norgsveltian mainland. Attesting to her character, faith and her commitment to Akuan faith.
The War
Akuanist moods shifted from skepticism and widespread to a general feeling of complete betrayal as the Nystatinne military joined the war. The previous promise by Prime Minister Hoshi, with the blessing of Ingrid to decrease its military and defense budget. As well a decree to become more of an Akuanist state.
As such, when the war started it was met with horror and a betrayal of the Akuanist faith. Widespread, anti-Nystatinne government protests sprawled across the various Akuanist groups and in Akuan countries proper. The Akuan Democracy of Ny’Natrotomi recalled it’s recognition of Nystatiszna government as legitimate, followed by several other minor Akuan democracies. Notably in the Federation, four of the Akuan majority republics/states declared they would no longer recognize Nystatiszna government as well, however the Federal government the Federation still will recognize the Nystatiszna government.
Akuanist minorities in other countries, held demonstrations against the Nystatiszna government often in front of Nystatinne embassies or in front of notable businesses that invest, trade or work with the government of Nystatiszna or Nystatiszna country proper. They focused on the large companies, such as in Eyjaria that used Nystatinne visa workers in the fishing and construction industries.
Vorpest
In Vorpest, the modest amount of good faith offered to Ingrid soon came to sour in the wake of the Nystatinne invasion. While official government lines remained consistently indifferent to the involvement of another nation in a war viewed as a foregone conclusion, the sentiments of the Akuanist minority on the island were quick to turn against the Matriarch.
Due in part to Vorpest’s unique position at the Borean periphery, descendants of Akuanist migrants on the island proved skeptical of Ingrid’s role as a leader of the faith as a whole. Influential Akuanist figures such as Unified Assembly member Alyssa Heidel of the Communal Shrine Party continued to levy criticism of the suggested role of the Nystatinne head of state throughout the early days of Ingrid’s reign, asserting belief in the autonomy of Akuanist communities outside Nystatiszna and a desire to represent themselves. Some Vorpestian Akuanists asserted the more radical notion that Ingrid was little more than “a career politician in religious robes,” and wholesale rejected that the Norgsveltian-born Ulvriktruer had any right to religious recognition as a living shrine. Despite this, the Qalbtajja Spiritual Confederation (KSQ) - the largest Akuanist shrine keeping organization on the island - attempted to make inroads with Ingrid, remaining open to the idea of endorsing Ingrid’s attendance to the 2023 Day of the Tides - the Akuanist celebration of Sakami coinciding with Sakamite folk religion festivals.
Preceding the war, despite negative sentiments towards Nystatiszna as a whole, a majority of Vorpestian Akuanists either supported or paid little mind to the idea of Ingrid’s attendance - with the provision that she be treated as they would any other Akuanist visitor to the event. In this, a number of outside observers noted the event as a potentially vital juncture, with the KSQ offering Ingrid a chance to present herself as a member of the wider Akuanist community that regularly associated with Vorpest as the origin of the Sakimite myths. It was even suggested by experts that - should a good impression have been made - an appearance at the festival would have served a great deal to improve public opinion of Ingrid amongst Vropestian Akuanists. However, such a plan was not able to come to fruition due to the invasion.
On 15 July, as Nystatinne troops entered Syrtænzna without a formal declaration of war, tides of public opinion turned to disgust towards the perceived complicity of Ingrid in the illegal invasion. The move, while not presented as a policy enacted by Ingrid herself, turned those who had previously remained ambivalent on the Matriarch against her - and bolstered her outspoken critics on the island. Moving on the negative sentiment, Alyssa Heidel was granted the chance to make the Communal Shrine Party’s statement, expressing to the public that:
Only a few hours after the statement was made, KSQ officially withdrew from consideration any suggestions of Ingrid’s presence at the Day of Tides for May 1 2023, requesting that no figure “whose action or inaction brought about the violence which currently grips Syrtænzna” attend the event in the foreseeable future - forwarding such a policy to those organizing, or planning to attend from abroad, any May 1st celebrations on Vorpest in the coming years. Such a hardline stance has only rarely been seen by the KSQ, with restrictions on attendants at shrine-led religious events having previously been intentionally near nonexistent. Regardless of public opinion, however, it is likely that hard restrictions on entrants will not extend beyond 2023, with officials of the KSQ viewed as reluctant to police participation outside of when such is deemed strictly necessary.
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