Umardo-Yanubi border clashes

Yanubi forces patrolling the border in 2001.

Sylirian jet taking off from Aswad in preperation for strikes against yanubi Forces (2002)

The Syliro-Yanubi border clashes were a series of incidents and skirmishes between Syliria and Yanuban between 1997 and 2004, when the border was finalized in the Treaty of Dunborough.

Background

During the Zege Regime in Yanuban, relations between Syliria and Yanuban were amicable. When the military coup occurred and Zege was assassinated in 1997, the junta set about addressing what it saw as long standing grievances between the two countries. Dating back to the end of the colonial period the border between Syliria and Yanuban was ill-defined. At various times, especially during the First and Second Great Wars the countries had sparred over the specifics, but there had been no resolution.

The border clashes of the late 90s and early 2000s was a continuation of this dispute.

Clashes

1997 Invasion

Eastern most extent of Yanuban's surprise invasion of Syliria in 1997.

In the early morning hours of July 15, 1997, just days after the assassination of President Zege, Yanuban launched a surprise invasion of Syliria. Under the cover of darkness, Yanubi armored divisions surged across the Sahil al-Kabir plain, a vast expanse of arid flatland that stretched along the border. The element of surprise, coupled with the superior mobility of their armored forces, allowed the Yanubis to quickly overrun Sylirian border outposts and advance deep into enemy territory. The battle of Wadi al-Ghazal occurred from July 16-18. It was a fierce tank battle ensued in the narrow confines of the Wadi al-Ghazal, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. The Yanubis, despite their numerical superiority, struggled to maneuver in the difficult terrain and faced stiff resistance from entrenched Sylirian anti-tank units. (Yanubi casualties: approx. 2,500; Sylirian casualties: approx. 1,800). During the battle of Qalat al-Sahra, from July 22-25, Yanubi forces laid siege to Qalat al-Sahra, a strategic Sylirian stronghold guarding the approaches to the Nahr al-Shakk. After days of intense bombardment and close-quarters combat, the fortress fell, opening a path for the Yanubis to reach the river. (Yanubi casualties: approx. 3,800; Sylirian casualties: approx. 2,100). The battle of Jisr al-Nahr, from July 28-August 1, saw the Yanubis attempted to cross the Nahr al-Shakk at Jisr al-Nahr, a vital bridge connecting the two sides. However, they were met with fierce resistance from Sylirian forces, who had established well-prepared defensive positions on the eastern bank. The battle resulted in a bloody stalemate, with neither side able to gain a decisive advantage. (Yanubi casualties: approx. 4,200; Sylirian casualties: approx. 3,500)

By the end of August, the Yanubis had secured the entire western bank of the Nahr al-Shakk, achieving their initial objective of seizing the territory they claimed as rightfully theirs. However, their advance had stalled, and they faced a determined Sylirian defense that prevented them from crossing the river. The stalemate would last for another year and a half, mostly being fought through riverine commando raids, and artillery battles.

1999 Sylirian Summer

Sylirian western most extend of their land reclamation campaign.

In January of 1999, the Sylirians launched a devastating counter-offensive. Utilizing their superior airpower, they initiated a series of airstrikes, targeting key Yanubi military installations, supply depots, and communication centers. Port cities such as Marsa al-Fath, and border towns like Madinat al-Hadid were struck with precision, disrupting Yanubi logistics and sowing chaos among their ranks. In the ensuing days, Yanubi forces scrambled to establish anti-air defenses, but the Sylirian air campaign continued unabated, providing crucial air support for the ground offensive. As Sylirian jets pounded Yanubi positions, armored divisions surged across the flat Sahil al-Kabir plain, exploiting the terrain to their advantage. The Yanubi line, weakened by the relentless airstrikes and facing a numerically superior force, began to crumble. In February, the Sylirians achieved a major breakthrough, capturing the strategic town of Qaryat al-Khadra and opening a path towards the Nahr al-Shakk. By March, the Yanubi front had collapsed entirely, and they were forced into a hasty retreat, abandoning most of their territorial gains.

2000s clashes

Clashes by year on the Syliro-Yanuban border.
2000, red
2001, green
2002, purple
2003, white.

Yanubi soldiers defending a border town with a gun truck in 2002.