Following the rapid deployment of the 22nd Light Brigade earlier in the week to build a bridgehead the HCS have begun landing the 41th and 72nd Armoured Brigades and the 8th Artillery Battalion as well as 3 squadrons of F-45As, 3 squadrons of A-84s and 2 squadrons of A-85s at the airfield built at their landing point.
This position is around 140km from the main town on Lornaca Melnig and the main source of resistance. Lornaca's defence forces have continued to be pounded from space and from the air however and its not sure how much remains to fight the HCS thrust when it comes in a few days. The HCS have told Lornaca fighters to not resist to avoid unnecessary bloodshed.
"If Lornaca surrenders then it's entry into the Clone Space Empire will be swift and fair." Captain Clone told the population via TV and radio broadcasts, "There will be no reprisals, no massacres, anyone who wants to leave will be allowed to. Resistance will be brutally responded to."
DDS Provider 71A transport A117 Trader has been allowed into a near orbit with Lornaca to facilitate the evacuation of UNP liaison staff. Two Aritan Intrepid II destroyers have not been allowed entry into the system, the Clones have said that only the DDS transport will be allowed in. The DDS say they will also evacuate Aritan citizens.
