Balgrevonsk Conflict

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Balgrevonsk Conflict
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Date: October 2006-Present
Locations: Balgrevonsk Province, Willink
Cassus Belli: Attempted separation from Willink, Ethnic Cleansing
Combatants
Willink
Balgrev National Army

МPA Forces
Muslim Liberation Army
Ato-Saran Mercenaries

Strength
148,000 troops by December 2006

60,000 as of March 2007

10,000 Ex-Governmental Forces, 70,000 ethnic armies, militas, mercenary forces
Casualties
Unknown, estimated 8,000 soldiers, several dozen civilians Unknown, estimated 40,000+ killed by February 2007

upwards of 80,000 civilians


The Balgrevonsk Conflict is an ongoing series of clashes and ethnic campaigns in the semi-separatist province of Balgrevonsk, in Northwestern Willink between Governmental forces and various ethnic armies, mercenary forces, and non-recognized separatist government security forces, beginning in early October 2006 that has left an estimated 130,000 dead.

The Conflict erupted following the boiling over of long-lasting ethnic tensions between Balgrevs, fundamentalist European Muslims, mixed Catholics, and those of Ato-Saran descent. An uprising by nationalist forces made up of Balgrevs intent on self determination in the provincial capital of Krosevelk led to clashes between various ethnic groups that prompted the intervention of the Willinkian Military to regain control of the rouge province.

Preluding the initial military campaign by Willinkian forces the province was marred by ethnic violence and widespread destruction, as BNA (Balgrev National Army) fought to retain control of the province against Muslim Liberation and Метохија forces. This was complicated moreover when BNA forces began to target those of Ato-Saran descent, whom then gained support from Ato-Saran mercenary forces.

In early November Willinkian military units assisted by anti-BNA paramilitary forces began operations against all 4 warring factions while facing determined resistance and at points offensive attacks from separatist forces. Military forces were able to seize the majority of eastern territory in two months, only to be defeated in the Seige of Krosevelk, widely considered one of the worst military blunders in the nations history.

Suffering numerous setbacks, and faced will guerrilla attacks in Willinkian controlled territory, military forces were forced to pull back their areas of operation considerably in late January 2007. The BNA, riding high off its new found victories, began practicing ethnic cleansing of both Muslims and Ato-Saran nationals, killing an estimated 20,000 in a time of two weeks in early February 2007.

Launching a new operation in mid February 2007, military forces managed to surround and destroy the majority of BNA forces in a quick, decisive operation, and finally seize the provincial capital on March 4th, 2007.

Prelude

Misleading Peace

The Balgrevonsk Conflict has ties in the long lasting ethnic tensions in northwestern Willink. The area has a traditionally rich ethnic background consisting of several dozen ethnicities, whom managed to live in a rather unrealistic harmony for over a century. Part in due to the rise of several nationalistic movements, and partially due to the blasphemous rhetoric spread by regional governor Andrija Kiril, caused a feeling of dissent for various other ethnicities, and for the nation in general.

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The regional capital, Krosevelk
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Despite this, life in the province managed to continue rather unaltered throughout the 1990's, during which time Kiril was elected to power. Kiril, a nationalist Balgrev, promised "Unity to the Balgrev people of our region" and became a forefigure in the Balgrev self determination movement. In 1999 he was instrumental in founding of the BPNP (Balgrev People's Nationalist Party), a right wing political entity supporting self determination of the region. Lacking any real power in the central government, it thrived in the various regional localities, gaining a popular base among the some 30 million Balgrev's living in the province.

The first signs of trouble began to appear in early 2001, after which several BPNP party members were targeted by a Federal indictment under suspicion of illegal business practices. Kiril was investigated for obstruction of justice and forced disappearance, on which he was arrested. Blaming the arrest on Muslim conspirators, he served 24 months before being released on good behavior. During his time in prison, his rhetoric slamming non-Balgrevs reached radical new levels. After his release he was banned by the BPNP and stripped of his membership for life.

Not one to be dismissed so easily, he utilized his connections to throughly purge the BPNP of less radical members and those whom had blocked his reentry. The then head of the organization, Dima Gjorgji, was found murdered in his home in early 2005, and Kiril came to power yet again, this time leading a radical and violent party that became known for intimidating its opposition, including the framing of various officials of contesting political parties.

War of Independence

Main article(s): Balgrev War of Independence

Ethnic Cleansing

BNA military Advances

Operation Just Persecution

Current Status

Casualties

Criticism

International Response