154: Chapter 154 Rescue

The intelligence chief stood up and reported:

"Leader, we have precisely locked onto the exact location of the militants and have also figured out the background of their personnel. There are over thirty of them in total; they are a stubborn anti-government armed group supported by the US side. They are brutal and completely unreasonable, making negotiations extremely difficult. Furthermore, they have threatened to execute one hostage every six hours. Time is truly of the essence!"

At this moment, the negotiator stood up and said:

"Leader, I suggest we first dispatch top-tier negotiators to immediately contact the militants through overseas encrypted channels. We need to stabilize their emotions, delay the execution of the hostages, and engage them in a tug-of-war.

We are not asking for their immediate release, but only to buy every extra minute we can. This is the hostages' only chance at survival, and it will also leave enough time for the rescue operation to prepare. If all else fails, we can throw out some insignificant bait to make them lower their guard. This is the only way to stabilize the situation for now."

Someone immediately frowned and asked:

"Will negotiations even work? It is obvious that these people are puppets of the US, and they won't give in easily. What if we provoke them and end up harming the hostages instead?"

The negotiator said in a deep voice:

"Even if there is only a one-in-ten-thousand chance, we must try. A direct confrontation won't work, and giving in is even less of an option. We can only drag out the time to secure a window of opportunity for the rescue!"

Just as everyone was worried that help from too far away wouldn't arrive in time, a general from the Navy stood up and said:

"Leader! We don't need to mobilize troops from the interior; there simply isn't enough time! I request the deployment of the 18th Escort Task Force. Our escort task force is currently performing escort missions in the waters near Africa and is very close to the incident location;

we can dispatch the Marine Corps special forces attached to the fleet, who can move quickly via ship-borne helicopters. They can definitely reach the village where the incident occurred within six hours, arriving well before the militants execute the hostages!"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's eyes lit up.

The leader in the main seat leaned forward slightly and confirmed:

"Is the information accurate? Are the special forces members of the escort task force confident they can complete this cross-border hostage rescue mission?"

The naval general immediately replied:

"I guarantee it is accurate! The 18th Escort Task Force has been performing missions overseas for years and has rich combat experience. The Marine Corps special forces under the fleet are the elite of the elite, proficient in close-quarters counter-terrorism and hostage rescue. Furthermore, by providing support from nearby, not only will they be fast, but they can also operate covertly to catch the enemy off guard. This perfectly fits the requirements for this rescue!"

The general who was previously worried about the slow mobilization of troops also breathed a sigh of relief, nodded, and said:

"This plan is feasible! Providing support from nearby allows us to arrive before the enemy takes action, avoids a major conflict, and offers strong concealment!"

The commander related to the military special forces also said:

"The escort task force special forces members have been on overseas duty for years and are adapted to the local situation in Africa. They have more advantages than mobilizing troops from the interior. As long as the negotiation team can stabilize the other side, they can strike precisely and rescue the hostages!"

The leader in the main seat was silent for a moment and then said:

"Good! We will execute this plan. Deploy immediately, and there must be no mistakes!

First, immediately activate the emergency negotiation mechanism. Select the top negotiators to connect with the militants right away. Stabilize them at all costs and drag out the time before they execute the hostages. There must absolutely be no casualties among the hostages!

Second, issue the order immediately. The 18th Escort Task Force is to prepare for combat at full speed. Select elite Marine Corps special forces to board ship-borne helicopters immediately and rush to the incident location to carry out a precise rescue. The entire operation must be conducted covertly. Upon arrival, wait for the right moment to strike decisively, and ensure the battle is resolved cleanly and efficiently!

Third, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must continue to speak out firmly, severely condemning the brutal acts of the militants, publicly exposing the truth about the US side instigating and condoning these armed forces behind the scenes, seizing the moral high ground in public opinion, and countering Western smears!"

"Everyone, remember this: there is only one core principle for this rescue:

that is to ensure the safety of the hostages' lives at all costs and to bring our compatriots home safely, every single one of them!"

"Yes! We guarantee to complete the mission!"

Everyone present stood up in unison and responded in one voice.

The moment the order was given, all departments immediately began operating at full speed.

The negotiators were in position immediately;

In the waters near Africa, the alarm bells of the 18th Escort Task Force sounded loudly. The elite Marine Corps special forces were fully armed and quickly assembled to board the ships. The engines of the ship-borne helicopters roared as they took off, heading straight for the mission location.

The ship-borne helicopter skimmed over the low altitude. The cabin was silent, with only the roar of the engines.

The team-leading Jiaolong captain, dressed in a special combat uniform with camouflage grease paint on his face, spoke into his headset:

"Attention everyone, this mission will be conducted in total silence throughout. Keep radio usage to the absolute minimum; we must not expose our whereabouts.

There are 12 of our compatriots in the target village, being held by over thirty militants in the civilian area. The opponents are all equipped with US-made firearms and are brutal by nature. Everyone must be on high alert."

"I will reiterate the iron-clad rules:

the primary task is to ensure the hostages remain unharmed. The assault team is responsible for precise entry and rescue, the sniper team will seize outer high ground for cover, and the demolition team will be on standby to clear obstacles. Shoot on sight any militants who resist stubbornly. It is strictly forbidden to harm civilians or hostages."

"We are the sharp knife of the escort task force. When our compatriots are in danger overseas, we are their lifeline. This mission must only succeed; failure is not an option!"

"We guarantee to complete the mission!"

The team members shouted in unison.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at home urgently held a temporary press conference. Facing a crowd of media cameras, the spokesperson said with a solemn expression:

"Regarding the malicious incident where anti-government armed forces in Africa illegally detained our citizens and publicly live-streamed provocations, the Dragon Side expresses strong indignation and severe condemnation. We solemnly urge the militants to immediately and unconditionally release all Dragon Side personnel and effectively guarantee the safety of the hostages' lives."

"Any act that endangers the lives and safety of our overseas citizens will never be tolerated by the Dragon Side. We have the determination and capability to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of our citizens. We will definitely take all necessary measures to rescue our trapped compatriots, and the masterminds behind the scenes will surely be severely punished!"

The spokesperson's statement quickly spread across the entire internet, instantly igniting the emotions of the domestic public:

"Right, we must never bow down to evil forces!"

"My heart goes out to the trapped compatriots. Please, they must be safe. The country must find a way to save them and bring them back!"

"US, stop playing dead behind the scenes. Anyone with eyes knows you are the one making trouble. How shameless!"

"These insane militants, detaining hostages in broad daylight—they must be severely punished!"

"Waiting for the country to rescue our compatriots. I believe the country will not abandon a single one of its citizens. Praying for their safety!"