270: Chapter 270 The East Wind Has Locked onto the Strait of Mandeb

Naypyidaw, the underground command center of the Presidential Palace.

On the giant circular screen, a world map was slowly rotating. The green area representing Zhang Cheng's sphere of influence had already extended two tentacles from mainland Myanmar: one westward, connecting with the Dragon Kingdom's Kyaukpyu Port; the other northward, faintly pointing toward that burning land in the Middle East.

Zhang Cheng stood before the screen, hands behind his back, his military jacket casually draped over the back of a chair, the sleeves of his white shirt rolled up to his forearms. He had been standing like this for fifteen minutes, motionless, only his eyes following the points of light on the map.

"President, Old K has arrived," Li Lanzhi said softly. She stood by the console, holding a freshly printed briefing in her hand, a hint of exhaustion in her brows, but more so a sense of determination.

"Let him in."

The heavy blast-proof door slid open silently, and Old K's figure appeared at the entrance. He was still in his dark green combat fatigue, the general's star on his shoulder straps glinting coldly under the lights. This Advanced Death Soldier, who was the first to follow Zhang Cheng, was now the Chief of the General Staff of the Greater Myanmar Federation's Defense Forces, controlling the military nerve center of this newborn nation.

"Sit," Zhang Cheng pointed to a chair by the conference table, then turned away from the large screen himself to sit in the main seat at the end of the long table.

Old K didn't waste any words; he directly opened his portable tablet and connected it to the meeting room's projection system.

"Comprehensive report on the Middle East situation, as of midnight today."

The first chart appeared on the screen—a topographical map of the Gaza Strip, densely marked with red and blue indicators.

"Regarding Sinwar," Old K's voice was as calm as a placid pool. "After four months of continuous combat, over 60% of the Gaza Strip is currently under effective control. This includes the old city in the north, the central commercial district, and the area around the Rafah Crossing in the south. The Squid Nation's military has been squeezed into the eastern border buffer zone and several isolated strongholds along the western coast."

The map zoomed in, showing detailed troop deployments.

"Sinwar's total force is approximately 15,000 men, of which 5,000 are Death Soldier units deployed through our system—these units are disguised as 'International Volunteer Brigades' and locally trained recruits. The remaining 10,000 are reorganized from local Resistance Organizations."

"Regarding equipment," Old K switched the image, "the Death Soldier units are fully equipped with AK-12 assault rifles, RPG-7V2 rocket launchers, and 'Kornet-M' anti-tank missile systems. The local forces' equipment is more varied, but through captured spoils and secret channels, 70% have been refitted with standardized gear."

"Air Defense Forces: 12 sets of HQ-17AE air defense systems, 200 voroshilov-2 man-portable air defense missiles, and a large number of modified anti-aircraft machine guns. Anti-tank forces: besides the 'Kornet', there are captured 'Spike' anti-tank missiles and extensive IED manufacturing capabilities."

"The command system is fully established. Sinwar himself, in his capacity as the Gaza Resistance Army Commander-in-Chief, effectively controls military, political, and diplomatic powers. The 'People's Committee' he established is already operational, restoring power, water supply, and food distribution in some areas."

Zhang Cheng nodded slightly. "Casualties?"

"On Sinwar's side, four months of combat have resulted in approximately 2,000 deaths, including 400 Death Soldiers. There are about 5,000 wounded, most of whom have returned to their combat posts." Old K paused. "Civilian casualties... according to incomplete statistics, the Squid Nation's bombings and shellings have caused over 15,000 civilian deaths and 30,000 injuries. Two hundred thousand are homeless."

Silence filled the meeting room for a few seconds.

Li Lanzhi's fingers tightened, crumpling a corner of the briefing.

"Continue," Zhang Cheng's voice was calm.

"Regarding Houssa," the screen switched to a map of Yemen.

Across the entire southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, except for a few desert regions in the east where sporadic resistance from pro-Saudi Arabia militias remains, the vast majority of the area has been colored deep green, representing Houssa's control.

"The Republic of Yemen effectively controls over 90% of the national territory. Two weeks ago, Houssa was officially sworn in as President in gender own, forming a coalition government that includes tribal representatives, former government officials, and technocrats."

"Military strength," Old K pulled up another set of data. "The regular army has a total force of 50,000 men, of which 12,000 are system Death Soldiers; these Death Soldiers primarily serve as technical branches and the officer corps. The rest are reorganized tribal militias and defected troops from the former government army."

"Equipment levels have significantly improved. The army possesses 120 modified T-72 tanks, 200 BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, and 300 pieces of various artillery. The navy is being formed, having already received four missile boats and two frigates (all exchanged through the system). The air force has 12 MiG-29 fighters, 8 Su-25 attack aircraft, and a large number of drones."

"Most importantly," Old K looked at Zhang Cheng, "the five sets of DF-21D anti-ship missile systems deployed by Houssa in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait have formed an effective deterrent. Red Sea shipping data shows that in the past month, the number of warships from the Eagle Nation and its allies passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait has dropped by 40%."

A slight curve appeared at the corner of Zhang Cheng's mouth. "The effect is quite obvious."

"Yes," Old K continued his report. "Economically, the Houssa government has taken over major oil-producing areas like Marib and Al Jawf, with daily crude oil production recovering to 60% of pre-war levels. Trade through Saleh Port and Hodeidah Port is recovering. Diplomatic relations with Iran, Qatar, and Oman have been established, and oil procurement agreements with the Dragon Kingdom are under negotiation."

"Very efficient," Zhang Cheng commented. "What about the Squid Nation's side?"

The screen switched to the third part—a set of shocking statistical charts.

"Regarding the Squid Nation, cumulative losses over the four months of war." Old K's voice remained calm, but every number carried immense weight. "Confirmed soldier deaths: 2,147. Among them are 123 officers, including one major general and four colonels."

"Severely wounded and disabled: over 3,800 people."

"Captured: 234 people, including Major Moshe Cohen, who was captured at the Three-Way Junction; he is currently still in Sinwar's hands."

Li Lanzhi took a soft breath.

"Equipment losses," Old K switched the image. "merkava series main battle tanks: 104 confirmed destroyed or heavily damaged. 'Namer' heavy armored personnel carriers: 87. Various artillery: 65 pieces. Helicopters: nine, including four apache. Fixed-wing aircraft: seven, including four F-35Is."

"Preliminary estimate of economic losses," Old K read out the next figure. "Direct military expenditure exceeds 20 billion USD. Tourism has dropped by 70%, the scale of foreign capital withdrawal has reached 30 billion USD, the currency has depreciated by 15%, and the stock market has fallen by a cumulative 25%. Standard & Poor's has downgraded the Squid Nation's sovereign credit rating from A+ to BBB."