303: Chapter 303 Ironclad Evidence Smashes the Press Conference

Recording 3 (Audio synchronized, Thai): "...Group C, in three minutes, fire on those three houses at the east end of the village. There are at least fifteen targets inside, including women and children... Leave survivors—don't touch those two households at the west end; they are the 'witnesses'..."

The voice was cold, carrying a commanding tone.

Recording 4 (Raid footage): Beside a camouflaged command vehicle, four guards fell silently. The door was pulled open, and a weather-beaten man (Tawang) was dragged out with a gun pressed to his temple. In the frame, the model of the pistol at his waist was clearly visible.

Recording 5 (Interrogation clip): Tawang's face was clear, his eyes unfocused, his voice trembling as he spoke to Lens: "I followed orders... operation code name 'Wild Elephant Collision'... the objective was to disguise ourselves as the Myanmar Army, attack Ban Pa Mong Village, and create the illusion of a massacre... The employer contacted us through Mr. Somchai, directed by people from the Thai Army 3rd Military Region, with equipment and plans provided by the Americans... to create a pretext for a large-scale offensive by the Thai Army..."

Recording 6 (Close-up of documents): The original operation plan seized was spread out on a table. Under the high-definition Lens, the Thai-labeled "Wild Elephant Collision," precise operation schedule, target house markings, and even the edge of a blurry but recognizable seal from the Thai Army 3rd Military Region Logistics Department were all laid bare!

The evidence was as solid as a mountain!

Only then did the screen cut back to the press hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The spokesperson's face was as cold as iron, their tone resolute:

"Based on the aforementioned irrefutable evidence, the government of the Federation of Myanmar reveals to the world: This is a framing conspiracy against our country, meticulously planned by certain factions within the Thai military in collusion with overseas intelligence agencies and transnational criminal organizations!"

"Its purpose was to fabricate the illusion of our army massacring civilians, creating a pretext for their long-premeditated aggression!"

"After obtaining complete intelligence, our side was forced to take necessary measures to prevent a tragedy and protect the innocent. We caught them red-handed at the scene of the conspiracy, thwarting this operation!"

"We express our strongest indignation and condemnation of Thailand's actions, which seriously violate international law, trample on humanitarian bottom lines, and deliberately create regional tension!"

"We demand that the Thai government immediately conduct a thorough investigation and severely punish all those responsible!"

"At the same time, as a response to this attempted invasion conspiracy—"

The spokesperson paused.

The screen timely inserted a brief image transmitted in real-time by a forward reconnaissance drone:

In the night sky, dozens of trails with tail flames, like the whips of the Grim Reaper, slammed vertically into a forest.

Following that was a series of earth-shattering explosions, images of flames devouring everything!

"—Our army has carried out a necessary and precise counter-strike against the assembly point of hostile military personnel involved in this conspiracy, located across our border!"

The press conference ended.

Global public opinion instantly exploded!

The reversal came too fast and too hard; the chain of evidence was rock-solid!

At the scene of the military press conference in Bangkok, a statement draft in a colonel's hand fell to the ground with a "thud."

In a strategic research room in Washington, the crisp sound of a coffee cup shattering and suppressed curses rang out simultaneously.

In newsrooms around the world, the shouts of directors almost blew the roofs off:

"Quick! Pull the original draft! Change the headline! Follow up on Myanmar's statement!"

In the Thai Ministry of Defense building, telephone bells rang out in a frenzy.

Several generals, their faces ashen, roared into their handsets, only to receive the "hissing" dead static of the communication channel in response.

All previous contingency plans for "condemning the Myanmar Army" became hammers that smashed their own feet.

Ban Pa Mong Village.

The villagers gathered together, still in shock.

They only remembered the sudden explosions and faint sounds of gunfire outside the village in the middle of the night, followed by the broadcast.

Now, the truth was out.

A grey-haired Karen elder looked at the oblivious children and terrified women around him. His teeth chattered, and tears of lingering fear and towering rage welled up in his clouded eyes:

"They... they would even kill their own people... just to find an excuse?"

Naypyidaw, Underground Command Center.

Zhang Cheng watched the main screen, seeing the frantic shift in global news and the chaotic, pathetic scenes from Thailand.

A cold arc flickered across the corner of his mouth.

"The first phase of the counter-strike is complete."

He turned to Old K, his voice steady:

"Next, let's see how they clean up this mess."

"Order the frontline troops to maintain the highest state of alert to guard against desperate actions."

"Order Erica's team to safely withdraw with the prisoners and evidence."

Twelve hours after the "Wild Elephant Collision" conspiracy was exposed via global live broadcast.

Bangkok, Underground Command Center of the Ministry of Defense building.

The atmosphere was so heavy it felt like it could be wrung out like water. On the massive electronic sand table, the green line representing the Thai-Myanmar border meandered; currently, dozens of red arrows were pointing densely from the Thai side into Myanmar territory.

General Apira, commander of the 3rd Military Region, had a face ashen with bloodshot eyes. Standing before him were Minister of Defense Prayut, also looking grim, and several core staff officers.

"The global media are calling us liars! Butchers!" Prayut's voice suppressed anger and panic. "The tone of the Americans' call just now has changed! They only emphasized that 'since things have come to this, a decisive military victory must be achieved to turn the situation around.' Other support... was vague!"

"Vague?" Apira sneered, his fist slamming onto the edge of the sand table. "The 'Cobra Gold' exercise troops are in the neighboring province! Their AWACS, electronic warfare aircraft, and logistical supply lines are already open for us! Now they say they're being vague? Do they take us for fools?"

A major general staff officer said in a low voice: "Commander, intelligence shows that after last night's incident, the Myanmar Eastern Military Region troops have fully entered a state of first-level combat readiness. Forward position defenses have been strengthened, and their heavy units show signs of moving forward. Our element of surprise... may have been lost."

"Lost?" Apira turned abruptly, staring at him. "Lost what? We have three fully equipped army divisions, over forty thousand troops, hundreds of tanks and armored vehicles, and air support! How many troops does the Myanmar Eastern Military Region have across from us? Two divisions? One brigade? Even if they are somewhat prepared, we can tear a hole through them with absolute numerical superiority and a sudden strike!"

He pointed to several preset offensive arrows on the sand table: "In the direction of Chiang Rai, the 1st Armored Division will be the main force, with the 11th Infantry Division attached, targeting Kengtung directly! In the direction of Mae Hong Son, the 7th Mechanized Infantry Division, along with mountain special forces, will penetrate and sever the connection between Shan State in Northern Myanmar and the Eastern Military Region! What we want is not a minor skirmish, but a thunderous blow to seize enough territory and create a fait accompli!"

He took a breath, his voice carrying the madness of a desperate gamble: "Only by winning and occupying the land will we be qualified to sit at the negotiating table! By then, who will remember any 'Wild Elephant'? History is written by the victors! The international community only respects strength!"

Minister Prayut remained silent for a moment. He knew that behind Apira were the shadows of certain royal factions and Council of Elders; this operation was, to some extent, an expression of those factions' will. Retiring now would mean the potential end of both his political and physical life.