271: Side Story ● Kmir's Gunshots 1

Pakistan, Northern Theater Frontline Command Headquarters.

Inside the command center, on the massive electronic sand table.

The mountains, river valleys, mountain passes, and the troop deployments of both sides in the Kashmir region were clearly visible.

The red dots representing the India military were densely deployed along the Line of Control.

Meanwhile, the blue arrows representing the Pakistan military were already poised and ready on one side of the border.

Major General Arif was dressed in an immaculate military uniform, the stars on his shoulder boards still striking under the slightly dim lights of the command center.

He stood before the sand table, hands resting on the edge of the table, his gaze as sharp as a hawk, scanning every predetermined attack point.

Surrounded by staff officers of various ranks, the atmosphere was solemn and filled with anticipation.

The air was filled with the scent of coffee, heat from electronic equipment, and a faint, lingering trace of gunpowder—

That was the inherent scent of this disputed land, occasionally drifting in from the distance with the wind.

"Gentlemen," Major General Arif's voice was not loud, but it carried an unquestionable decisiveness that instantly captured everyone's attention.

"The High Command has approved the 'Wrath of the Snow Mountain' operation plan."

"Our goal is not just to recover the occupied territory of Kashmir, but to completely crush the India military presence here and open a path for our subsequent operations!"

He picked up a light pen and drew several massive arrows on the sand table.

"The first phase is saturation strikes by drones. We will use the fury of the 'Sky Dragon' drones to plow through the India positions from start to finish!"

"Intelligence indicates that the enemy has deployed three mountain brigades to the frontline positions and reinforced them with artillery and air defense units. However," Major General Arif's lips curled into a cold arc.

"Their air defense system is merely a facade before our 'Sky Thunder' series, and I am highly skeptical that their fortifications can withstand our continuous, precise drone bombardment."

He turned to Colonel Ahmed, the commander in charge of air strikes.

"Ahmed, is your 'Swarm' ready?"

Colonel Ahmed immediately straightened his body, his voice resonant.

"General, five drone regiments, with over seven hundred 'Sky Dragon' Type I and Type II drones, are all in position, armed with a sufficient quantity of precision-guided bombs and air-to-ground missiles."

"Pilots and ground crew are standing by in shifts to ensure the continuity and intensity of the attack!"

"We have simulated this countless times, and we have enough to destroy 70% of the enemy's fixed ground targets and most exposed armored units in the first strike."

"Very good." Major General Arif nodded.

"Do not skimp on ammunition. What I want to see is destruction—an absolute firepower advantage that makes the enemy cower before the battle even begins!"

He then looked at Major General Rashid, the commander of the armored assault cluster.

"Rashid, what about your 'Steel Torrent'? Once the drones open a gap, your mission is to infiltrate, divide, and encircle at maximum speed; do not give the enemy any chance to reorganize their defense line."

Major General Rashid was a burly man; he struck his chest forcefully.

"General, my 12 mechanized brigades are already starving for action! The 'Fierce Rhino' tanks and 'Fierce Tiger' armored vehicles are in perfect condition, and the drivers have long since memorized the terrain of this area."

"As soon as the drone bombardment ends, we will be able to tear through their defense line like a hot knife through butter!"

"Infantry will follow up to clear the area; it must be thorough. I do not want our supply lines harassed by remnants of the enemy."

Major General Arif added, his gaze sweeping over the commanders of the infantry divisions.

"Move fast and be ruthless. We have limited time; we must achieve our operational objectives before India can react and bring in reinforcements from other directions."

"Yes! General!"

The officers replied in unison, their voices echoing within the command center.

Major General Arif took one last look at the sand table, took a deep breath, and issued the final order.

"Then, attack as scheduled! For the glory of Pakistan!"

"For the glory of Pakistan!"