October 12, 1999*
Esmeraldas, Ecuador*
*
While several savage skirmishes erupt in the south where the USMC push into Ecuador the situation quiets down in the north. In the Canadian area of operations the occasional sniper is encountered but no more organised resistance.*
*
Advancing along the coastal road leading to Esmeraldas, the major city in the province with the same name, the Canadians make steady progress. But as they close with the city they begin to encounter refugees streaming the opposite way.*
*
The civilians claim the army and navy personnel are hell bent on making a stand inside the city. Further interrogation gives at hand that the enemy have a dozen or so AFVs, including a number of Soviet built tanks. There are also Ecuadorian marines in the city, supposedly a notch better than the army.*
*
Halting outside the city the Canadians offer the Ecuadorians to surrender but the offer is met with silence. Following a 24 hour stand off the trapped city garrison remains deaf to all reason. The order to secure the city by means of armed force is given.*
*
A Brazilian Marine company and one New Zealand artillery battery are placed at the disposal of the Canadian battle group commander. US Navy strike aircraft and UAV support is also available.*
