Arlo Alberton
The Globe and Anchor
4/27/18
The Violence of the Horizon Islands
Horizon Islands (G&A) -- The United States' assistance in the Horizon Islands was once welcome and once a strong indication that the people would have a powerful ally as their sworn protector. The U.S has taken several different initiatives across many of the western islands to drive away the pirates that have plagued the land in recent months. However, it would appear that the United States is improperly identifying their enemies and are now engaging local civilians and their properties.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes,” says Arnold Puteer, a resident of Qua-Que. “They destroyed that business, and almost destroyed the ruins. How does dropping a bomb on a business going to rid of the bandits?”
Instagram post from user “bigkochbread” on the recent air strike on a civilian structure.
This wouldn’t be the first instance of collateral damage, however. Several different residents have reported of being placed in immediate danger when the United States was in the area.
“They are like magnets. They just attract the bandits,” a resident commented. “If I wanted them to come to my house, I would leave all of my belongings outside my door!”
United States leaders are under heavy scrutiny since the allegations surfaced. Citizens across the Islands are demanding an explanation as to why structures are destroyed, but no clarification has been released by any officials. Local leaders have offered a statement, stating the attacks “were not done with intentions to maim or kill, but to root out the bandit’s from any area they may be occupying”. No statements on the actual contents of this establishment or the reasoning to destroy it has been released.
“My children are afraid. My wife is afraid. I am afraid. I do not feel safe with [the United States] having the ability to destroy my home and my work. I make little as is -- and they have ruined a good business,” says Puteer.
Following the attacks from the United States are reports of increased violence from opposing forces. The bandits occupying the various regions of the islands, with reports of extreme inhuman actions affecting the local populace. While not shown, mass killings and public displays of execution have been photographed by locals and military officials. The local bandits are also assuming the tactics of insurgents -- being disguised as common civilians and ambushing local police forces as they respond to emergency calls. This information is coming from the same region, causing panic and instilling more fear among the population.
“What we’ve seen is an inexplicable, horrendous act of cruelty. There is no doubt in my mind that these awful men will be brought to justice,” says local politician James White.
What measures the local governments will take to ensure the safety of the islands is unknown. Any attempt to reach out for comments has failed. At this time, the military presence of the United States, Australia, and China are the sole entities quarantining the bandit infection.
This article is a work of fiction, intended to support the storyline of the 3d MRB Arma 3 realism unit.