Chapter 2465: Chapter 2441: The Three Key Elements of Special Operations
Gao Yang realized he made a mistake, as he had been focusing on all intelligence from Saudi Arabia while neglecting the changes within the Houthis Armed Forces during this period.
The changes within the Houthis Armed Forces were no secret. After a long conversation with Salim, Gao Yang understood just how significant these changes had been in such a short time.
First, everything the Houthis Armed Forces didn’t have before, they had now. Tanks, planes, artillery, radar—everything that once belonged to the Yemeni Government Forces had fallen into the hands of the Houthis Armed Forces, who could now operate these previously unfamiliar pieces of equipment.
Though it was outdated and limited, the Houthis Armed Forces indeed had upgraded their arsenal, and they were no longer the guerrilla force that relied solely on rifles and mortars to fight.
Most strikingly, the Houthis Armed Forces now even possessed ballistic missiles.
Yemen had Scud Missiles, and before the civil war, these naturally belonged to the Government Forces. But now, they were under the control of the Houthis Armed Forces. According to the information revealed by Salim, the Houthis had already learned to use these high-tech weapons of destruction.
The changes within the Houthis Armed Forces were undoubtedly due to Iranian assistance. Regardless of the reasons behind these changes, describing the Houthis Armed Forces as having transformed overnight was entirely accurate.
"We need to monitor the enemy’s new movements closely. Although the enemy’s initial deployment of Special Forces targeted the front line, such behavior is unlikely to be the norm. We need to be particularly vigilant about the possibility of command centers being attacked. I’m referring to any command center at the front line that needs to heighten its alert level, as the Shah’s available equipment gives them a wide operational range, allowing them to strike all our command centers without fear of interception from us."
After a long discussion with Salim, Gao Yang finally voiced his concerns. The Shah’s Special Forces were still inexperienced, but their superior equipment and ample training made them a formidable adversary that the Houthis Armed Forces couldn’t match.
Salim nodded and said, "I know. Today’s battle served as a wake-up call for us all. Yahya has already raised the alert level. Recently, there have been significant movements by the Shah at the Northwest Border, which is why Yahya was dispatched from Aden to take charge here."
Yahya Husay was the second-in-command of the Houthi Armed Forces, and his arrival at the Northwest Front would bring more elite troops, aiding in stabilizing the situation at the Northwest Border.
After a brief hesitation, Salim, looking expectantly at Gao Yang, said, "I actually want to know if there’s a way for us to carry out retaliatory actions against the Shah. I know you’re an expert in small-scale Special Operations. Do you think we currently have the capability to launch such attacks against the Shah?"
Gao Yang replied without hesitation, "Impossible!"
Kicking the plans in front of him lightly, Gao Yang spoke in a low voice, "To satisfy the key points of Special Operations, first, we need a highly skilled combat team, not many in number but strong enough in capability. Then we need adequate transportation methods, whether by helicopter, airborne, or even by vehicle or on foot—it all needs to be appropriate. But under the current circumstances, we lack suitable transportation methods."
Salim asked urgently, "Can’t we drive there?"
Gao Yang shook his head, "It’s not about speed. It’s about the need for surprise and stealth. The terrain here is mountainous, and the enemy is in a well-guarded military base across the border. Even airborne or helicopter drop-offs can’t break through the enemy’s air defenses quietly, let alone achieve surprise or stealth. Without surprise and stealth, sending a small Special Operations team is a suicide mission."
Salim appeared slightly disappointed, but Gao Yang continued, "Finally, and most importantly, intelligence. What is the point of a small but robust Special Operations team? The Special Operations team is the dagger, short and sharp, perfect for striking at the enemy’s heart. However, to pierce the enemy’s shield and heavy armor, a dagger isn’t enough. We need highly accurate intelligence, such as the location of the enemy’s command center or vital fuel depots. We also need to know the weak points in their defenses. Only with intelligence can we initiate and complete a surprise attack, giving the action meaning."
Salim shook his head, and after a moment of silence, he looked at Gao Yang, baffled, "But today, the Shah attacked our front-line troops, and we suffered heavy losses. This indicates that their operations were highly effective..."
Gao Yang shook his head, emphatically stating, "Their approach was wrong, extremely wrong. Special Forces are not to be used this way. Every Special Forces operative is precious and should not be wasted like this!"
Salim sighed helplessly and said, "Alright, I understand. I have one more question. Do you think the Dagger Assault Team is currently a qualified Special Forces unit?"
Gao Yang didn’t know how to answer Salim’s question. Perhaps in the eyes of the Houthis Armed Forces, the Dagger Assault Team was impressive, but to him, it was dreadfully lacking.
Just then, Yake suddenly burst into Gao Yang’s tent.
"Urgent intelligence. We have identified the commander who launched this morning’s attack. It’s Prince Fahd bin Turki, the former king’s grandson, a senior commander of the Shah’s General Staff, Major General!"
Gao Yang nodded and said, "So, it is a prince."
Yake excitedly added, "There’s more! Major General Fahd has proposed continuing with Special Operations. He is leading a Special Forces unit operating in Yemen, not in Saudi Arabia! We’ve even pinpointed the exact location—a village called Ohalah. The intelligence came from Major General Fahd himself, who just reported his position."
Gao Yang jumped up, quickly putting on his helmet as he turned to Salim and said, "You asked me when we should launch a Special Operations mission? The time is now, with the enemy out of their heavily guarded military base, and we have detailed intelligence on them. Under these conditions, the method of deployment doesn’t matter!"
Salim stood up, elated, "Are we going to fight?"
"Yes, we are going to fight! We must fight, and we must do so quickly!"
After speaking to Salim, Gao Yang grabbed his radio and urgently called out, "Emergency assembly, full combat gear and protective equipment, night raid, decapitation operation, target the enemy Special Forces unit attacking Cobra, over!"
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