Task Force Grey Ops Room

[Jamie]

TASK FORCE GREY
Security Classification: TOP SECRET

Amid conversations with the Iraqi Government, activity in the secrecy of the MI6 Headquarters augmented with focus been on one of the Operations Rooms. Through the doors sat a conference room with a variety of figures surrounding it. Multiple Project and Intelligence Officers, senior representatives from the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and United Kingdom Special Forces. All having documentation in front of them with 'TOP SECRET' watermarks and a series of large monitors with different pieces of information but one screen, black and ringing out on an encrypted line to the Iraqi Ministry of Defence to discuss with their designated commanders, whom had been aware of the secrecy and purpose of the upcoming call. Nathan

 

[Nathan]

President Rayya Taha would place a encrypted call to the British operations room. She knew this information would change the operation, and lead to the launching of a military operation. Waiting for an answer, she would think about how she would break the news. Upon the call being picked up, she would break the news

"We have found Saddam Hussein. Iraq is ready to launch the operation"

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

There was a sudden air of confusion, no word had been heard from the Iraqi Government since they had been requested for the call to the dramatic escalation of them answering with confirmation of Saddam's location but now it raised the question, do we go? Would rushing into an operation cause unnecessary risk rather than focus on the planning element but at the cost of potentially losing sight of the target. Can the objective be complete via an air strike now instead? But that doesn't confirm the elimination of Hussein. Representatives from across the operations room were participating in an internal tug of war. Risk vs reward. Special Forces were given briefings months ago but the logistics are not in place and the intent was to have American support. Whatever gets decided, a decision needs making promptly. The call was put on hold for around 15 minutes before returning which allowed a brief conversation to take place between the heads of each agency.

Head of Task Force Grey sat MI6 Operative, Luke Scott, who headed the phone call. "I know there is growing unrest in Iraq and the location of Saddam is a huge unexpected victory in itself. We're concerned that unless we act now then we may miss the opportunity so I may need some further clarification from you.

Firstly, where is he held up? What is his protection like and the surroundings? Is it a populated area?

Secondly, initial discussions focused on the element that the UK Special Forces would make for the target building with Iraq supporting. Is this still your stance? Or would you prefer to lead the operation and we can potentially embed with your own forces?

Thirdly, if you'd prefer the UK to make the move, we'd definitely be looking to invite the US in. Eitherway, we're looking to move fast and this would see deployment to Iraq. Can we confirm the best air base to operate from again please?" Nathan

 

[Nathan]

"We believe, although it is not confirmed that Saddam is in a farming compound outside of Tikrit. At present, this area is not involved in the heavy fighting affecting the city.

Surroundings, are open countryside and fields. We have visual on armed forces on the roof top of the compound with RPG and sniper rifles. A police officer managed to escape a foot patrol. We do not know if it is Saddam, but we are confident even if it is not.. the person in the building will be of high intel value. A airstrike would lose this asset.

We are happy for the UK forces to lead the mission with the support of our forces. We can deploy our counter terrorism commandos to the area to support you're forces.

We believe the best airport will be Baghdad Airport. The local Tikrit airport is currently under attack from Saddam's forces. We would welcome American assistance if you believe their support will help"

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

There was a moment of silence as the phone line was muted, Luke Scott returned after discussing the response with his colleagues "We're looking to begin deploying assets within the next few hours. We'll also be carrying out reconnaissance flights over the compound until all pieces are in place to monitor for any changes or additional intelligence on the security threat. Our intention is to have Special Forces quietly base at Baghdad with a couple of air assets for transport. We'll be having a Quick Reaction Force in Cyprus with fast jets as a precaution. We would like to use these jets to carry out the reconnaissance missions of the base if you'd be happy for us to have unrestricted access to do so, and carry out air to air refuelling over Iraq.

Once our assets are in place for an assault, we'll be able to commence but in the meantime, we'd like to ensure we have eyes on the facility at all times from the air and ground. If we provide the air surveillance, are you able to provide ground cover? In the meantime, we'll compile a plan for how an assault would look and let you know." Nathan

Meanwhile... in a separate but private room, a second call had commenced. One of the Intelligence Officers had requested a high priority, but classified call with the US Department of Defence to discuss a possible special operations mission. Odinson

 

[Odinson]

Private​

The British Intelligence Officer who had requested a high priority, classified call with the Department of Defense quickly found himself on the line with an Intelligence Analyst from the United States Office of Naval Intelligence, specifically the Kennedy Irregular Warfare Center. While the analyst was, of course, just an analyst, he was presumably only talking to a British intelligence officer who probably held a similar rank to him. The analyst picked up the phone, on a secure and encrypted line and answered.

"United States Office of Naval Intelligence, Irregular Warfare Center, this is Sam Wright speaking... I was told that you are looking to discuss a specops mission in the Middle East? How can I help?" he asked.

Jamie

 

[Nathan]

"We are able to host your soldiers in Baghdad. We would recommend they stick close to the airbase until the mission starts, we do not know if there are Saddam spies operating in the area. You have my authority for your air assets to enter Iraqi airspace. How will you're reaction force in Cyprus get to Iraq? Will you overfly Syria?

Our proposal is that our forces cover the ground, and create noise to draw away Saddam's forces to the other side of the city. This should reduce the number of forces around the location."

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

Discussion turned to focus on the Americans to see what input they're able to offer, no time was wasted in explaining the situation after re-affirming that both lines were secure. "Good Evening" he started "That's correct, Yes. We are in discussion with the Iraqi Government regarding Saddam Hussein who was responsible for the chemical attacks in 1996. Prime Minister Lawrence Adams has expressed interest in conducting a special operation to locate and arrest or eliminate him. We currently have the Iraqi Government supporting us and our involvement must be covert, information cannot be public of our involvement as this poses a risk to stability in Iraq which is already on a knives edge. We are narrowing down his location with the Iraqi Intelligence Services but UK Special Operations already have clearance to act when the time comes. The reason for my call today is we'd like American support, if this tasking is something you'd agree with and would be willing to participate in?

We'd be looking to employ your forces on the ground in a support role of the main assault, with air assets accompanying our own for air support and transport. This would all be done with the Iraqis, but they are to take the credit for the kill or capture. Western involvement is... um... frowned upon..." he stopped talking, he didn't hold back on giving the Americans as much information as possible. They were trusted, after all. Odinson

Meanwhile, in the other room, conversations with the Iraqi Government continued "Baghdad is perfect, we'll begin our preparations. We've had more consideration for a reaction force and would like to base them in Baghdad too, providing this isn't a concern. Of course, we'll keep this as discrete as possible so ideally anyone deployed should be out of sight and in the military area of the airport. We'd likely be looking to have our operators land via commercial airliners or if your own aircraft could be used to transport them, this would prevent the consideration of western operators in the region. As for your plan, that could work. We'd obviously need everyone in place ready. We'd see a frontal assault carried out by UKSF accompanied by Iraqi Special Forces. Providing the Americans are on-board, we'd like them and other Iraqi assets to provide fire support groups to support such attack, they can also work as a reaction force. RAF, USAF and Iraqi Air Force assets ought to be available too. Helicopters as the main infil and exfil but if you can provide ground vehicles, this is an alternative exfil." Nathan

 

[Nathan]

"We are in agreement with this plan. We can move our paratroopers and marines into the area to support the operation.

In terms of transport, we either have the army aviation of Mi-8 or Mi-17s for the mission. Gunships are available in the form of Mi-24 and 28s. UH-1s are available to the National Guards airwings if more suited.

In terms of transport, we have armoured vehicles that can be used for the operation? Or logistic vehicles. Whatever you need we can make them available"

Jamie