Global Task Force Overlord 2/16/2025
GTFO has been hard at work! Operation Steel Rain officially launched today, and the turnout for the first sortie was impressive. Mission 1 was successfully completed, marking a strong start for the operation.
SitRep is as follows:
The "Midnight Sun" emerged from a coalition of disparate Syrian factions, initially formed to resist the growing Western military presence in Syria following the civil war. These factions included remnants of the Syrian Arab Army, militias with varying degrees of ideological leanings (from nationalist to Islamist), and even some former opposition groups disillusioned with Western intervention.Recognizing an opportunity to counter Western influence, Russia and Iran provided crucial support to these factions, supplying them with arms, training, and intelligence. This support included a substantial influx of older Soviet-era weaponry, forming the backbone of the "Midnight Sun's" military arsenal.By the winter of 2024, a series of coordinated offensives, aided by Russian air power and Iranian advisors, had effectively ousted Western forces from Syria. The "Midnight Sun" declared victory, proclaiming the "liberation" of Syria from foreign interference. The post-liberation period saw a brutal consolidation of power. Internal rivalries among the factions were ruthlessly suppressed, with the most powerful figures within the "Midnight Sun" consolidating their control. A new, authoritarian regime was established, with a strong emphasis on military power.
The "Midnight Sun" recognized the critical role of air defense in deterring any future Western intervention. They invested heavily in establishing a layered air defense network, utilizing a mix of older but still potent Russian SAM systems (SA-2, SA-3, SA-5, SA-6, SA-10, SA-11) coupled with extensive early warning radar. This network was designed to create a formidable barrier to any aerial incursion. The "Midnight Sun" possesses a significant ground force composed of a mix of former Syrian Army units, militia fighters, and newly formed mechanized brigades. Their equipment includes a variety of tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery, largely of Soviet/Russian origin. The "Midnight Sun" operates a fleet of aging but still capable Russian and Iranian aircraft, primarily MiG fighters, and helicopters. They also possess some older Western aircraft (F-4E, F-14B, F-5E) acquired through various channels. These aircraft are primarily used for air defense and ground support. The "Midnight Sun" lacks a navy, significantly limiting its ability to project power beyond the Syrian coastline. This presents a major obstacle to their ambitions of expanding their influence.
The "Midnight Sun" views the island of Cyprus as a strategic prize, both for its proximity to Syria and its potential role in establishing naval capabilities. They aim to seize control of Cyprus, potentially using it as a base for developing a nascent navy. The "Midnight Sun" seeks recognition as a legitimate nation by the international community. This is a daunting challenge, given their authoritarian regime, human rights abuses, and aggressive expansionist policies. They may attempt to achieve this through diplomatic maneuvering, propaganda campaigns, and potentially by offering concessions to certain countries. Maintaining internal stability remains a constant challenge. The "Midnight Sun" faces the threat of internal dissent, potential rebellions, and the ongoing struggle for power among the various factions within the regime. The "Midnight Sun" continues to face the potential threat of a Western military response, despite their formidable air defenses. They also must contend with potential regional rivals, such as Israel and Turkey.
The "Midnight Sun" represents a complex and dangerous entity. Their military strength, coupled with their expansionist ambitions, poses a significant threat to regional stability. Their quest for international recognition will likely be a long and arduous one, fraught with challenges and potential for conflict.
On the morning of February 16, 2025, GTFO airmen and women were tasked with conducting reconnaissance flights in international airspace to gather intelligence on the “Midnight Sun” and their naval presence in the port of Tartus, Syria. The following squadrons were deployed: 191st Attack Squadron (A-10C), 19th Helicopter Brigade, 507th Fighter Squadron (F-16C), VFA-272 (F/A-18C), 449th Fighter Squadron (F/A-18C), 482nd Fighter Squadron (F-15E), VF-141 (F-14B), and 479th Fighter Squadron (F-15C).
The 191st AS and 19th Helo Brigade were tasked with delivering supplies and their aircraft to Hatay Airfield. Meanwhile, the 507th FS, VFA-272, 449th FS, 482nd FS, VF-141, and 479th FS were assigned to the Area of Operations (AO). The 479th FS was also designated to escort the Algerian Ambassador, who was departing Syrian airspace for Incirlik Airfield. However, shortly after GTFO airframes took to the skies, reports confirmed that the Algerian Ambassador’s flight had been shot down shortly after takeoff. The Algerian Government released the following press release on the situation:
Algerian Government Demands Justice After Brutal Attack by Midnight Sun
Algiers, 16 Feb 25 – The Algerian Government is in a state of profound grief and outrage following the barbaric act of aggression by the Midnight Sun insurgency. The cowardly and unprovoked attack on an Algerian diplomatic aircraft, resulting in the tragic loss of 12 innocent lives, including the Algerian Ambassador to the United Nations, constitutes a grave breach of international law and a blatant act of war.
This heinous crime demonstrates the Midnight Sun regime's utter disregard for human life and its contempt for the international community. This is not merely an attack on Algeria; it is an attack on diplomacy, on the principles of peaceful resolution, and on the very foundations of international order.
The Algerian Government demands that the United Nations Security Council immediately convene an emergency session to address this grave threat. We call upon the Council to condemn this act of aggression in the strongest possible terms and to take all necessary measures to hold the Midnight Sun regime accountable for its actions.
This criminal act demands a resolute and decisive response. The Midnight Sun must be defeated at all costs. We urge the international community to unite in solidarity with Algeria and to take all necessary steps, including the deployment of appropriate military force, to ensure the safety and security of the region and to dismantle this dangerous regime.
Justice must be served for the innocent lives lost in this barbaric attack. The perpetrators of this heinous crime must be brought to justice and held fully accountable for their actions.
Zohra Drif
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Algerian Government
The 479th Fighter Squadron was rerouted to CAP Point Bravo following the shooting down of the Algerian ambassador, which triggered the events of this morning. Shortly after, GTFO pilots reported being locked by both enemy Surface-to-Air missile systems and Midnight Sun airframes, which was considered an act of aggression towards GTFO pilots and a violation of the airspace's sanctity.
Prior to this incident, GTFO pilots had been operating under extremely strict Rules of Engagement (ROE), with orders to keep their weapons on hold unless engaged or acted upon aggressively by Midnight Sun forces.
In response, VFA-272, VF-141, the 507th FS, and the 482nd FS were tasked with ingressing into the Area of Operations (AO) to conduct the recon portion of the mission. The 482nd FS deployed two flights—Sentry and Talon. Sentry flight focused on reconnaissance, while Talon provided Combat Air Patrol (CAP) cover. Sentry 1-2 successfully acquired multiple FLIR and Ground Radar images of Tartus Port:
Radar and FLIR imagery confirmed the presence of an aircraft carrier and multiple battleships under Midnight Sun's command.
Following the hostile engagement with both the Algerian ambassador and GTFO pilots, Sentry 1-2 successfully employed a GBU-31 JDAM, striking the deck of Midnight Sun’s aircraft carrier. Sentry 1-1 was subsequently shot down by what is believed to have been an SU-27 Flanker. Talon Flight engaged and destroyed two red air assets, but Talon 1-2 and Talon 1-3 were both lost in combat.
VFA-272's commanding officer, Miyagi, and executive officer, WIZ, successfully deployed guided ordnance onto the Tartus Port. Their strike included a direct hit on the carrier as well as a bomb through the deck of Midnight Sun's battleships. VFA-272, operating under the callsign Booty Flight, launched six airframes for the mission. The unit destroyed two naval craft before returning to base with a CASE III approach. Additionally, Commanding Officer Miyagi was able to capture FLIR images of Tartus Port for further analysis.
The 479th Fighter Squadron advanced to CAP Point Bravo, at which point weapons were released, and Commanding Officer Seamus successfully downed three MiG-25s that crossed into Syrian airspace.
During the early hours of the operation, GTFO forces sustained the loss of five airframes: three F-15E Strike Eagles, one F-15C, and one F-14B Tomcat. Midnight Sun forces also incurred five casualties, including one MiG-23MLD and four MiG-25s, according to intelligence reports.
The GTFO Council and Squadron Leadership would like to extend their congratulations and gratitude to all pilots who participated in this crucial mission on 2/16/25. While some issues were noted, none were detrimental to the overall campaign. We deeply appreciate the efforts of all pilots involved and hope you enjoyed flying in our first-ever modern campaign mission.
GTFO Media News:
GTFO Press Officer Sheriff will begin production on a recruitment and promotional video to support GTFO's recruitment efforts. All GTFO pilots are encouraged to contribute ideas and participate in the recording process. Production is set to begin within the week.
Additionally, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts will be produced, with each squadron receiving its own video. Commanding Officers and Executive Officers should reach out to Sheriff to discuss specific content they would like included in their respective videos.
Final Remarks:
The GTFO Council and Squadron Leadership would like to extend their gratitude to everyone for their patience during today's mission startup. We hope all members had an enjoyable experience and that no challenges were overly difficult. We always encourage members to reach out to Leadership with any suggestions or concerns.
The next GTFO Council Meeting will be held on March 1st at 2:00 PM EST.