Dogs of War: A Militaryphotos.net Coup

[Hellfish6]

I don't quite know how this will work, but it could be interesting.

Intent

To pool the knowledge of the MP.net members to successfully launch a coup of a small African country.

Background

I was reading about Bob Denard, Simon Mann and other mercenary leaders past and present and their attempts to overthrow various countries in Africa. I started thinking of all the various reasons why the coups failed, and began wondering how a coup could work. And if it did work, how would you secure your gains?

Your Mission

Organize a coup d'etat in Ecuatorial Guinea.

Your Resources, Limitations, and House Rules

$25,000,000 for all expenses.

No more than 100 personnel, at least 50% must be indigenous Equatorial Guineans.

All weapons and transport must be realistically obtainable. No C-130s flying in Stingray tanks you stole from Thailand.

Your sponsors have convinced the CIA, MI6, etc. to look the other way. You will recieve neither interference nor support from external forces.

You have six months to prepare. The "Go" code could be given at any point after those six months. Consider that bonus time, but you shouldn't rely on it.

Some Relevant Information

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/31/Flag_of_Equatorial_Guinea.svg/125px-Flag_of_Equatorial_Guinea.svg.png

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equatorial_Guinea

http://sportsforum.ws/sd/factbook/geos/ek.html

Economy - overview: http://sportsforum.ws/sd/factbook/graphics/dictionary.jpg (http://sportsforum.ws/sd/factbook/docs/notesanddefs.html#2116) http://sportsforum.ws/sd/factbook/graphics/listing.jpg (http://sportsforum.ws/sd/factbook/fields/2116.html)
The discovery and exploitation of large oil reserves have contributed to dramatic economic growth in recent years. Forestry, farming, and fishing are also major components of GDP. Subsistence farming predominates. Although pre-independence Equatorial Guinea counted on cocoa production for hard currency earnings, the neglect of the rural economy under successive regimes has diminished potential for agriculture-led growth (the government has stated its intention to reinvest some oil revenue into agriculture). A number of aid programs sponsored by the World Bank and the IMF have been cut off since 1993, because of corruption and mismanagement. No longer eligible for concessional financing because of large oil revenues, the government has been trying to agree on a "shadow" fiscal management program with the World Bank and IMF. Businesses, for the most part, are owned by government officials and their family members. Undeveloped natural resources include titanium, iron ore, manganese, uranium, and alluvial gold. Growth remained strong in 2005, led by oil. Equatorial Guinea now has the second highest per capita income in the world, after Luxembourg.

Military of Equatorial Guinea

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_of_Equatorial_Guinea

The military (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military) of Equatorial Guinea (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equatorial_Guinea) was reorganized in 1979. It consists of approximately 2,500 service members. The army has almost 1,400 soldiers, the police 400 paramilitary men, the navy 200 service members, and the air force about 120 members. There is also a Gendarmerie (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gendarmerie), but the number of members is unknown. The Gendarmerie is a new branch of the service in which training and education is being supported by the French Military Cooperation in Equatorial Guinea. Overall the military is poorly trained and equipped. It has mostly small arms, RPGs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_propelled_grenade), and mortars (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortar_%28weapon%29). Almost none of its Soviet (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet)-style light-armored vehicles or trucks are operational.

In 1988, the United States (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States) donated a 68-foot patrol boat to the Equatoguinean navy to patrol its exclusive economic zone. The U.S. patrol boat "Isla de Bioko" is no longer operational. U.S. military-to-military engagement has been dormant since 1997 (the year of the last Joint Combined Exchange Training Exercise (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Joint_Combined_Exchange_Training_Exercise&action=edit)). Between 1984 and 1992, service members went regularly to the United States on the International Military Education Training program, after which funding for this program for Equatorial Guinea ceased.

The government spent 6.5% of its annual budget on defense in 2000 and 4.5% of its budget on defense in 2001. It recently acquired some Chinese artillery pieces, some Ukrainian patrol boats, and some Ukrainian Helicopter Gunships. The number of paved airports in Equatorial Guinea can be counted on one hand, and as such the number of aeroplanes operated by the airforce is small [1] (http://www.worldairforces.com/Countries/equatorial_guinea/eqg.html) [2] (http://www.worldairforces.com/Countries/equatorial_guinea/EQGaircraft.html). The Equatoguineans rely on foreigners to operate and maintain this equipment as they are not sufficiently trained to do so.

Military appointments are all reviewed by President Obiang (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teodoro_Obiang), and few of the native militiamen come from outside of Obiang's Mongomo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mongomo) based Esangui clan. Obiang was a general when he overthrew his uncle, Francisco Macias Nguema (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francisco_Macias_Nguema).

Military branches
Army, Navy, Air Force, Rapid Intervention Force, National Police

Military manpower - availability
Males age 15-49: 105,420 (2000 est.)

Military manpower - fit for military service
Males age 15-49: 53,564 (2000 est.)

Military expenditures - dollar figure
$3 million (FY97/98)

Military expenditures - percent of GDP
0.6% (FY97/98)

High Value Targets

President Teodoro OBIANG Nguema Mbasogo, Brig. Gen. (Ret.)
Prime Minister Miguel Abia BITEO Borico
First Vice Prime Min. Mercelino Oyono NTUTUMU
Second Vice Prime Min. Ricardo Mangue Obama NFUBEA
Sec. Gen. of the Government Antonio Martine Ndong NTUTUMU
Min. of Agriculture & Forests Teodoro Nguema OBIANG Mangu
Min. of Economy, Commerce, & Promotion Jaime Ela NDONG
Min. of Education, Science, & Sports Cristobal Menana ELA
Min. of Finance & Budget Mercelino Owono EDU
Min. of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, & Francophone Affairs Micha Ondo BILL, Pastor
Min. of Information, Tourism, & Culture Alfonso Nsue MOKUY
Min. of Interior & Local Corporations Clemente Engonga Nguema ONGUENE
Min. of Justice, Culture, & Penitentiary Institutions Angle Masii MIBUY
Min. of National Defense Antonio MBA Nguema, Gen.
Min. of National Security Manuel Nguema Mba Ma MBA, Col.
Min. of Mines, Industry, & Energy Antanasio Ela NTUGU Nsa
Min. of Planning, Economic Development, & Public Investment Caarmelo Modu Acusi BINDANG
Min. of Transportation, Technology, & Posts & Telecommunications Demetrio Elo Ndong NSEFUMU
Min. of Travel & Social Security Enrique Mercader COSTA
Min. of Urban Planning Aniceto Ebiaka MUETE
Min. of Women's Affairs Jesusa Obono ENGONO
Ambassador to the US Pastor Micha ONDO BILE
Permanent Representative to the UN, New York Lino Sima Ekua AVOMO

(75% must be in capital for op to be launched)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/keenedder/equatorial_guinea_pol_1992.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/keenedder/bioko_tpc_1996.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y189/keenedder/equatorial_guinea_1963.jpg

Some Considerations

How will you get into the country?

How will you organize your forces?

What are your actions upon entering the country?

How much time do you need to prepare?

How will you deal with the offshore islands and oil facilities?

What will you do after the coup?

Whom might you put into power?

Feel free to be as creative (within the limits of our world in 2006) as you want to be and as detailed as you want to be.

Ask me any questions if you've got any. A good look at the country in Google Earth might help out with your planning.

[Ezekiel25:17]

I will use the $5 million to bribe the head of the military and tell him he would get a cut of the profits from oil and gas. Bloodless and The first Asain guy to be in charge of an Afrcan country. I will rename it Black Texas.

[F-14D]

Would it be ok to make more money. Need more money for my Operation

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

Five million? You cheap bastard. I won't get out of bed for anything less than ten.

[Hellfish6]

I will use the $5 million to bribe the head of the military.

Don't be a dick. He's a dictator for life who makes far more than $5 million a year. The country has a huge GDP but 95% of the people are still dirt poor. Guess where the money goes?

Would it be ok to make more to prepare for such a operation.(I need more money for my operation)

Depends. What are you thinking?

[Hellfish6]

Five million? You cheap bastard. I won't get out of bed for anything less than ten.

Seriously, what might be a more realistic amount?

[Ezekiel25:17]

20 to 30 million will be a good amount. Got to adjust for the present.

[Hellfish6]

20 to 30 million will be a good amount. Got to adjust for the present.

Fixed. $25,000,000.

[Whitcomb]

This should be good, I will have to watch this thread

[F-14D]

Yea i need just 25 million

[Ezekiel25:17]

I will bribe the foreigners who fly those machines. The weapons I use will be Russian/Eastern bloc. Cheaper and readily available.

If I had to use force I will try to do a decapitation strike on the leadership and have an African puppet waiting in the wings to take over. Since his power base is Mongomo that's where my attack will begin. I can't give him any chance to rally his troops or escape.

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

That's what I'm thinking. Anything less than twenty and your blowing wind. Think of all the overheads you're gonna be hit with, especially bribes in that part of the world.

Five mil will pretty much cover wages and initial setup costs, ie running around recruiting the fifty non-locals, etc, that's about it.

[Hellfish6]

I will bribe the foreigners who fly those machines.

If I had to use force I will try to do a decapitation strike on the leadership and have an African puppet waiting in the wings to take over. Since his power base is Mongomo that's where my attack will begin. I can't give him any chance to rally his troops or escape.

Makes sense. Will you need any boots on the ground or rely on the gunships to do all the work?

[TheRussian1]

I just read this book as well.
kinda creepy his friend was killed and eaten.

[Hellfish6]

Five mil will pretty much cover wages and initial setup costs, ie running around recruiting the fifty non-locals, etc, that's about it.

Locals could, theoretically, be ex-pat Guineans or from an opposition political party or tribe.

Where would you get more specialized operators from? PMCs? Traditional mercs? From what country might you recruit them from?

[Ezekiel25:17]

Makes sense. Will you need any boots on the ground or rely on the gunships to do all the work?

I will have boots on the ground to give me on the ground update. I will bribe those lowly Lts also. The only indirect weapons I would have are motars since they are mobile.

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

The trick is to make it seamless, decapitate the ruling faction and as quickly and smoothly as possible exchange it for a local puppet, preferably someone with credibility, if not then promise democratic elections a way down the line, etc.

Decapitation includes the miltary leadership. There's almost always a fiery young officer or two chafing at the way things are being run. They can be used as a backup/ace in the hole in case the puppet gets a bit big for his boots.

It's vital to give the general populace the least amount to worry about. A content population is less likely to rise up and take action.

[F-14D]

I would start my on PMC (based of Executive Outcomes) with 5000 soldiers and and atleast 10 helicopters (Mi-8) one Cargo ship converted to amphibious Assault ship. First i would take control of the Islands. Take over the islands first. Next get into drug trade make more money re-arm and buy more soldiers. Then prepare for assault on mainland (which im still trying to figure)

[AlexNenadic]

We begin tomorrow.

[Hellfish6]

I would start my on PMC (based of Executive Outcomes) with 5000 soldiers and and atleast 10 helicopters (Mi-8) one Cargo ship converted to amphibious Assault ship. First i would take control of the Islands. Take over the islands first. Next get into drug trade make more money re-arm and buy more soldiers. Then prepare for assault on mainland (which im still trying to figure)

A little unrealistic. Plus, you've got a cap of 100 troops, of which at least half have to be locals. 10 Mi-8s would also easily soak up your entire budget.

[Hellfish6]

The trick is to make it seamless, decapitate the ruling faction and as quickly and smoothly as possible exchange it for a local puppet, preferably someone with credibility, if not then promise democratic elections a way down the line, etc.

Decapitation includes the miltary leadership. There's almost always a fiery young officer or two chafing at the way things are being run. They can be used as a backup/ace in the hole in case the puppet gets a bit big for his boots.

It's vital to give the general populace the least amount to worry about. A content population is less likely to rise up and take action.

Good points. Would seizing the local radio and TV stations be a factor in your planning? What about the airport?

[Five-to-One]

2 mil recruiting and importing a jihadi force of 800 to attempt to take over the country.
600'000 bribing a sheik to tell some blind jihadis to go to equitorial guinea for allah
3 mil recruiting and importing own force of ex-spec ops americans(scapegoat, always easier with americans)
2 mil for salaries of personal force
4 mil equiping and training
5 mil on intelligence for key economic an military targets
eliminate goverment forces tied up with jihadis, then blow jihadis who ive been secretly manipulating to kingdom come
______________________
= New Ontario (dictator kgkl, protected by people of New Ontario who welcome non corrupt government)

[Ezekiel25:17]

Like Nagati said this has to be a quick op. I would give myself, for a country that small no more then 5 days. Once I have taken over I have to start winning over the population with food and other type of aid. Any contracts with foreign company will be reviewed.

[SnakeBiteLeader]

Clever idea. This should prove to be an interesting thread.
I'll return when I come up with a plan.

[F-14D]

Damn can i just take over one of the islands then

One Mi-8 which i found justs costs 2.2 million and 100 ex special forces(each paid $20,000) to take over one of the islands.

For Russian Helicopter visit here http://www.asiatradingonline.com/russianhelicopter8p.htm

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

Locals could, theoretically, be ex-pat Guineans or from an opposition political party or tribe.

Where would you get more specialized operators from? PMCs? Traditional mercs? From what country might you recruit them from?

PMC's wouldn't touch this venture with a barge pole. I'd prefer ex-commonwealth troops. They tend to be able to work together alot better than other disparate nations thrown together.

As for locals, most would be employed to provide HUMINT in the lead in, but I'd train a force of them to provide a diversion on 'the' day. A bit of a Sun Tzu, make noise in the east, attack in the west kind of thing.

I'm still working strategy, once thats done I'll figure out tactics and then weapons.

[Hellfish6]

Damn can i just take over one of the islands then

Yes, but then you'd just be stuck on a rock with no way of doing anything else.

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

Good points. Would seizing the local radio and TV stations be a factor in your planning? What about the airport?

Absolutely. I'ts almost a stereotype from the 'how to stage a coup playbook' but control is the key.

Control of information which means, radio, TV, telephone exchanges, ISP's, news papers, etc

Control of transportation nodes, ie, APODs, SPODs, rail and bus terminals.

A good point raise by Zeke about using the emey's gunships and other equipment against him but what about servicability issues? I'd want hard info on that before I incorporated it into my plan.

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

One Mi-8 which i found justs costs 2.2 million and 100 ex special forces(each paid $20,000) to take over one of the islands.


For twenty thousand your SF aren't going to be very special. An ex-grunt can easily make five times that in Iraq working for a PMC.

[Ezekiel25:17]

Absolutely. I'ts almost a stereotype from the 'how to stage a coup playbook' but control is the key.

Control of information which means, radio, TV, telephone exchanges, ISP's, news papers, etc

Control of transportation nodes, ie, APODs, SPODs, rail and bus terminals.

.

Absolutely. These things will have to be controlled the first second the coup is launch.

[F-14D]

For twenty thousand your SF aren't going to be very special. An ex-grunt can easily make five times that in Iraq working for a PMC.

If u dont mind me asking how much would u pay to individual soldiers?

[Hellfish6]

On Google Earth I spotted what looks like two Mi-24s at a fortified compound to the south of the Capital. One looked serviceable (on the pad) the other looked like it was in maintenance.

http://download.yousendit.com/D27D1CF82410B2A6

Download is for .kmz file for Google Earth with the two Mi-24s

[Hellfish6]

According to the CIA Factbook, there is 1 TV station and 3 FM radio stations. 55,000 cell phones and 9600 landline phones.

Assume that the radio stations share a building and transmitter (this might be technically impossible, but go with it). That means you need to secure one TV station, one radio building, a telephone exchange and some kind of cell phone facility. This ought to factor into your planning. Do you simply destroy the facilities (e.g. with C4, mortars or with the gunships) or seize them?

[Ezekiel25:17]

They will have to be siezed so you can broadcast your message to the population.

[Hellfish6]

With a force of 100 men, how would you organize them to do that mission (and any other missions you might have organized)? You might be able to get sympathetic elements of the military to back you up, but you can't plan on their support. In fact you should plan on them actively opposing you.

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

If u dont mind me asking how much would u pay to individual soldiers?

Depends entirely on experience, training, role of the individal soldier inquestion.

For instance if you employed a Sig(commo guy) to setup and run your coms net then he probably wouldn't get paid as much as a sniper who you would send in ahead of time to conduct CTR's and then fire support etc.

Why?, well risk for one thing and actual work load for another.

[Ezekiel25:17]

I will be back with a detailed plan. Have to look at logisitcs of the whole thing.

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

According to the CIA Factbook, there is 1 TV station and 3 FM radio stations. 55,000 cell phones and 9600 landline phones.

Assume that the radio stations share a building and transmitter (this might be technically impossible, but go with it). That means you need to secure one TV station, one radio building, a telephone exchange and some kind of cell phone facility. This ought to factor into your planning. Do you simply destroy the facilities (e.g. with C4, mortars or with the gunships) or seize them?

As Zeke said, you don't want to destroy them cause you'll need them in the aftermath to spread your message.

You don't need to control the buildings themselves only the means with which they have to broadcast. You'll probably find a shared antenna cluster being used by most of the media. Control that and you cut down on troop to task numbers for every single building.

[Hellfish6]

My initial thoughts on organization with 100 men:

10 seperate units of 10 men each. 50/50 mix of locals and foreigners.

8 Infantry Sections, each with:

1 Section Leader (foreign)
1 Section 2IC (local)
2 RPG gunners (foreign)
4 Riflemen (local)
2 Machinegunners (foreign)

One mortar section, with:

1 Section Leader (foreign)
3 Mortar gunners (foreign)
3 Assistant gunners (2 local, 1 foreign)
3 Ammo bearers (local)

One Command Section, with:

1 Force Leader (i.e. you)
1 Local Advisor, 2IC (local)
2 Radio operators (foreign)
2 snipers (foreign, double as spotters/recce)
4 Riflemen (local, security and runners)

This gives you eight targets you can theoretically take down at one time, plus three tubes for fire support and a command element to coordinate all of them.

[goat89]

Whats the level of training do you require for the troops?

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

You should think about what objectives you want achieve first, and then dictate troops to task.

Otherwise you're putting the cart before the horse so to speak.

For instance, if six guys with a couple of GPMGs and an RPG can control the route to the TV/Radio transmitter after disabling it, then why send a whole ten man section?

[Hellfish6]

You make a good point, but I'd argue that you have to start somewhere. I imagine you'd want to train/rehearse before you launch the attack, and it would make sense to group people together like that. Same reason that the military has a permanant organizations (TO&Es) and then forms teams/task forces as the situation dictates.

[F-14D]

Is it alright to combine resources

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

Yes, but the military have a wide range of objectives that they are expected to complete and their TOE is designed to achieve as many as possible.

We, on the the hand, will have a very focussed plan with limited objectives, most of which will not call for the broad brush TOE used in most militarys.
In short we don't have to and nor should we, compromise.

As for rehearsals and training, you will only have time and funds for mission specific preparation which is why you recruit experienced well trained soldiers to begin with.

Before you get into equipment and organisation, you have to figure out your strategy. Out of that will fall your tactics needed to achieve your objectives and out of THAT will fall your task org and specific weapons.

[Hellfish6]

Yes, but the military have a wide range of objectives that they are expected to complete and their TOE is designed to achieve as many as possible.

We, on the the hand, will have a very focussed plan with limited objectives, most of which will not call for the broad brush TOE used in most militarys.
In short we don't have to and nor should we, compromise.

As for rehearsals and training, you will only have time and funds for mission specific preparation which is why you recruit experienced well trained soldiers to begin with.

Before you get into equipment and organisation, you have to figure out your strategy. Out of that will fall your tactics needed to achieve your objectives and out of THAT will fall your task org and specific weapons.

Point taken.

Here's a photo of what appears to be their military HQ. Note the gunships on the pad. Couldn't make out vehicle types in the motor pool. If you guys want any more satellite photos, let me know.

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/5536/googleearthimageyt2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[ar15]

I would pose as a business man who had just found more oil. I would lie and decieve their leaders (miitary,presidents...) into having a private dinner with me and my most trusted aid. Half way through dinner i would leave to go to the bathroom.... At which time my trusted aid would detonate 70 kilos of explosives at the dinner table, hopefully killing most of the countries power figures.

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

If you guys want any more satellite photos, let me know.

Nice.

Can you find anything refering to a Presidential Palace, parliament, etc?

How about airports?

[Apathy]

Let's say hypothetically that you guys actually put this into action. What are the chances of your success?

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

Realistically, I'd say about two tenths of **** all.

[Ezekiel25:17]

Need a photo of Mongomo with all roads leading in and out.

[Hellfish6]

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/6606/airportwidegu4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

International Airport (Wide - runway under construction is approx 2x length of functional runway)

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/2592/airportclosemu1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Airport detail on terminal and flight line. No military aircraft observed.

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/2328/govmentbldgslu5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Possible government complexes.

http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/4207/complexny9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Another interesting complex. Could be government buildings.

[ar15]

This thread has amazing potential!!!!

[Hellfish6]

http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/6485/seaportzc5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Only major seaport visible on coastline.

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/3344/capitalbg1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Capital

[Hellfish6]

Let's say hypothetically that you guys actually put this into action. What are the chances of your success?

Lots of variables. High chance of failure. In 2005 some South African mercs were captured in Zimbabwe trying exactly what we're planning here. It was just a fluke too - a lucky catch by a customs officer found them out.

[Ezekiel25:17]

Where does the President stay most of the year? The capital or where jis clan is from? Sounds stupid but have to know his movements. Does the military chief travel with him around the coutry?

[Hellfish6]

Where does the President stay most of the year? The capital or where jis clan is from? Sounds stupid but have to know his movements. Does the military chief travel with him around the coutry?

Unknown. I'll look into it. Assume president is in capital at his palace or office for the op. Proper in-country recon would confirm that before op is launched.

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

still a 2 tenths chance, mind with them odd I'd like to be sat 20 miles away in Control centre


****ty odds only make it that much more challenging.

The coup itself has a reasonable chance of success unless it's been planned and run by bunch of complete numptys.

It's translating the initial success into a lasting one that would be the greatest difficulty.

Face it, your ordinary, average, garden variety, African country changes regimes more often than I change my undies. Not that that's saying much.

This would only be the latest in the whole soap opera, or should that be greek tragedy?





Anyway, back on topic.

Nailing down the movements, locations and schedules of all HVTs would be of paramount importance.

They would have to be 'removed' in an co-ordinated, synchronised, simultaneous hit.

[Hellfish6]

Give me a list of HVTs.

[Ezekiel25:17]

Unknown. I'll look into it. Assume president is in capital at his palace or office for the op. Proper in-country recon would confirm that before op is launched.

Is there any opposition in the country ie; different clan and stuff like that.

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

Hellfish, can you get us a close up of the terrain from the Mil HQ, north to the southern edge of the capital?

[koutch]

without going in to details i would start a "democracy watch" oganisation, supported by multimedia and would find a local invovled in trade with the west that would become the leader of the party, then i would distribute little orange flags and oranges during freedom rallies which would expose the corrupted goverment and promise true freedom and european standards to the local population. I will call it the "orange revolution"
Do i need more than 25 M to do that?

[Ezekiel25:17]

Give me a list of HVTs.

President
Vice President
Foreign Minister
Head of parliment
head of Army
Head of National Police
head of Air Force
Head of Navy
Clan chief if he is not the President
Head of Supreme court
Leader of Opposition Party

[Hellfish6]

Hellfish, can you get us a close up of the terrain from the Mil HQ, north to the southern edge of the capital?

These good enough?

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/4103/terrainhb3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Overview

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/4053/terrain2gj2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Overview North

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/5674/terrain3ev4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Detail. Looks like expensive houses. Might be HVT residences?

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/4348/terrain4vu9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Detail north of expensive houses to downtown.

[Hellfish6]

President
Vice President
Foreign Minister
Head of parliment
head of Army
Head of National Police
head of Air Force
Head of Navy
Clan chief if he is not the President
Head of Supreme court
Leader of Opposition Party

Assume 75% of them would be in the capital, otherwise no greenlight for op.

[goat89]

Is the sea a viable Escape and Evasion route?

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

Excellent, thank you.

I'd add the Presidents son to the HVT list. He controls all media in country.

[Hellfish6]

Is the sea a viable Escape and Evasion route?

Absolutely. You'd have to make arrangements for sea transport though (Zodiacs, kayaks, SCUBA, etc.)

[Hellfish6]

Excellent, thank you.

I'd add the Presidents son to the HVT list. He controls all media in country.

I'll add HVT list to the first post.

[goat89]

Absolutely. You'd have to make arrangements for sea transport though (Zodiacs, kayaks, SCUBA, etc.)
I see. I was afraid that the sea was not a viable route as we didn't have boats or such. How about the ground? Haul ass to the border? Long shot if theres no choice.

[F-14D]

Since you never said Hellfish i would like give my resources to Ezekiel (I cant seem to come up with a plan without going over budget).

is that alright with you

[Hellfish6]

I see. I was afraid that the sea was not a viable route as we didn't have boats or such. How about the ground? Haul ass to the border? Long shot if theres no choice.

You can budget for sea transport - even if it's giving $100 to a fisherman on the beach. You can spend your $25 million on whatever you want. You can buy Zodiacs, SCUBA gear, a boat of your own, whatever.

[Hellfish6]

Since you never said Hellfish i would like give my resources to Ezekiel (I cant seem to come up with a plan without going over budget).

is that alright with you

Hehe... it's your $25 mil. ;)

[Hellfish6]

Some ground recon from Malabo:

http://www.africaphotos.com/r_images/EQ13r.jpg

http://www.africaphotos.com/r_images/EQ12r.jpg

http://www.africaphotos.com/r_images/EQ14r.jpg

http://www.africaphotos.com/r_images/EQ15r.jpg

http://www.africaphotos.com/r_images/EQ16r.jpg

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

Could we add the head of the Esangui clan to the HVT list. This the Presidents clan based in Mongomo. Also any members of a ruling council if one should so exist for the clan itself.

[Hellfish6]

Could we add the head of the Esangui clan to the HVT list. This the Presidents clan based in Mongomo. Also any members of a ruling council if one should so exist for the clan itself.

No problemo.

[Pandy]

To be honest.

I would show up into the poorer areas and find a small cheap house. In personnel I would take in country, I would take myself, my executive officer, personnel officer, operations officer, intel officer, and supply officer.

For about a year, I would perform recon on police forces, and military bases in country, watching for troop movernments, any military war-gaming or large-scale training operations. Also watching for any exports, imports, and any local training so to see what type of markets the country is currently part of.

During the year, my personnel officer would go around and began to study the people. Locals would make up the bulk of my force, and the way I'll pay them will be simply. I don't know their standard payroll, but I would think 12 dollars a day would be good, specially if the average man in country only makes 6 dollars a day. ( I really don't know how much an average person makes, but I would pay 50% more per day. ) I don't know about just having 100 people limit, but I would at least recruit 800 people, to at 2,000 soldiers.

The weapons I would gain wouldn't be simply brought. If I went to a country and said "I want 1,200-2,000 AK-47s" would rise some attention from people I don't want. I would take about 30-60 people with weapons brought with the 25 m, and simply attack the enemy to gain needed weapons. Raiding weapons from the enemy till I have at least 3-5 companies armed.

Oh hold, my brain hurts. I'm going to go lay down. I'll be back.

[asch]

it could be good to spend some of your budget money to make very negative image of ruling clan/president in western media. in the end, IF operation have a success condition, you need support of public.
this can be done simply enough. paid jounalist, bribed publisher.

Hellfish, is there any timeline limitations for operation?

[Hellfish6]

it could be good to spend some of your budget money to make very negative image of ruling clan/president in western media. in the end, IF operation have a success condition, you need support of public.
this can be done simply enough. paid jounalist, bribed publisher.

You can spend your money on whatever you want. :)

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

Apparently Obiang is forced to travel overseas twice a month IOT seek treatment for terminal prostate cancer.

Severo Moto Nsá is the leader of the opposition Progress Party of Equatorial Guinea. He is a possible candidate for a puppet leader, however i doubt that he would be controlable in the long run.

[goat89]

You can budget for sea transport - even if it's giving $100 to a fisherman on the beach. You can spend your $25 million on whatever you want. You can buy Zodiacs, SCUBA gear, a boat of your own, whatever.
Abuse me for forgetting about the budget...... I am willing to aid Pandy in the insertion intel mission. Just train me well. I have basic rifle (M16) skills. A bit of survival and can speak fluent English and Chinese....if it helps.....

[Hellfish6]

Hellfish, is there any timeline limitations for operation?

Um.. not per se, but you should be ready to go within 6 months. Actual execution might be later.

Apparently Obiang is forced to travel overseas twice a month IOT seek treatment for terminal prostate cancer.

Severo Moto Nsá is the leader of the opposition Progress Party of Equatorial Guinea. He is a possible candidate for a puppet leader, however i doubt that he would be controlable in the long run.

Interesting.

I think the end game is that your sponsor has long-term oil rights.

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

Also seems to be a power struggle building between Armengol Ondo Nguema, the presidents brother and Teodorín Nguema Obiang, the presidents son.

Apparently the military backs the Uncle who until recently was the head of national security.

[goat89]

Also seems to be a power struggle building between Armengol Ondo Nguema, the presidents brother and Teodorín Nguema Obiang, the presidents son.

Apparently the military backs the Uncle who until recently was the head of national security.
Head of National Security? Would it be productive if we captured him and tell us important information on the palace, gov buidings and military bases?

[Skeletor]

I guess the key to succeeding would be to get the people on your side. I'm sure with today's modern technology and the such it would be reasonably simple and cheap for someone with the right knowledge to remotely hack into radio/tv broadcasts and play what you want. For example promise social reforms (health care, education, employment, etc) and of course democracy and elections.

Disinformation would be a huge part of the coup. I'd rather scare their military than physically confronting them with 100 men. Broadcast announcements exagerating your own force and that they are firmly in control of the nation's capital, major natural resources, etc.

The native soldiers would be refered to as 'revolutionaries' who were fighting with the help of their allies (ie me and the rest of the foreigners) to restore power back to the people and ending corruption.

I'd go with Ngati's ideas of creating a distraction force far from the capital while a smaller force discreetly siezes the President and the other targets and "arrests" them for their crimes. I'm not sure if it'd be best to use one force to take control of a small town, or having a series of smaller ambushes on soldiers in various locations.

And also using ex-commonwealth soldiers using cheap, soviet made weaponry. I wouldn't want the body count to be to high because it would breed discontent in the military and increase the risk of counter-coups.

But in saying this I have very little knowledge of the country. And my chances of failure are high.

[Ezekiel25:17]

Good intel Ngati. Have to change/find a puppet that can be controled. The Uncle looks like a good potential.

[Toddy]

Fighting Population
15-64 years: 54.5% (male 141,914)
Life expectancy
total population: 49.54 years
male: 48 years
HIV rates of total population
3.4% (2001 est.)

Could pose as a medical team entering the country to assess the damage of AIDS on the country especially considering the other risks of infectious diseases
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne disease: malaria (2005)

Operation to commence on their national day of independance when all major players can be expected to be in the capital
Independence Day, 12 October

Historical conflicts over boundaries with Cameroon could help supply additional local guerillas to secure the four airports and main port in Malabo

Just a thought

[Toddy]

I guess the key to succeeding would be to get the people on your side. I'm sure with today's modern technology and the such it would be reasonably simple and cheap for someone with the right knowledge to remotely hack into radio/tv broadcasts and play what you want. For example promise social reforms (health care, education, employment, etc) and of course democracy and elections.

Disinformation would be a huge part of the coup. I'd rather scare their military than physically confronting them with 100 men. Broadcast announcements exagerating your own force and that they are firmly in control of the nation's capital, major natural resources, etc.

The native soldiers would be refered to as 'revolutionaries' who were fighting with the help of their allies (ie me and the rest of the foreigners) to restore power back to the people and ending corruption.

I'd go with Ngati's ideas of creating a distraction force far from the capital while a smaller force discreetly siezes the President and the other targets and "arrests" them for their crimes. I'm not sure if it'd be best to use one force to take control of a small town, or having a series of smaller ambushes on soldiers in various locations.

And also using ex-commonwealth soldiers using cheap, soviet made weaponry. I wouldn't want the body count to be to high because it would breed discontent in the military and increase the risk of counter-coups.

But in saying this I have very little knowledge of the country. And my chances of failure are high.

Telephone system:
[/URL] [URL="http://sportsforum.ws/sd/factbook/fields/2124.html"] (http://sportsforum.ws/sd/factbook/docs/notesanddefs.html#2124)
general assessment: poor system with adequate government services
domestic: NA
international: country code - 240; international communications from Bata and Malabo to African and European countries; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

Head of National Security? Would it be productive if we captured him and tell us important information on the palace, gov buidings and military bases?

Probably not considering in all likelyhood it would telegraph our intentions to a large extent.

Besides, with six months and 25 mil you can easily gather all the intel you need.

[goat89]

Probably not considering in all likelyhood it would telegraph our intentions to a large extent.

Besides, with six months and 25 mil you can easily gather all the intel you need.
Yeah....you do have a point. The weapons....we get from the Black Market? And what is their Elite force?

[Skeletor]

Telephone system:
[/URL] [URL="http://sportsforum.ws/sd/factbook/fields/2124.html"] (http://sportsforum.ws/sd/factbook/docs/notesanddefs.html#2124)
general assessment: poor system with adequate government services
domestic: NA
international: country code - 240; international communications from Bata and Malabo to African and European countries; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Indian Ocean)

Ah... so hacking into it remotely would be a no go? Surely the radio station would be possible to do? I've seen enough movies to know all you need is some little do-dad attached to the back which you can use to control the computers.

I bet every man and his dog has a radio in that country. I'd use radio rather than television broadcasts.

[SnakeBiteLeader]

According to the CIA world factbook, Eq. Guinea has some territorial/border disputes with neighboring Gabon and Cameroon. Perhaps after a few visits, a bribe maybe, and the promise to turnover said disputed territories; Gabon, Cameroon, or both could be persuaded to stage exercies or raids in order to direct attention outside the border.

Also, one could either bribe the foreigners or hire some Russian mercs to fly the Mi 24s etc. I believe this was already mentioned though. But you could bring in some merc pilots under the cover of maintainance workers etc.

[Toddy]

Ah... so hacking into it remotely would be a no go? Surely the radio station would be possible to do? I've seen enough movies to know all you need is some little do-dad attached to the back which you can use to control the computers.

I bet every man and his dog has a radio in that country. I'd use radio rather than television broadcasts.

55,000 have mobile phones, obviously you need to be careful not to alert the powers that be by broadcasting via direct radio links asking the country to rise.

[Toddy]

According to the CIA world factbook, Eq. Guinea has some territorial/border disputes with neighboring Gabon and Cameroon. Perhaps after a few visits, a bribe maybe, and the promise to turnover said disputed territories; Gabon, Cameroon, or both could be persuaded to stage exercies or raids to direct attention outside the border.

Also, one could either bribe the foreigners or hire some Russian mercs to fly the Mi 24s etc. I believe this was already mentioned though. But you could bring in some merc pilots under the cover of maintainance workers etc.

Im with you on this one, Cameroon and Gabon would be good allies in this dispute and easy to bribe

[goat89]

Man and his dog...LOL! But quite true. Its quite a poor country right? So radio would be a better and cheaper alternative than TV. But there are certain radio stations in the city right? Capture the most famous one!

[Toddy]

Man and his dog...LOL! But quite true. Its quite a poor country right? So radio would be a better and cheaper alternative than TV. But there are certain radio stations in the city right? Capture the most famous one!

Radio stations in EG:

AM 0, FM 3, shortwave 5

[Ezekiel25:17]

Sewage runs through the streets of the capital Malabo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malabo) and there is no public transport and little running water or electricity


Interesting.

NVM..about the Catholic priest. Found out. Will not be useful.

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

Good intel Ngati.

Google.

The best open source intel gathering facility in the universe.

[Skeletor]

55,000 have mobile phones, obviously you need to be careful not to alert the powers that be by broadcasting via direct radio links asking the country to rise.

The powers that be would be in the hands of my force before I started broadcasting. The first broadcast would go something along the lines of,

"People of Equatorial Guinea (or whatever they call it locally), the corrupt dictatorship which has been ruling our peaceful country with an iron grip has been arrested. We, the Revolutionary Democratic Army of Eq. Guinea have control of the capital. Our courageous comrades have liberated the countryside, and soon we shall have the rest of the country liberated and free. We ask the army to surrender their arms, We do not wish to cause unnecessary bloodshed of our fellow country men. We will hold free democratic elections in 6 months time, until then we will carry out the daily tasks of Government. The first task of the new Government will be the trial of the former regime. We ask you to continue living your lives and going about your daily business. Thank you."

[Ezekiel25:17]

Overall the military is poorly trained and equipped. It has mostly small arms, RPGs (http://www.answers.com/topic/rocket-propelled-grenade), and mortars (http://www.answers.com/topic/mortar). Almost none of its Soviet (http://www.answers.com/topic/union-of-soviet-socialist-republics)-style light-armored vehicles or trucks are operational.

http://www.answers.com/topic/military-of-equatorial-guinea

The Gendarmerie is a new branch of the service in which training and education is being supported by the French Military Cooperation in Equatorial Guinea

This might be a problem. Can be overcome though.

[SnakeBiteLeader]

The powers that be would be in the hands of my force before I started broadcasting. The first broadcast would go something along the lines of,

"People of Equatorial Guinea (or whatever they call it locally), the corrupt dictatorship which has been ruling our peaceful country with an iron grip has been arrested. We, the Revolutionary Democratic Army of Eq. Guinea have control of the capital. Our courageous comrades have liberated the countryside, and soon we shall have the rest of the country liberated and free. We ask the army to surrender their arms, We do not wish to cause unnecessary bloodshed of our fellow country men. We will hold free democratic elections in 6 months time, until then we will carry out the daily tasks of Government. The first task of the new Government will be the trial of the former regime. We ask you to continue living your lives and going about your daily business. Thank you."


Wouldn't it be better to appeal to the military to join with you, rather than lay down their arms?

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

Interesting.

NVM..about the Catholic priest. Found out. Will not be useful.

The Pres met with the Pope in Dec 2005.

[Toddy]

Military consists of approximately 2,500 service members, interesting to note that the population which is fit for active duty is males age 18-49: 56,462

I am sure that it would not be hard to oust the coup, sheer weight of numbers??

[SnakeBiteLeader]

Military consists of approximately 2,500 service members, interesting to note that the population which is fit for active duty is males age 18-49: 56,462

I am sure that it would not be hard to oust the coup, sheer weight of numbers??

Make it a quick strike, fortify your gains, and have a plane warming up on the tarmac if the op goes south.

Also, it's about presentation. Just because they live there doesn't mean they'd be happy to support the current government. Perhaps if you can convince the public you'll bring running water and sewage, they'd see things your way.

[Skeletor]

Wouldn't it be better to appeal to the military to join with you, rather than lay down their arms?

It's the first draft of my speech. I have 6 months before the coup to perfect it.

So would that mean France would intervene? I mean it's feasible to overcome Eq. Guinea's military. But against the might of France? It wouldn't stand a chance. I don't think that myth about the French always running from a fight with their tails between their legs is true.

[goat89]

Any 'elite' units and Charismatic general under the gov? Should take him down first. The 'Elite' unit might pose a problem like the militia in Somalia when they took drugs and were agitated. What do you people think?

[Ezekiel25:17]

Names of HVTs

President Teodoro OBIANG Nguema Mbasogo, Brig. Gen. (Ret.)
Prime Minister Miguel Abia BITEO Borico
First Vice Prime Min. Mercelino Oyono NTUTUMU
Second Vice Prime Min. Ricardo Mangue Obama NFUBEA
Sec. Gen. of the Government Antonio Martine Ndong NTUTUMU
Min. of Agriculture & Forests Teodoro Nguema OBIANG Mangu
Min. of Economy, Commerce, & Promotion Jaime Ela NDONG
Min. of Education, Science, & Sports Cristobal Menana ELA
Min. of Finance & Budget Mercelino Owono EDU
Min. of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, & Francophone Affairs Micha Ondo BILL, PastorMin. of Information, Tourism, & Culture Alfonso Nsue MOKUY
Min. of Interior & Local Corporations Clemente Engonga Nguema ONGUENE
Min. of Justice, Culture, & Penitentiary Institutions Angle Masii MIBUY
Min. of National Defense Antonio MBA Nguema, Gen.
Min. of National Security Manuel Nguema Mba Ma MBA, Col.
Min. of Mines, Industry, & Energy Antanasio Ela NTUGU Nsa
Min. of Planning, Economic Development, & Public Investment Caarmelo Modu Acusi BINDANG
Min. of Transportation, Technology, & Posts & Telecommunications Demetrio Elo Ndong NSEFUMU
Min. of Travel & Social Security Enrique Mercader COSTA
Min. of Urban Planning Aniceto Ebiaka MUETE
Min. of Women's Affairs Jesusa Obono ENGONO
Ambassador to the US Pastor Micha ONDO BILE
Permanent Representative to the UN, New York Lino Sima Ekua AVOMO

http://www.theodora.com/wfbcurrent/equatorial_guinea/equatorial_guinea_chiefs.html

[Whitcomb]

Some ground recon from Malabo:

http://www.africaphotos.com/r_images/EQ13r.jpg

http://www.africaphotos.com/r_images/EQ12r.jpg

http://www.africaphotos.com/r_images/EQ14r.jpg

http://www.africaphotos.com/r_images/EQ15r.jpg

http://www.africaphotos.com/r_images/EQ16r.jpg


geeze, looks like Mogadishu, Urban nightmare

[Ezekiel25:17]

Doubt the people are as armed as Somalia. If the people saty indoors why the Op. is going this will be good.

[SnakeBiteLeader]

Any 'elite' units and Charismatic general under the gov? Should take him down first. The 'Elite' unit might pose a problem like the militia in Somalia when they took drugs and were agitated. What do you people think?

Absolutely. Any potential rivals should be batted down before they can get legs. Perhaps run heavy intel gathering to find out where they all live beforehand, and then arrest them in the wee hours before the assault.

[Toddy]

The gunships are mainly run by foreigners from what I have found out, no loyalty to the current leader.

How about using Severo Moto Nsá and his followers?? he is the main opposition leader and in favour of free elections.

[goat89]

Absolutely. Any potential rivals should be batted down before they can get legs. Perhaps run heavy intel gathering to find out where they all live beforehand, and then arrest them in the wee hours before the assault.
That's what I thought. Take out the Leadership FAST and SILENTLY.

[Ezekiel25:17]

The gunships are mainly run by foreigners from what I have found out, no loyalty to the current leader.

How about using Severo Moto Nsá and his followers?? he is the main opposition leader and in favour of free elections.

We are not bringing democracy. Have to have someone we can control/puppet for a long time.

[Toddy]

We are not bringing democracy. Have to have someone we can control/puppet for a long time.

Fair point

[SnakeBiteLeader]

That's what I thought. Take out the Leadership FAST and SILENTLY.


I am under the impression that Eq. Guinea is a pretty sleepy little country, so even if targets are located in fortified compounds etc. there's still the possiblity to wire their cars to explode or map their daily routes and have an ambush prepared for some.

[Toddy]

Armengol Ondo Nguema?? Bitterly opposed to the succession of his nephew

[Whitcomb]

Doubt the people are as armed as Somalia. If the people saty indoors why the Op. is going this will be good.

Yeh, just hope that the people dont decide to put down the coup, those streets will be hell...

But from what I've been reading, sounds like you guys really thought this out, if I can be of service, just ask.

[goat89]

Yeh, just hope that the people dont decided to put down the coup, those streets will be hell...
Me too....if it is.....buy the British made Gurkha Armoured Vehicles. They seem good.
PS: Good to see another iUnit guy here. :)

[SnakeBiteLeader]

Yeh, just hope that the people dont decided to put down the coup, those streets will be hell...

Make sure your bodyguards are packing some HEAVY HEAT at the very least. And have an escape route mapped out in the event.

[Ezekiel25:17]

Yeh, just hope that the people dont decide to put down the coup, those streets will be hell...

But from what I've been reading, sounds like you guys really thought this out, if I can be of service, just ask.

I'm giving myself 5 days any longer the population might be very agitated.

[Toddy]

tell me if I am way off the point btw :)

[goat89]

Make sure your bodyguards are packing some HEAVY HEAT at the very least. And have an escape route mapped out in the event.
Thats what I thought of using the sea as a possible Escape and Evasion route earlier in the thread.

[Ezekiel25:17]

I have already thought of the uncle. He looks good but he is not final.

[Toddy]

sorry zeke missed that

[Ezekiel25:17]

Don't worry.



Man, this is a good thread, Kojack. Still a pussy though.

[Whitcomb]

Any more intel you guys would like?

[Hellfish6]

I like how you guys are brainstorming. Very interesting. I'm updating the first post with your intel, Ezekiel.

For what it's worth, Frederick Forsythe determined that flying into the country was about the dumbest move you could make. Getting a boat to anchor off the coast was considered the best, as you'd have a secure base and the Navy is nearly non-existant.

[Toddy]

intersting to not that the son tipped to take over was dating EVE (rapper), six months you could plant a new super babe rapper and black op from the inside hahahaha no that is the realms of impossibility :)

[Ezekiel25:17]

I like how you guys are brainstorming. Very interesting. I'm updating the first post with your intel, Ezekiel.

For what it's worth, Frederick Forsythe determined that flying into the country was about the dumbest move you could make. Getting a boat to anchor off the coast was considered the best, as you'd have a secure base and the Navy is nearly non-existant.

My op is definetly seaborne. Will be impossible to move that many people and gear from the nieghboring countries.

[goat89]

Any more intel you guys would like?
Can you find out what is their 'Elite' unit? Might pose a threat.

[Hellfish6]

What do you guys see as the centers of gravity?

My running tally is the following:

The President
The President's Brother
The President's Son
The Gunships
The Communications Facilities

Anything else? I think if you were able to secure those five things, everything should fall into place.

[Toddy]

I like how you guys are brainstorming. Very interesting. I'm updating the first post with your intel, Ezekiel.

For what it's worth, Frederick Forsythe determined that flying into the country was about the dumbest move you could make. Getting a boat to anchor off the coast was considered the best, as you'd have a secure base and the Navy is nearly non-existant.

Malabo, Equatorial Guinea (PANA) - The Equatorial Guinean Navy has taken delivery of two military boats it bought from Israel for its coastguards, officials said in Malabo.

[SnakeBiteLeader]

What is the availablility of vehicles in the country/capital?
If we supply the heavy MGs or recoiless rifles we could seize some pickups to be used as technicals.

[Hellfish6]

Can you find out what is their 'Elite' unit? Might pose a threat.

I don't think there is a specific one. Maybe the Gendarmerie (national police) or a small presidential guard drawn from the President's tribe, but I really doubt they'd be considered elite by western standards.

[Toddy]

Brussels, Belgium (PANA) - Equatorial Guinea has seized a boat transporting Belgian military equipment meant for Benin's contingent in the UN Peacekeeping Mission in the DR Congo (MONUC), Belgian Defence Minister Andre Flahaut has said here.

[Ezekiel25:17]

What do you guys see as the centers of gravity?

My running tally is the following:

The President
The President's Brother
The President's Son
The Gunships
The Communications Facilities

Anything else? I think if you were able to secure those five things, everything should fall into place.


I would include the clan leaders.

[Hellfish6]

Malabo, Equatorial Guinea (PANA) - The Equatorial Guinean Navy has taken delivery of two military boats it bought from Israel for its coastguards, officials said in Malabo.

I'd be willing to bet that if you had a couple old Russian 12.7mm or 14.5mm machineguns on your boat that you'd outgun the Navy.

[goat89]

What do you guys see as the centers of gravity?

My running tally is the following:

The President
The President's Brother
The President's Son
The Gunships
The Communications Facilities

Anything else? I think if you were able to secure those five things, everything should fall into place.
Earlier in the thread I mentioned any Charismatic General under the gov.

[Toddy]

Libreville, Gabon (PANA) - President Theodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea is expected in Libreville on Friday for a working and friendship visit to Gabon, an official source announced here. 08/09/2006

[F-14D]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/country_profiles/1023151.stm
just found this, dont know if has anymore useful information.

[Toddy]

this bears consideration as well:

Angola and Equatorial Guinea have signed cooperation agreements on defence, security, energy and air transport. 17/02/2006

[goat89]

I don't think there is a specific one. Maybe the Gendarmerie (national police) or a small presidential guard drawn from the President's tribe, but I really doubt they'd be considered elite by western standards.
I know. BUT just to be sure, I get rather touchy with intel and party-spoilers. Have to study now. Will check back in 4 hours. Keep thinking mates and count me in!

[Ezekiel25:17]

He has to be captured or kill. If he is out of the country he will cry to the UN and AU. He has to be in country when this goes off.

[SnakeBiteLeader]

What do you guys see as the centers of gravity?

My running tally is the following:

The President
The President's Brother
The President's Son
The Gunships
The Communications Facilities

Anything else? I think if you were able to secure those five things, everything should fall into place.

How about the President's powerbase? Mogobo was it?
it's close to the border with Gabon meaning a quick, across-the-fence strike by a second force could create some cofusion/delay a reaction.

[Hellfish6]

What is the availablility of vehicles in the country/capital?
If we supply the heavy MGs or recoiless rifles we could seize some pickups to be used as technicals.

Probably abundant. Its an oil rich country, so lack of fuel isn't a problem. The roads look pretty good on Google Earth.

Brussels, Belgium (PANA) - Equatorial Guinea has seized a boat transporting Belgian military equipment meant for Benin's contingent in the UN Peacekeeping Mission in the DR Congo (MONUC), Belgian Defence Minister Andre Flahaut has said here.

Do they still have it? I can't believe they'd hold on to it.

I would include the clan leaders.

Noted.

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

Remember this is a coup. Not nation building, etc.

At this stage the over-arching strategy is to conduct a night operation designed to dislocate the military's C3I, such as it is, whilst simultaneously snatching the HVT's and seizing key infrastructure around the capital.

Alright prelims,

Recruit a crew to run HUMINT ops in country. 4-6 pers, posing as NGO’s, businesspeople, tourists, etc. They in turn recruit and run as many sources as they can handle concentrating on service providers to the military/government.

Gather any and all info open source or otherwise and funnel it through a 2 person S2 cell who will use it to generate actionable intelligence and product with which to plan the op.

Identfy a proxy base for concentration and final mission prep of assault force within one days travel by air.


I'll add more as I put it together.

[Skeletor]

We are not bringing democracy. Have to have someone we can control/puppet for a long time.

The people are going to be more happy if they are the ones to elect a leader. So basically any potential presidential candidates which we don't agree with can vanish into thin air. It won't take long for everyone else to get the idea of what happens when you cross the coup!

[Ezekiel25:17]

Angola has other things to worry about at home.

[Ezekiel25:17]

The people are going to be more happy if they are the ones to elect a leader. So basically any potential presidential candidates which we don't agree with can vanish into thin air. It won't take long for everyone else to get the idea of what happens when you cross the coup!


You mean rig the election?

[Hellfish6]

this bears consideration as well:

Angola and Equatorial Guinea have signed cooperation agreements on defence, security, energy and air transport. 17/02/2006

That's an issue if the coup takes longer than, say, a week. It would probably take that long for Angola to mobilize any kind of response. If we had a puppet government in place before then, Angola might not be an issue.

He has to be captured or kill. If he is out of the country he will cry to the UN and AU. He has to be in country when this goes off.

The President?

How about the President's powerbase? Mogobo was it?
it's close to the border with Gabon meaning a quick, across-the-fence strike by a second force could create some cofusion/delay a reaction.

That's assuming the Gabon border guards would let you. Would a diversion be worth the risk of very damaged relations with Gabon, not to mention the chance of them spoiling something at a random traffic checkpoint? I think it's still safer to go entirely by boat and/or a sleeper element in country already.

[Skeletor]

You mean rig the election?

Rig is such an ugly word.

[Ezekiel25:17]

The President?



.

Yes. The Op has to go off with him in country.

[Ezekiel25:17]

Rig is such an ugly word.


No two ways around it.

[SnakeBiteLeader]

That's assuming the Gabon border guards would let you. Would a diversion be worth the risk of very damaged relations with Gabon, not to mention the chance of them spoiling something at a random traffic checkpoint? I think it's still safer to go entirely by boat and/or a sleeper element in country already.


Point taken. Simple is best, I suppose.

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

I would include the clan leaders.

I would also include the barracks of the Army and the para-military police. That's 1800 troops right there who will likely have a large impact on the coup unless they are vigorously disrupted/dislocated as a force.

[Skeletor]

Yes. The Op has to go off with him in country.

But then what do you do with him? Execute him? Throw him in Jail? Exile?
I don't imagine he is going to get much support in the international community. It wouldn't hurt to move while he is ot of country. He could always be assassinated when he goes to get his prostate examined. Look at the PM of Thailand. No one has kicked up a fuss about him being ousted. I get the impression the Eq. Guinea Pres. is generally viewed as a corrupt ruler?

[Ezekiel25:17]

I would also include the barracks of the Army and the para-military police. That's 1800 troops right there who will likely have a large impact on the coup unless they are vigorously disrupted/dislocated as a force.

Truth. They would also have to be delt with at the first minute of the coup along with the Radio station.

[Ezekiel25:17]

But then what do you do with him? Execute him? Throw him in Jail? Exile?
I don't imagine he is going to get much support in the international community. It wouldn't hurt to move while he is ot of country. He could always be assassinated when he goes to get his prostate examined. Look at the PM of Thailand. No one has kicked up a fuss about him being ousted. I get the impression the Eq. Guinea Pres. is generally viewed as a corrupt ruler?

Good point but I want to tie up every loose end. Will reconsider it though.

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

But then what do you do with him? Execute him? Throw him in Jail? Exile?

He 'dies' whilst resisting an arrest attempt by the heroic peoples freedom fighters...

[Skeletor]

http://www.hri.ca/fortherecord2000/vol2/equatorialguineatr.htm

Judging by this human rights abuse report although dated, the current Government is going to have a few people out there who would be wanting a bit of revenge. Could be useful to find these people.

[Ezekiel25:17]

I think this Op will be on a need to know basis. OPSEC is very important to pull this off. If the President see his enemies doing something suspicious it might blow it.

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

Yep. The 2004 attempt must be in the back their mind all the time. No telegraphing our moves. No surrogate forces or alliances with countries next door.

[SnakeBiteLeader]

I think this Op will be on a need to know basis. OPSEC is very important to pull this off. If the President see his enemies doing something suspicious it might blow it.


I agree. Considering limited resources at our disposal, absolute suprise is the best chance for success

[Skeletor]

I think this Op will be on a need to know basis. OPSEC is very important to pull this off. If the President see his enemies doing something suspicious it might blow it.

I'm thinking more for the diversion(s). Don't let them in on the coup but encourage them to make a bit of trouble away from the capital. I'm guessing the diversionary force(s) would be in rural areas in an attempt to divert the military's resources away from where the coup would seize. The more diversions the better, they don't have to be big and spectacular just enough to make the actual invading force look a hell of a lot bigger than it is.

[SnakeBiteLeader]

I'm thinking more for the diversion(s). Don't let them in on the coup but encourage them to make a bit of trouble away from the capital. I'm guessing the diversionary force(s) would be in rural areas in an attempt to divert the military's resources away from where the coup would seize. The more diversions the better, they don't have to be big and spectacular just enough to make the actual invading force look a hell of a lot bigger than it is.


I think it would be better to recruit them in the days following. Like was posted earlier, any movement by the president's rivals could arouse suspicion. Once the military/police are put on alert, the coup would be more difficult to pull off.

Better to enlist them after seizing power, or have them liquidated during the strike.

[Ezekiel25:17]

Yep. If they are alerted this Op is a no-go and then there will be 100 pissed off men wanting to get paid.

[Lov3ll]

Just get the puppet president to promise to spend more money from oil towards the people and lower taxes etc. then you wont have to worry about the people uprising etc. :p

[SnakeBiteLeader]

Just get the puppet president to promise to spend more money from oil towards the people and lower taxes etc. then you wont have to worry about the people uprising etc. :p

I don't know about the rest of you guys, but those oil revanues would be my primary motivation. Let the profits trickle down, I want my oil money!p-)p-)p-)

[Lov3ll]

I don't know about the rest of you guys, but those oil revanues would be my primary motivation. Let the profits trickle down, I want my oil money!p-)p-)p-)

Although they do have a lot of oil and a small population which would be no problem for the US to send a few delta teams to "liberate" the country, kill the people attempting the coup and install there own puppet government. p-)

[Kersh]

You would definitely have to fight a PR war alongside anything else you have going. Turn people against the army and leaders of the countries, whether through financial records or faked massacres. Intelligence is the key, which by the looks of it Ezekiel and Ngati have done a damn good job so far. I do think the PR side of the conflict is being grossly underestimated. Also might consider a diversionary coup on one of the islands to draw away a number of military personnel. Propaganda would sure come in handy...maybe leaflets and such.

[Toddy]

Yes. The Op has to go off with him in country.

The Independance day celebrations in October? The only concern with this is that the peoples spirit is lifted at this time celebrating the "freedom" of their country, but this could also provide ideal cover for the op.

[Toddy]

Marius Boonzaaier could also provide lists of sources which were approached in the 2004 coup attempt, since he has been allowed to return to Sth Africa

[Ezekiel25:17]

The Independance day celebrations in October? The only concern with this is that the peoples spirit is lifted at this time celebrating the "freedom" of their country, but this could also provide ideal cover for the op.

Mine has to be a night op. Suprise is a key to this.

[Ezekiel25:17]

Marius Boonzaaier could also provide lists of sources which were approached in the 2004 coup attempt, since he has been allowed to return to Sth Africa

The guy has to be picked by us. Like stated before OPSEC is everything. Don't want anyone else besides the coup plotter to know.

[Toddy]

how about on the night after the celebrations, with so much activity it will be easier for the guys on the ground, also I am assuming that they consume a lot of alcohol during these events, so resistance may be slightly lessened...just a thought.

[Toddy]

The guy has to be picked by us. Like stated before OPSEC is everything. Don't want anyone else besides the coup plotter to know.

point taken and noted General Zeke :)

[Ezekiel25:17]

how about on the night after the celebrations, with so much activity it will be easier for the guys on the ground, also I am assuming that they consume a lot of alcohol during these events, so resistance may be slightly lessened...just a thought.

This has to be backed up by intel from last years celebration.

[Toddy]

Ebebiyin is known for its large number of bars. They drink alot of wine.

[F-14D]

http://guinea-equatorial.com/security.asp

Found this basically says how there trying to strengthen ties with U.S.

[Toddy]

More Intel:

The red dirt of the jungle meets a paved road on the outskirts of Ebebiyin, where a national celebration is about to begin. Women are singing and swaying in an African rhythm that is hard to resist, even though their lyrics are not of a can’t-stop-dancing variety: “We await you, Mr. President,” they sing in Fang, the main language in Equatorial Guinea. “We are happy to see you; you are the people’s president.” In the distance, a cloud of Martian dust heralds the arrival of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
The president is accompanied by 40 vehicles and enough firepower to start a small war. In the lead are army-green trucks, with soldiers clad in black ninja outfits. Because the president doesn’t entirely trust his military, the jeeps in front of his Lexus SUV bear his Moroccan security guards, many of them perched on the running boards, clutching Heckler & Koch assault rifles as they scan the horizon.
The motorcade halts at the edge of the town and its chickens-in-the-road squalor. Obiang strolls up the street, shaking hands with people who line the uneven sidewalks, many clad in T-shirts and dresses bearing his image. His bearing is regal. If he has any anxiety because of a recent coup attempt, which involved a gang of couldn’t-shoot-straight mercenaries from South Africa and Britain (allegedly financed by the son of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher), he does not betray it. And if his mind is troubled by a recent U.S. Senate investigation detailing how he siphoned millions from his country’s treasury with the help of Riggs Bank in Washington, D.C., and how he and members of his inner circle extracted large and unorthodox payments from American oil companies, that, too, does not show.
Obiang has traveled to Equatorial Guinea’s mainland from his palace on the island capital of Malabo to celebrate the 36th anniversary of independence from Spain. The three-day gala is replete with references to the 1979 overthrow of Francisco Macias Nguema, the nation’s first dictator. Macias, who once tortured and killed political opponents in a soccer stadium, drowning out their screams by playing “Those Were the Days” on the loudspeakers, was ousted and executed in a coup led by a senior military aide who was also his nephew -- Teodoro Obiang.
For “El Libertador,” as Obiang allows himself to be called, the highlight of the October celebration is a parade down Ebebiyin’s finest stretch of asphalt. About a hundred goose-stepping soldiers lead the way, and through bouts of equatorial heat and showers, delegations from seemingly every town and organization in the nation march by with banners saluting the president and ruling party.
The heat, the soldiers, the jungle, the out-of-tune band -- I was starting to feel I had fallen into a tin-pot time warp. Then I noticed the American flags. These were carried by a delegation from Mobil Equatorial Guinea, Inc., a subsidiary of ExxonMobil. They also carried white Exxon flags and placards bearing ExxonMobil’s name. Behind them came delegations with signs announcing Halliburton, ChevronTexaco, Marathon Oil.
In the past few years, Equatorial Guinea, population 500,000, has become the third-largest oil exporter in sub-Saharan Africa, after Nigeria and Angola. Per capita, it is one of the richest countries on the continent; rated by how much money ends up in the pockets of people not related to the president, it remains one of the poorest. Oil is the reason the desperate-looking cafés and shops in Ebebiyin use ExxonMobil signs as decorations. It is why, although his regime once sent death threats to the U.S. ambassador, Obiang now meets with senior administration officials and even with President Bush. And it’s why no one spoke out as Obiang treated his nation’s treasury as his own private bank account.
Equatorial Guinea sometimes seems a parody of an oil kleptocracy -- a Blazing Saddles of the world of petroleum. Yet it has emerged as an all-too-real example of how a dictator, awash in petrodollars, enriches himself and his family while starving his people. His conduct has been aided by American companies: As detailed in Senate and Treasury Department documents, Riggs Bank helped Obiang shuttle millions into offshore accounts. Oil companies, meanwhile, made payments to his regime that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is now scrutinizing under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/2005/01/guinea_02_200x213.gif If America’s interest in foreign countries were predicated on human rights, Equatorial Guinea would have seized our attention long before its 1995 oil boom. Francisco Macias Nguema, whose self-bestowed titles included “Leader of Steel,” “The Sole Miracle of Equatorial Guinea,” and, of course, “President for Life,” was a morph of Idi Amin and Pol Pot. He killed or forced into exile nearly a third of the population, decimating in particular the small educated class. Some of his victims were crucified on the road leading to the airport. It was one of the 20th century’s most brutal genocides, but no foreign power except for Equatorial Guinea’s former colonial ruler paid attention to it, and the fascist regime of Spain’s Francisco Franco was not overly troubled by human rights abuses. Obiang’s coup was a welcome event, and his rule has not been nearly as ruthless as his uncle’s. Of course,that’s not much of an achievement.
Recent State Department reports define Equatorial Guinea as a nominal democracy but note that “in practice power is exercised by President Teodoro Obiang Nguema.” In the latest election, Obiang was reelected with 97 percent of the vote in an election “marred by extensive fraud and intimidation.” “Corruption among officials is widespread,” one report adds; the distribution of oil revenues, meanwhile, has “lacked transparency despite repeated calls from international financial institutions and citizens for greater financial openness.” And finally, “There is little evidence that the country’s oil wealth is being devoted to the public good.”
Human rights abuses continue unchecked. An oil company employee was recently beaten unconscious by gendarmes when he refused to pay a bribe. In 2002, more than a dozen security officials at the airport in Bata, the country’s commercial center, were arrested after they allowed an opposition leader to board a plane for Gabon. If you happen to be a member of the opposition, or even a suspected member of the opposition, you live precariously

[Toddy]

More Intel:
Militarily and politically, he’s a paper tiger. Last March, a gang of fewer than 100 inept mercenaries came close to killing him, which is why he has reinforced his Moroccan security detail and paid an estimated $50 million for several Ukrainian attack helicopters.

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

Apparently his association with the Morrocans goes back to 1979 when 600 Morrocan 'mercenaries' supported him in his coup. he is said to have close ties with Hassan II.

It seems they constitute his presidential guard. Which would make them crucial to his power base.

[SnakeBiteLeader]

Ebebiyin is known for its large number of bars. They drink alot of wine.

Perhaps the wine that goes to the garrisons/leadership could be drugged?
Just an idea.

[Toddy]

Puppet contender??
Also the leader of the outlawed Bioko Island pro-autonomy party MAIB, Weja Chicampo, was finally let free and today fled to Spain.

[Toddy]

important intel

Equatorial Guinea asks Angolan military aid to plan succession
http://www.afrol.com/images/persons/eqg_Obiang2003_fr1.jpgPresident Teodoro Obiang Nguema
To hand powers over to his son in 2006?
© Ministère français des Affaires étrangèresafrol News / El Muni (http://www.afrol.com/html/media/el_muni.htm), 11 November - The Dictator of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema yesterday started on an "official" visit to Angola with a hidden agenda revealed by a high ranking official of his delegation. President Obiang wants to persuade his Angolan partner José Eduardo dos Santos to send troops to Equatorial Guinea as he believes there may come tough times in the near future, when he plans to hand powers over to his son.
The hidden agenda of the Equatoguinean President was revealed by a high ranking source in the delegation now in Angola, who asked for the total disclosure of his/her identity. According to the source, President Obiang secretly has asked Angola to send troops to Equatorial Guinea in the end of this year or the beginning of 2006 "to maintain security in the country" during an expected upcoming unconstitutional succession in the presidency.

The upcoming abdication of the Dictator as Head of State is no secret among his closest friends and family members, but President Obiang is reported to be increasingly insecure about the impact such a move may have within the population, the armed forces and on the international scene. He now works to plan every possible scenario to satisfy his family, fearing reprisals in the case that powers are transferred to "intruding and unknown" citizens.

The Equatoguinean President is in a "discrete" agony. Due to his physical incapacity, President Obiang - who suffers from prostate cancer and other diseases not yet filtered to the press, although some speak of AIDS - plans to give up power to "fight against death" and live his remaining years in a certain tranquillity.

In contradiction with the 1991 constitution - which has references to the resignation, death or physical or mental incapacity of the President of the Republic - the Central African is fighting uphill to secure the enthronement of his first-born, Teodoro Nguema Obiang, as his "legitimate" successor. President Obiang himself took over after his uncle, whom he killed in a 1979 coup.

Not trusting even his own shadow, the Dictator lately has turned increasingly to the military aid from foreign countries, including Israel, who in these moments are training the presidential guards of the upcoming leader.

On a continental view, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco and Angola are seen as the principal strongholds for an unconstitutional succession in Equatorial Guinea. Nationals from these countries are already in the presidential guard, and Morocco has even had a well-known large military presence in the country since 1979, shortly after the palace revolution of the current leader. For the last three months, Israeli and Angolan troops have been observed training the presidential guard in the town of Mongomo, the birthplace of the President.

Angola is one of the countries that have shown most goodwill regarding offers from the Equatoguinean Dictator. Around 200 Angolan troops - some of them stemming from the former UNITA rebel group that became a political party in 2003 - are currently integrated in the presidential guard, figuring as the elite guard that is willing to make a bloodbath in the country if the foreseen succession fails.

President Obiang is the only President from a non-neighbour or non-Portuguese country to participate in Angola's commemoration of its 30th anniversary. During his visit, he aims at clarifying the situation of his family and the necessity to eliminate opponents to the succession.

In this sense, he plans to sign an "important" agreement regarding defence and security with President dos Santos, which is believed to enter into vigour in the first trimester of 2006. That is the same time President Obiang is expected to hand power over to his son Teodoro Nguema Obiang. The price of the operation is of no importance, given that he is the richest man in sub-Saharan Africa.

In July, sources close to the President warned that he was talking secretly about plans to reform the Equatoguinean constitution to introduce the title of a Vice-President - reserved for his first-born - who would be the only person constitutionally appointed to take over powers in the case of the President's resignation, death or incapacity.

Surprisingly, last weekend the national council of the ruling PDGE party was convened to the city of Bata in an "urgent and obligatory" matter, according to the state-controlled broadcaster. The issue of the meeting was never revealed. However, sources contacted by 'El Muni' have confirmed that President Obiang convened the top organ of his party to discuss the succession issue, but in the last hours before the meeting, he changed his mind and found it more "cautious and discrete" to travel to Angola first. The meeting was adjourned.

There are concerns that the succession may not be so smooth, given the family feuds in the circle around the President since it in 1999 was known that he suffers from prostate cancer - a disease that has not been lethal but has strained his capacity to be Head of State and Army Chief. Obliged to travel abroad twice monthly for medical revisions and surgical treatments, the Equatoguinean leader now more than ever sees the limits of his powers. According to a prestigious clinic in Geneva, the President at his last stay weighed less than 50 kg.

Many observers hold that the expected abduction of the President of the small oil-rich Central African state may lead the nation directly into a large and cruel civil war with an unknown outcome. Not even the closest allies of the Dictator are happy about his choice of a successor, the son being viewed as an extravagant youngster who is not in contact with reality. This opinion is shared by many family members.

The younger brother of the Dictator, General Armengol Ondó Nguema, is known as one of the opponents to have his nephew as the Republic's next President. With the opposition growing ever more impotent and the population sinking deeper into poverty and desperation, nobody rules out an armed response to the succession, or at least an international intervention.

[goat89]

Ah damn.... Ngati, Hellfish and Ezekiel are off now..... wrong timing....

[Toddy]

Ah damn.... Ngati, Hellfish and Ezekiel are off now..... wrong timing....

Sorry I am working up to their idol status...you'll just have to bear with me until I become a legend :)

[goat89]

No! Thats not what I meant! These guys are the power base of the coup! I need their acknowledgement! Esp Hellfish!

[Toddy]

oh ok :) I am pretty new to this whole forum thing, but I must say that this is the best damn thing I have found on the net

[SnakeBiteLeader]

oh ok :) I am pretty new to this whole forum thing, but I must say that this is the best damn thing I have found on the net


Yeah this is definately the most interesting thread I've seen.
Hats off to Hellfish for a great idea.

[goat89]

Yeah this is definately the most interesting thread I've seen.
Hats off to Hellfish for a great idea.
X2 mate. Real proud to be part of it!

[Toddy]

X2 mate. Real proud to be part of it!
I am proud to serve with such fine young leaders :)

Shame I have to be away for 3 days with no internet contact...this thread will be about 300 pages long by the time I return, if I return :)

[goat89]

I am proud to serve with such fine young leaders :)

Shame I have to be away for 3 days with no internet contact...this thread will be about 300 pages long by the time I return, if I return :)
Me too mate! HOOAH! Where will you be going? Camping?

[Toddy]

Me too mate! HOOAH! Where will you be going? Camping?

nah mate going out country for work for a couple of days

[goat89]

nah mate going out country for work for a couple of days
I see.....nevermind then. Just pray that all works out well for the coup. We will be waiting for you!

[Toddy]

I see.....nevermind then. Just pray that all works out well for the coup. We will be waiting for you!

My thoughts and prayers are with you...i'll check in on my return. :)

Good luck soldier

[goat89]

My thoughts and prayers are with you...i'll check in on my return. :)

Good luck soldier
Affirmative, Sir. See you in 3 days. We will be waiting. Out.

[SnakeBiteLeader]

One thing that can be counted on is an undisciplined and inexperienced military. So I think it would be wise to take advange of it.
Stage the coup for the day following/night of the Independence day celebrations, while everyone's guard is down. Send bottles of drugged cognac or something to the upper echelon commanders and generals courtesy of ''his excellency''. When the actual coup is underway, the commanders will be in unable to command their troops. The less-experienced junior officers, without express orders from above, will be hesitant and confused as to what course of action to take. Further confusion can be sown by spreading disinformation via the captured media outlets or by planting operatives within the ranks. In this way, we could theoretically have the military do some of the work for us- by seizing and sealing strategic locales. Or, they could be sent on your garden variety snipe-hunt charging, inland towards the "invading cameroonians" or something. Meanwhile, the remaining forces will be comprised of the Morraccan guards and any military elements that remain in place.

Solid idea, or improbable? I think it has a shot at working becuase of the relatively limited number of officials to be dealt with in conjunction with an undisciplined adversary. Thoughts?

[Toddy]

your main concern is alwasy going to be the Morroccans and other mercenary guards, they should be your primary objective from the start, once removed the rest of the military will be easy to control. Remember a snake is only dangerous at the head, remove it and it ceases to exist

[Toddy]

btw you should also look at disrupting communications since they have an defence agreement with Angola, no need to take unnecessary risks. The advantage is that the president is not very mobile due to his illness but you must neutralise both sons at the same time

[Ngati Tumatauenga]

One thing that can be counted on is an undisciplined and inexperienced military. So I think it would be wise to take advange of it.
Stage the coup for the day following/night of the Independence day celebrations, while everyone's guard is down. Send bottles of drugged cognac or something to the upper echelon commanders and generals courtesy of ''his excellency''. When the actual coup is underway, the commanders will be in unable to command their troops. The less-experienced junior officers, without express orders from above, will be hesitant and confused as to what course of action to take. Further confusion can be sown by spreading disinformation via the captured media outlets or by planting operatives within the ranks. In this way, we could theoretically have the military do some of the work for us- by seizing and sealing strategic locales. Or, they could be sent on your garden variety snipe-hunt charging, inland towards the "invading cameroonians" or something. Meanwhile, the remaining forces will be comprised of the Morraccan guards and any military elements that remain in place.

Solid idea, or improbable? I think it has a shot at working becuase of the relatively limited number of officials to be dealt with in conjunction with an undisciplined adversary. Thoughts?

I dunno about the drugged congnac but it seems family and ethnic ties to the president determine promotions and influence within the military. Military decision-making is completely centralized with the President also serving as the Minister of Defense. So incompetent commanders are likely and the effect of a 'decapitation' strike will be that much greater.

Also I've already mentioned tasking a portuion of the local mercs with causing distraction and conducting misinformation operations.

Definately push the Presidential guard to the head of the centre of gravity list though.

[TheRussian1]

Helfish, i grant you the order of Hero of Mp.net for this thread.....good idea.

[loganinkosovo]

You are going about it all wrong.......

use the 50 mil to purchase McDonalds, KFC and Pizza Hut Franchises. Bring in Cosmetics, Lingerie, epiladys and hot wax kits. Use your mini-army as sales reps, counter people during the day and counter-competition operatives at night. In a year you will own the whole country!

It's worked for us!

:)

[Flagg]

I dunno about the drugged congnac but it seems family and ethnic ties to the president determine promotions and influence within the mil