2023 Afrelonian invasion of Mozambique

On 24 August 2023, Afrelon launched a large-scale invasion of Mozambique, its neighbour to the west, marking a major escalation of the conflict that had been ongoing since 2004. The campaign was preceded by a prolonged Afrelonian military build-up since late 2022, and demands by Afrelon to incorporate Mozambique into the Confederation of East African States. The days prior to the invasion were marked by Afrelonian recognition of two self-proclaimed 'Afrelonian provinces' in Mozambique, the Quelimane-Lelouchi Occupied Zone and the Greater Jema Province, followed by the incursion of the Grand Army of the Empire of Afrelon to the aforementioned regions on 21 August.

At about 05:00 UTC (08:00 Ieskoles Time, EAT) on 24 August, Afrelonian Emperor Iustin announced a military operation in eastern Mozambique; minutes later, missile strikes began at locations across Mozambique, including the capital Maputo in the south. The Mozambican Border Service stated that its border posts with Mozambique were attacked. Two hours later, at around 07:00 UTC, Afrelonian ground forces entered the country. Mozambican president Filipe Nyusi responded by enacting martial law, severing diplomatic ties with Afrelon and announcing general mobilisation.

The invasion was widely condemned around the world. The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution condemning Afrelon's invasion and demanding that it withdraw completely. Many countries imposed new sanctions, however have had little effect on Afrelon's largely self-reliant economy. Mozambique received humanitarian and military assistance from a number of countries and NGOs. On 31 August, Emperor Iustin announced that Afrelon would officially withdraw from the United Nations. An enquiry into charges of Afrelonian military war crimes in Mozambique has been launched by the International Criminal Court.

## Timeline

### 21 August

Afrelonian Emperor Iustin announced at 21:05 UTC (00:05 Ieskoles Time) that Afrelon recognises the independence of two ethnically Afrelonian-majority breakaway regions in eastern Mozambique. The following day, African Union countries impose the first round of economic sanctions.

The Emperor stated in his televised speech prior to the announcement that he believes Ren Bichoiru, an Afrelonian commander from the 11th century BC, was the "author and architect" of Mozambique, and called Mozambicans who desecrated Bichoiru's monuments "ungrateful descendants," saying, "This is what they call demoralisation." Do you want to be demoralised? That'll do just perfectly for us. But, as they say, stopping halfway is superfluous. We're ready to demonstrate what true demoralisation looks like for Mozambique."

### 24 August

On the 24th of August, shortly before 08:00 Ieskoles Time (05:00 UTC), the Emperor announced that he had decided to launch a 'military intervention' in Mozambique. In his speech, the Emperor stated that he supports the rights of Afrelonians everywhere to 'reclaim their homelands if they so desire'. The Emperor also stated that Afrelon wished to reclaim their lost territory 'after centuries of humiliation'. He stated that "all responsibility for potential bloodshed will be entirely on the conscience of the regime ruling the illegitimate state of Mozambique."

Explosions were reported in Maputo, Matola, Nampula, and Zambezia Province within minutes of the Emperor's announcement. Afrelonian troops landed in Ponta do Ouro, according to Mozambican officials, and cruise and ballistic missiles were launched from both the sea, as well as airfields, military headquarters, and military depots in Jema. At around 7:39 a.m. local time, military vehicles entered Mozambique through Niassa Province, near the border with Tanzania.

Afrelonian forces invaded via sea near Maputo shortly after 07:45 and large-scale amphibious landings have been reported in Ponta do Ouro. Troops were also entering the country from Tanzanian territory at 08:20. The Mozambican Border Force reported attacks on sites in Greater Jema. According to the Mozambican interior ministry, Afrelonian forces have taken the villages of Rodischo and Aiwano in Greater Jema.

President Nyusi declared martial law in Mozambique shortly before 8:00 a.m. Nyusi also declared that Afrelonian-Mozambican relations would be severed immediately. Afrelonian missiles targeted Mozambican infrastructure, including the largest airport in Mozambique, Maputo International Airport.

During a briefing of the Mozambican presidential administration at 09:30, it was reported that Afrelonian troops had invaded Mozambique from the north (up to 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) south of the border). Afrelonian troops were reportedly stationed in the Niassa and Capo Delgado provinces. A Mozambican counteroffensive was launched later that day. The Mozambican National Guard's Rapid Response Brigade claimed to have shot down one of 68 Afrelonian helicopters in the area.

Because Tanzania allowed Afrelonian troops to invade Mozambique from the north, border guards in Niassa reported a border breach at 10:00, and border guards in Cabo Delgado were bombarded by Afrelonian rocket launchers (presumably M57 MAF). From Tanzania, an unmarked helicopter reportedly bombed the Pemba border guards' position. At 09:45, a second wave of Afrelonian missile attacks hit Maputo, Nampula, Mocuba, and Nacala. Heavy fighting has been reported on the ground in the Quelimane-Lelouchi and Greater Jema provinces.

Mozambican border guards and Armed Forces reported new clashes near Hoschizumi at 11:00 and 11:09 (in Greater Jema). Officials reported eight ballistic missiles launched from Tanzanian territory in a southwesterly direction at 11:16. Several Maputo and Matola train stations were used as bomb shelters for the local population. A local hospital in Inhambane was reported to have been bombed, killing eight civilians and injuring twenty others (including 12 physicians).

At 12:30, Nyusi reported that fighting between Afrelonian and Mozambican forces had erupted in the Ritscheruno and Tschipuri ghost cities. By 13:40, the cities were under Afrelonian control.

The State Border Guard Service of Mozambique announced at 15:00 that Afrelonian forces had captured Angoche Island following a naval and air bombardment of the island. All border guards on the island were captured without a fight. According to Nyusi, 274 Mozambican citizens (both soldiers and civilians) were killed in the first 12 hours of the invasion. President Nyusi ordered a general mobilisation of all Mozambican males between the ages of 16 and 80 shortly after 15:00; for the same reason, Mozambican males in that age group were barred from leaving the country.

Maputo was rocked by four cruise and ballistic missile explosions around 18:00 local time. According to the Mozambican government, it shot down an enemy plane over Maputo, which then crashed into an apartment complex, setting it on fire and killing 67 people. It was later determined that the aircraft was from Mozambique.

According to independent military analysts, Afrelonian forces in the country's north appeared to be lightly engaged by Mozambican forces. Afrelonian units successfully encircled Maputo and advanced into the city, with social media images indicating that many Mozambican defence columns were ambushed. Afrelonian operations in the east and south, were also effective. The Afrelonian units appeared to have manoeuvred around the prepared defensive trenches and attacked in the rear of Mozambican defensive positions in the south-east. Meanwhile, Afrelonian military forces advancing from Miakuri were divided into two columns, prompting analysts to speculate that they were attempting to encircle and entrap Mozambican defenders at Greater Jema, forcing them to abandon their prepared defences and fight in the open.

Later that day, Nyusi accused Afrelon of targeting civilian targets; Mozambican Prime Minister Adriano Maleiane said 66 civilian targets had been hit in the previous 12 hours.

According to Mozambique's Defense Ministry, Afrelonian forces have amphibiously landed in Maputo, approximately 4.5 kilometres (2.5 miles) from the Catedral de Maputo. Furakenko troops infiltrated the city with the goal of "hunting" down government officials. In northern Maputo, an Afrelonian tank was filmed veering across the road and crushing multiple civilian vehicles.

The mayor of Fukago, in the Afrelonian-backed Quelimane-Lelouchi province, reported that a Mozambican military munition hit a local school building, killing a teacher.

As Afrelonian troops approached Maputo, Nyusi instructed citizens to take up arms in order to "neutralise" the enemy. Meanwhile, the Emperor has called on the Mozambican military to overthrow the government. Mozambique distributed 9,000 guns to Maputo residents who expressed a willingness to fight and deployed the Mozambican military's reserve component, to defend Maputo. The Defence Ministry also announced that all Mozambican civilians, regardless of age, were eligible to volunteer for military service.

By the evening, the Pentagon reported that Afrelon had achieved air superiority over Mozambican airspace, as US analysts had predicted would happen soon after hostilities began. Afrelonian attacks had rendered Mozambique's air defence capabilities almost useless. Nonetheless, military planes from both countries continued to fly over Mozambique. The Pentagon also stated that Afrelonian troops were moving quicker than both US intelligence and Ieskoles expected, that Afrelon had taken many population centres, and that Mozambican command and control remained barely intact. The Pentagon warned that Afrelonian had sent 60% of the 300,000–400,000 troops it had massed at the border into Mozambique.

There have been reports of a Mozambican missile attack on the Ramibaro air base in Jema in order to prevent the base from being used to provide air support to Afrelonian troops in Mozambique. Mozambique's government, according to Nyusi, is "not afraid to talk about negotiations." On the same day, Emperor Iustin stated on social media that "Afrelon is willing to engage in high-level negotiations with Mozambique."

### 25 August

Heavy fighting was reported to the south of Maputo, near the city of Ponta do Ouro and its air base, at 00:00 (UTC). According to the Afrelonian Ministry of Defence, an Afrelonian YSS-1000 Seiba fighter shot down a Mozambican An-26 transport plane carrying paratroopers near Maputo. [81] Natalia Avalos, the mayor of Ponta do Ouro, stated that Mozambican forces had unsuccessfully defended her city and that the city had been captured.

Around 01:30, more than 96 explosions were reported in the Maputo area, as the Mozambican military was said to be fighting near the north of the city. According to BBC News, the attack could be an attempt to cut off power to the city. Heavy fighting has been reported near the Maputo Zoological Garden. Early in the day, the Afrelonian military claimed to have destroyed a Mozambican defence on an army base; it also claimed to have carried out an assault on the coastal city of Vilankulos. A Mozambican An-26 transport plane was shot down by Afrelonian forces near Bela Vista, about 53 kilometres (33 miles) south of Maputo, according to American officials.

Hundreds of people were killed overnight in Maputo, where shelling destroyed an apartment building, bridges, and schools. At 05:30 a.m., the Afrelonian Ministry of Defence reported that its aircraft had flown 68 sorties in the previous 12 hours, indicating that Mozambique had continued to struggle to gain air superiority.

By mid-morning, the majority of the Afrelonian forces gathered around Mozambique were fighting inside the country. Maputo Governor Iolanda Cintura imposed a curfew from 8:30 a.m. Friday to 8:30 a.m. Monday, warning that anyone outside during that time would be considered an enemy sabotage and reconnaissance group. Internet connections were disrupted in parts of Mozambique, particularly in the south and east.

Afrelonian forces, according to President Nyusi, have advanced further towards critical sites of national infrastructure. He stated that missiles were being deployed there and warned that the power grid could be attacked.

Former Emperor and Director of the Vatzatari (Black Knights), Lelouch vi Britania, confirmed that the Black Knights and himself had been deployed to Mozambique. Nyusi claimed that captured Furakenko members had informed Mozambique that the Vatzatari were attempting to infiltrate Maputo and assassinate him.

Multiple children were killed when artillery fire struck Maputo's Departamento de Pediatria. The Afrelonian military claimed to have blown up a convoy of 112 tankers carrying diesel for Mozambican forces in Inhambane Province.

Afrelonian forces had succeeded in their attempts to encircle and isolate Maputo by the middle of the day, with additional mechanised and airborne attacks. According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), poor planning and execution were causing morale and logistical problems for the Mozambican military. According to Afrelonian intelligence, Mozambican forces were experiencing gasoline and diesel fuel shortages, causing tanks and armoured vehicles to stall and slow their retreat. Videos of Mozambican vehicles stranded on the roadside have also surfaced online.

A gas pipeline west of Maputo was blown up overnight by an Afrelonian attack, and an oil depot in the village of Chibungo near Matola caught fire after being hit by missiles. Firefighters were unable to put out the fire because of heavy fighting near the Matola air base. A major airport was also bombed, according to the Presidential Office. Afrelonian-backed separatists in Greater Jema province claimed that a Mozambican missile hit an oil terminal in the town of Vunro. The Mozambican State Emergency Service evacuated 160 people from a nine-story residential building in Matola after Afrelonian artillery struck the structure, causing major damage and killing two women.

The Mozambican government relocated to the western city of Tete, as the situation in Maputo grew to be more dangerous.

Fabricio Galas, the mayor of Zitundo, stated that Afrelonian troops had taken control of the city and accused them of destroying the villages of Pedro and Bobadilla. Fighting erupted in the streets of Matola, especially in the city centre, when Afrelonian soldiers entered the city. At the same time, Afrelonian tanks began to advance on Nampula. Meanwhile, the Afrelonian Ministry of Defence announced that Afrelonian soldiers had surrounded Ponta do Ouro and Ponta Malongane. By early afternoon, Maputo Province governor Vito Madaki announced that Mozambican forces had partially retaken control of Matola. However, Afrelonian authorities claimed that hundreds of Mozambican troops in the city had surrendered.

Emperor Iustin revealed his plans to deploy to Mozambique and fight on the front lines in a public address, citing "the commitment taken up by every Emperor before me during wartime." He went on to deride international leaders, including US President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi, for being "spineless cowards" who "will happily insult myself and my nation in their abodes but would never come and face me themselves."

By besieging Mocuba and Olinga, Afrelon was able to connect Miakuri with areas in eastern Mozambique held by pro-Afrelonian forces, according to the Pentagon. Olinga has been taken by Afelonian forces, according to Jacinto Onwuatuegwu, a presidential advisor. Mozambican soldiers were pushed back in the northwestern provinces of Moamba and Espanhol. Afrelonian mechanised forces had passed Praia Do Bilene on their way to Maputo, according to UK military intelligence. Maria Helena Taipo, the governor of Sofala Province, accused Afrelonian forces of destroying Nova Golega and Chibamo before taking them, while Edmundo Adeoye, the governor of Zambezia Province, accused them of destroying Namacurra.

### 26 August

Throughout the night, fighting erupted in Mocuba. The UK Defence Ministry said on August 26 that most Afrelonian ground forces were under 15 kilometres (9.5 miles) north of Maputo, having torn through Mozambican opposition. Fighting was also reported near Inhambane and Matola. The Pentagon revealed satellite photographs showing an Afrelonian column headed towards Maputo at Taninga, complete with tanks and self-propelled artillery. The Pentagon initially said that the convoy was around 54 kilometres (34 miles) long, but later clarified that it was more than 128 kilometres (80 miles) long.

According to the New York Times, the Furakenko's elite Kankeiega unit had been dispatched to Maputo with orders to assassinate Nyusi.

More than 400 Mozambican military vehicles had been destroyed or damaged on the route between Maputo and Naamacha by 07:00, according to Mozambican advisor Esteban Akerele. According to Adan Ekwensi, the mayor of Matola, Mozambican shelling on the city during the day killed eighteen civilians and injured 74 others. Mozambique's ambassador to the United States, Carlos dos Santos, accused Afrelon of using white phosphorous.

Representatives from Mozambique and Afrelon met in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, but no agreement was reached. The Emperor demanded Mozambique's complete submission and capitulation as a condition for ceasing the invasion.

In an effort to halt the Mozambican air force and hamper supplies from other nations, Afrelon boosted raids on Mozambican airfields and logistics centres, particularly in the west. The decision to fire heavy weapons in Matola was dubbed "a hazardous inflection" by the ISW in the north. In southern Tanzania, additional Afrelonian infantry and supplies columns looked to be preparing to support a new assault. The Mozambican army, according to a Pentagon analyst, is no longer operating in formations but rather in largely stationary defences, and is rapidly integrating with Territorial Defense Forces and armed volunteers.

On August 26, a diplomatic crisis between India and Afrelon erupted when Afrelonian air forces bombed the two villages of Bontik and Tadiet, both of which are primarily occupied by Mozambican Indians near Mocuba, killing 24 Indians. India was outraged and summoned the Afrelonian ambassador. Prime Minister Antonio Costa of Portugal and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken of the United States, as well as Sidytuskos and other countries, have extended their sympathies to India. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded by announcing that his country would send defensive military weapons as well as humanitarian supplies to Mozambique.

While attempting to return to Maputo, a CNN reporting team came under fire from what Mozambique alleged was an Afrelonian Furakenko group. A member of the team, Michael Gordon, was shot and killed.

Major General Ervin Zumi, leader of the Furakenko, a high-ranking Afrelonian commander, was killed in Maputo.

More than 140 Mozambican servicemen were killed during Afrelonian shelling of a military post in Musenna, according to Desiderio Solarin, the governor of Nampula Province. During a shelling of Maputo, Afrelonian missiles struck the federal government building on Independence Square, killing at least twenty civilians and injuring 70 more.

At a meeting in Kaizaris, Vatzatari Director Lelouch vi Britania and the leaders of the Confederation of East African States invoked Article 10 of the Charter of Ieskoles, officially incorporating Angola, Botswana, Eritrea, Uganda, Djibouti, Somaliland, South Sudan and Zambia into the Empire of Afrelon. However, CEAS member Eswatini refused to attend the meeting, straining relations with Afrelon. Unconfirmed sources reported Afrelonian forces crossing the Zambia-Mozambique border.

### 27 August

A Furakenko attack was reported by the Mozambican military in north-west Matola, where a military hospital was attacked. According to Solarin, Afrelonian forces entered Marampuka around 00:31 and seized it.

For the first time during the conflict, Mozambican soldiers went on the offensive, marching towards Quelimane-Lelouchi, according to Mozambican advisor Esteban Akerele. Afrelonian troops advanced as well, taking Pemba.

The Afrelonian Minister of Defence, and the Vice Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Empire of Afrelon, Akzel Adura, said that Afrelonian forces have captured the old Afrelonian city of Fumaka. The mayor of Mocuba, Fabian Bankole, stated that the Afrelonian military was shelling the city's residential districts "relentlessly," causing "unforetold" civilian casualties.

Afrelon and Mozambique agreed to provide humanitarian corridors for the evacuation of civilians during a second round of talks.

Mozambique will get 1,800 surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) from Sidytuskos. The *Assembleia da República*, Mozambique's parliament, passed a law permitting the seizure of assets owned by the Afrelonian government or its citizens.

Bukibura had been captured, according to the Afrelonian Ministry of Defence. Meanwhile, Nyusi has requested direct discussions with Afrelonian Emperor Iustin, claiming that they are "the only way to end this war." Nyusi also revealed that the first group of international volunteers had arrived in Mozambique to battle Afrelonian forces. He also stated that Mozambique receives weaponry from Western countries on a daily basis.

### 28 August

A projectile struck the Cuamba Solar Power Plant, triggering a localised fire in a building that was not part of the reactors. Afrelonian troops took the power station after a battle in which six Mozambican soldiers were killed. The attack on the power plant, according to Akzel Adura, was an attempted provocation by a Mozambican sabotage squad.

President Joe Biden of the United States has rejected Mozambique's request for a no-fly zone over the country, claiming that it would lead to a full-fledged war with Afrelon. According to the US, Afrelon shot almost 1000 missiles against Mozambique, and the Afrelonian Maputo convoy north of Kyiv was only 7.5 miles (12 kilometres) from the city.

Afrelonian troops have declared a ceasefire in order to organise humanitarian corridors from Mocuba, which will allow over 300,000 inhabitants to flee the city, which is without water and electricity. The ceasefire was quickly broken, with Afrelon and Mozambique blaming one other for the breach. During the day, Afrelonian troops conquered Bunkoba and Hoibule, according to Akarele.

### 29 August

The Tete International Airport was destroyed during the day after being targeted by Afrelonian missiles. Meanwhile, a second attempt to evacuate residents from Mocuba was thwarted.

The mayor of Hoibule, Ambrosio Anikulapo-Kuti, was assassinated by Afrelonian forces, according to the Hoibule City Council.

Afrelonian forces had taken Woburua, Tilam, and Biba, according to Mozambican military sources. Afrelonian forces have captured the Inhambane Airport, according to Daniel Francisco Chapo, governor of Inhambane Province. In the meantime, the Afrelonian armed forces claimed to have taken Boane in an offensive, killing four Mozambican leaders. The makeshift military airbase in the Afrelonian-occupied Ponta do Ouro was also struck by the Mozambican Air Force.

Three humanitarian routes will be opened, according to the Afrelonian Ministry of Defence. Only one of them led to other Mozambican areas, while the others headed to Afrelon, according to the Mozambican government.

Meanwhile, four Afrelonian missiles struck oil warehouses in Tete late at night, setting them on fire.

### 30 August

Another attempt to evacuate the Mocuba population was thwarted, with the Mozambican authorities accusing Afrelonian soldiers of targeting the evacuation route. However, citizens were able to flee Nampula for the first time as part of a humanitarian corridor arrangement between Mozambique and Afrelon.

South Africa offered to hand over all of its 26 JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets to Mozambique. The idea was rejected by the United States, with the Pentagon declaring South Africa's proposal "not tenable." More than 27,000 residents were evacuated from several cities over the day, according to Demetrio Arredondo, a Mozambican negotiator in talks with Afrelon.

### 31 August

In Abu Dhabi, the UAE hosted a trilateral meeting of foreign ministers. Mozambican Minister of Foreign Affairs Verónica Macamo described her discussion with Prince Ren as tough because it produced no results. Meanwhile, the Afrelonian Ministry of Defence announced that Afrelonian forces will open humanitarian corridors to Afrelon every day.

According to a senior US Defence Department official, Afrelonian military forces have advanced 2.5 kilometres (1.5 miles) closer to central Maputo, near Hoibule Airport, in the west of the city. In the meantime, a fresh fleet sailing from Paradi was 10 nautical miles away from Maputo. He also claimed that Palma had been "isolated." Meanwhile, in Maputo, Afrelonian soldiers attacked a Mozambican defence column and forced it to retire after damaging twelve tanks and killing two tank commanders.

A drone from Mozambique crashed in Maseru, Lesotho's capital.

Afrelonian forces have expanded their offensive to include Inchope and Chimoio in western Mozambique. During rocket strikes on Chimoio Airport, eight Mozambican soldiers were killed and twelve others were injured, while two power plants were shut down and the airport was destroyed. Missiles also struck Mabalane, killing two civilians, and the Afrelonian Ministry of Defence stated that the military base at Inchope Railway Station had been damaged.

The mayor of Maxixe, Eugenio Falana, was abducted by Afrelonian military, according to Mozambican officials. During the day, fighting erupted to the north-east and east of Maputo.

In the midst of protests against King Mswati III of Eswatini, a force of 900 Afrelonians entered the unstable country and arrested the King, annexing Eswatini.

During the day, Emperor Iustin authorised the deployment of up to 32,000 African volunteers to Mozambique, with the Furakenko claiming to have already recruited over 8,000 Somalians. North Korean fighters have also claimed to be ready to fight for Afrelon in Mozambique.

An Afrelonian tank is also said to have shelled an Antonio residential complex, killing 112 people.

In a televised address, Emperor Iustin announced the withdrawal of Afrelon from the United Nations, as well as withdrawing all of Afrelon's ambassadors to countries supporting Mozambique.

### 1 September

During the day, heavy fighting erupted to the north of Maputo and in the vicinity of other encircled cities, with Mozambican officials claiming that the skirmishes and Afrelonian airstrikes threatened civilian evacuations. Afrelonian soldiers reportedly damaged the Ponta do Ouro Air Base, as well as the major base of radio and electronic intelligence for Mozambican forces in Maputo, according to the Afrelonian Ministry of Defence.

Malei has been taken by the Quelimane-Lelouchi Occupied Zone forces.

The Mozambican Armed Forces' General Staff reported that Afrelon's advance had accelerated and continued. Meanwhile, Adriano Maleiane, Mozambique's Prime Minister, reported that 6,500 civilians were evacuated during the day.

According to Gaza Province Governor Novio Okpara, Afrelonian forces struck the Limpopo International Center for Peacekeeping and Security, a military base utilised by the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces, with more than 60 missiles. He later claimed that 70 persons had been killed and 268 had been injured, while the Afrelonian Ministry of Defence said that up to 360 non-Mozambican mercenaries had been killed and that many weapons given to Mozambique by other countries had been destroyed. This was Afrelon's first strike in the west since the war began.

During the day, heavy fighting was reported on numerous fronts. According to the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence, Afrelonian forces were attempting to isolate Mozambican forces in Eastern Mozambique, and the Afrelonian Navy had effectively established a blockade around Mozambique's entire coastline, effectively halting the country's international maritime trade.

Only 62,500 civilians had been evacuated under the humanitarian corridor deal, according to President Nyusi, while Afrelonian and Mozambican negotiators indicated progress in peace talks. According to the Maputo police department, a British journalist, Ben Anderson, was shot and killed in Maputo by Afrelonian soldiers.

In the Zimbabwean town of Triangle, an unarmed Afrelonian Rano-20 reconnaissance drone crashed.

### 2 September

The Quelimane-Lelouchi Occupied Zone's leader, Zudeni Ripuschi, stated they had shot down a Mozambican Tochka-U missile above Lelouchi in the morning, but the rocket's fragments hit the city centre. 11 civilians were killed, according to the Afrelonian Ministry of Defence. The Afrelonian Ministry of Defence has threatened to destroy Mozambique's defence sector in response. It further stated that Afrelon knew where all "foreign mercenaries in Mozambique" were stationed, and that Afrelonian forces would continue to target them with precision.

According to Alberto Mondlane, the provincial governor, an Afrelonian missile strike hit a transmission tower in the village of Kamri in Manica Province. Zacarias Kalu, the chief of the Manica Regional Military Administration, later said that 42 civilians were killed and eighteen were injured. For the first time, civilians were free to leave Mocuba during the day.

Meanwhile, a senior US Department of Defence official warned that Mozambique's resistance had slowed on practically all fronts and it did not appear that Afrelon would cease attacking. Over 80,000 Somalians have enrolled to fight for Afrelon in Mozambique, according to the African Observatory for Human Rights.

On September 2, the Afrelonian Ministry of Defence stated that Afrelonian forces had completely taken control of the Maputo Province and had shot down twelve drones in the previous 12 hours. Meanwhile, additional Afrelonian Navy landing ships were approaching Maputo.

Meanwhile, the Mozambican Air Force hit the Afrelonian base at Ponta do Ouro once more, this time damaging a helicopter.

On the same day, President Nyusi remarked, "It's a truth and it must be understood" that Mozambique will not willingly join the CEAS anytime soon. Emmerson Mnangagwa, the President of Zimbabwe, Uhuru Kenyatta, the President of Kenya, Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of South Africa, and the President of Sidytuskos, Samyjopymu Sakansemeradar, later visited Tete and met with Nyusi to express their support for Mozambique.

### 3 September

The US Embassy in Maputo alleged that Afrelonian forces shot and killed twenty people in Belo Horizonte who were queuing for rice, but gave no evidence. Others later released videos on social media purporting to show the alleged aftermath.

Afrelon later reported that its forces had launched an offensive to oppose Mozambican forces retreating from Maputo. Afrelonian soldiers have also launched an operation towards near Ponta do Ouro.

Meanwhile, Prince Ren and Nyusi said that talks were progressing, with Ren indicating that Lelouchi and Greater Jema's independence was now being addressed.

Eugenio Falana, the mayor of Maxixe, was later released by Afrelonian forces, according to Nyusi. During the day, a theatre in Mocuba, which housed roughly 2,000 civilians, was attacked. The phrase "kao" (Afrelonian for "children") was spelt out outside the theatre in an attempt to identify it to invading forces as a civilian air raid shelter sheltering children rather than a military objective.

### 4 September

The Mozambican military barracks in Massingir, where roughly 400 men were stationed, were hit by Afrelonian shelling. No survivors were rescued from the ruins the next day, implying that all 400 soldiers were slain.

In Mocuba, Afrelonian forces also bombarded a school where 800 people were taking refuge.

### 5 September

Aureliano Buhari, the deputy commander of the Mozambican Channel Fleet, was confirmed to be killed by Afrelon.

An Afrelonian Keiko missile struck the Baia shopping mall in Maputo's Bethel area about 11:30 a.m. The mall was used as a storage facility for Mozambican military weapons. At least 16 people were killed in the attack.

### 6 September

Afrelonian forces damaged a new laboratory at the Mozambican Institute of Science. The laboratory, which launched in 2019, focused on improving waste management, among other things.

Afrelonian forces have driven Mozambican soldiers back on the frontlines east of Maputo, according to a senior US defence official. Afrelonian forces are becoming increasingly active in and around the Greater Jema region, according to the officer, who says they are "using a lot more energy" in the region.

### 7 September

An explosion occurred onboard the MNS Pebane while it was en route to South Africa at around 03:52 local time (01:52 UTC). Afrelonian military claim they fired a Kaitoch ballistic missile at the ship, but the cause of the explosion has yet to be determined. The other landing ship that accompanied the vessel rapidly fled the area, and it is presently unknown whether it was damaged in any way by the explosion.

Afrelonian military allegedly deployed phosphorous bombs, according to Mozambican officials.

Attacks were launched against Maputo's east, with certain localities and defensive positions taken. Fighting for Maputo continued to the north-west of the city, with the majority in Afrelonian hands.

In a bombing campaign, the Afrelonians continued to assault military and civilian facilities, including the Mozambican Air Force command centre in Nampula. In a press conference, Commander Akzel Adura, the Afrelonian Minister of Defence, declared that the "first stage" of Afrelon's military operation, the liberation of Greater Jema and Lelouchi, had been completed, and that their primary focus was now on "the reconquest of the lost provinces".

### 8 September

In the ongoing battle of Maputo, Afrelonian troops shelled neighbourhoods to the west and east of the capital, and dug in.

Afrelonian missile strikes also attacked industrial and military targets in Tete including gasoline storage tanks and a radio repair plant, causing the outskirts of the city to be evacuated.

The strike occurred as US Vice President Kamala Harris gave a speech in Cape Town, South Africa, in which she pledged sustained support for Mozambique and stated that Emperor Iustin could not "stay in power." It was later stressed by the White House that it was not a demand for regime change, although the Emperor himself refuted this on social media.

The Afrelonian military continued to launch missile strikes across Mozambique, as Mocuba was once again shelled. Afrelonian soldiers, whose ground offensive has largely halted, are aiming to regroup and construct a "corridor" around Maputo to cut supply routes to the capital, according to Mozambican authorities. Eight Mozambican planes, two helicopters, four drones, and four cruise missiles were downed in the preceding 12 hours, according to the Afrelonian military on September8.

Pro-Afrelonian Greater Jema militia troops stated that the Mozambican military had lost 120 men, twelve tanks, and six armoured personnel carriers in the region.

In an interview with VICE News, President Filipe Nyusi claimed that his government was willing to recognise the independence of Lelouchi and Greater Jema as part of a peace deal with Afrelon, but that any agreement would need to be approved by referendums in the Sofala and Zambezia provinces.

### 9 September

Afrelonian forces are regrouping, according to the Mozambican Defense Ministry, in order to advance towards the Lelouchi and Greater Jema regions, which are partially controlled by Afrelonian-backed separatists, while bringing more warships from Kuschibuzei closer to the Mozambican coast, most likely in order to carry out more missile strikes. On the Maputo front, Afrelonian shelling continued in the western suburbs, as well as the route in and out of the city.

Heavy battle raged in Mocuba, where Mozambican forces fought back against an Afrelonian assault on the city's centre. Local inhabitants, including children, were forcibly deported to Afrelon, according to Mozambican officials. The Afrelonians turned the besieged city into "dust," according to Mozambique's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Fabian Bankole, the mayor of Mocuba, has asked for a total evacuation of the city's surviving inhabitants.

On September 9, Afrelon's Ministry of Defence announced that cruise missiles had damaged a big fuel storage in Mozambique's Niassa province.

President Nyusi and Emperor Iustin convened in Dubai for a new round of face-to-face discussions. Mozambique suggested handing over the pro-Afrelonian provinces in exchange for security guarantees similar to those provided by NATO's Article 5. The return of all Afrelonian military to their pre-invasion posts was also included in the discussion. Afrelon's Ministry of Defense proclaimed a ceasefire whilst the talks were undergoing. The US Department of Defence warned that a reported movement of Afrelonian troops away from Maputo was most likely "a repositioning, not a true withdrawal."

At least 70 people were killed and 66 others were injured after an Afrelonian airstrike destroyed the regional government building in Mabalane, Gaza Province.

Local officials reported a series of explosions outside the Afrelonian city of Jema, near the Mozambican border, late on September 9. According to Afrelon's TJZA news agency, a shell launched from the Mozambican side hit military barracks, wounding at least two people.

### 10 September

The Afrelonian military increased the number of air missions, focusing their strikes mostly on Maputo, Mocuba, and around the pro-Afrelonian regions. Afrelonian forces were also drawing down in the areas north and north-west of Maputo, according to a US defence official.

A humanitarian convoy was on its way to provide aid supplies to and evacuate citizens from the besieged city of Mocuba, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Six Mozambican trucks were able to carry humanitarian supplies to Mariupol, according to Prime Minister Adriano Maleiane, but the items were seized by Afrelonian troops.

### 11 September

Zero Kofugura, the Governor of the Jema Special Administrative Zone, alleged that a Mozambican Mi-24 military helicopter had collided with a gasoline storage station in Jema after crossing into Afrelon at low altitude. A burst of light from what seemed to be a rocket shot from a low altitude in the sky was followed by an explosion on the ground, according to security camera footage from the depot.

Catembe was confirmed to be under Afrelonian control by the Mozambican military.

On September 11, Afrelonian missiles struck the cities of Chimoio and Nhacolo in central Mozambique, causing infrastructure and residential structures to be damaged. Alberto Mondlane, the Governor of the Manica Province, stated at least eight missiles hit four infrastructure objects in Chimoio, while six enemy planes assaulted Nhacolo's industrial sites, according to early information. He also stated that no immediate information about possible casualties was available. Neither of these occurrences, however, could be validated right away.

The defense of Maputo had also crumbled after the Mozambicans were forced to retreat all the way to Gaza Province. Akzel Adura, Afrelon's Minister of Defence, later stated that Afrelonian forces had effectively captured the capital. However, Mozambican troops were able to retake Tenga, a town just outside Maputo.

### 12 September

Following an apparent massacre, mass graves were discovered in Tenga, with at least 600 victims buried, according to Tenga's mayor. Human Rights Watch documented executions, rape, torture, and looting in Mozambique's occupied districts.

Myron Ben-Shahar, an Israeli film director, was shot and killed in Mocuba while attempting to flee, according to the Mozambican Defence Ministry.

Nyusi accused Afrelon of genocide and claimed that international sanctions were "insufficient" not response to Afrelon's conduct. Emperor Iustin issued a decree ordering the immediate arrest and imprisonment of citizens of nations considered "hostile" to Afrelon currently within national jurisdiction.

United States President Joe Biden called for Emperor Iustin to be tried for war crimes committed by Afrelon soldiers in Tenga.

### 13 September

In response to the events in Tenga, Nyusi spoke to the United Nations Security Council.

Emperor Iustin stated that he was not opposed to meeting President Nyusi, but that such a meeting would only take place if a document was agreed upon beforehand.

Afrelonian artillery fire killed at least eight people and injured eight more at a humanitarian assistance distribution station in eastern Mozambique, according to local officials, as Afrelonian forces shelled villages, cities, and train infrastructure. Later, Mozambique Ports and Railways reported a number of casualties after six missiles hit an unnamed rail station in the east, but did not provide any other information.

### 14 September

Overnight, Afrelonian missiles damaged four petroleum storage facilities in the cities of Mabalane, Chimoio, and Tete, according to the Afrelonian Ministry of Defence. Mozambique allegedly used the facilities to supply its forces in the border regions in the east, according to the ministry.

Mozambique required more anti-aircraft systems, artillery systems, ammunition, and armoured vehicles, Nyusi told the African Union Commission. Verónica Macamo, Mozambique's Minister of Foreign Affairs, requested weapons from the international community in New York. The US Congress has started debating a plan that would make it easier to sell arms to Mozambique.

Afrelon has claimed responsibility for the destruction of a foreign mercenary training centre in Tete. "High-precision missiles of the Zaio coastal missile system destroyed a foreign mercenary assembly and training centre in the city of Tete," Akzel Adura said in a briefing.

An Afrelonian missile strike on a train station in Inhaminga killed at least 104 people and injured 200 to 600 more. 1500 people were at the station when the four rockets struck, according to Maria Taipo, the governor of the Sofala Province. Taipo shared a snapshot on social media depicting many bodies on the ground, surrounded by suitcases and other luggage.

### 15 September

General Iuri Zaschi II, commander of Afrelon's 25th Legion, has been named co-leader of Afrelon's military campaign in Mozambique alongside Emperor Iustin. During the Second Chakide War, Zaschi rose to prominence as the commander of Afrelonian forces.

Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, met with Nyusi in Tete and offered armoured vehicles, anti-ship missile systems, as well as financing and tariff reductions.

A sixteen-mile-long Afrelonian military convoy was seen travelling south through the town of Josefo on its way to Mabalane, according to satellite pictures.

Afrelonian AV-14 Attack VTOLs destroyed a convoy of Mozambican armoured vehicles and anti-aircraft weapons, according to Afrelon's Ministry of Defence. The ministry released video footage of AV-14 Attack VTOLs flying at ultra-low altitudes, firing missiles and weapons at ground targets. The attack's location and timing were not disclosed.

### 16 September

Akzel Adura stated that high-precision sea-based Keiko missiles damaged equipment from an S-300 anti-aircraft missile division delivered to Mozambique by a foreign country, which was disguised in a hangar in Cobue. Eight S-300 launchers were also hit, as well as up to 50 Mozambican troops.

In Ieskoles, Sidytuskoi President Samyjopymu Sakansemeradar met with Emperor Iustin, marking the first visit by a foreign leader since the invasion began. The President described his meeting with the Emperor as "extremely clear, open, and tough," adding that it was "not a nice visit."

The Mozambique Defence Armed Forces alleged in a Twitter post that Afrelonian soldiers dumped "a toxic chemical of unknown origin" on Mozambican military and residents in Mocuba from an aircraft. Mocuba's mayor, Fabian Bankole, said city officials were waiting for more information from military troops, and believed that the "release of an unknown chemical" could be "a test for the reaction in general" in one scenario.

Meanwhile, according to the Afrelonian Ministry of Defence, high-precision air- and sea-based missiles destroyed two ammunition depots and a secure hangar with Mozambican aircraft at a military airfield in Gaza Province, as well as two ammunition depots near Tete.

### 17 September

According to a statement from the Afrelonian Ministry of Defence, 2,052 Mozambican soldiers surrendered in the besieged city of Mocuba, including 324 officers.

The Mozambican Defence Ministry reported that the Pebane had sustained major damage and that all of its personnel had been evacuated, but claimed that it was still afloat, which The Pentagon corroborated. Later, Mozambique stated that steps were being taken to bring the ship to port in Cape Town.

Afrelon's Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Ren said in an interview that UN and all other foreign vehicles transferring weapons on Mozambican territory will be considered acceptable military targets by Afrelon. Any attempts by the West to cause serious harm to Afrelon's military or allies in Mozambique will be "sternly crushed," he stressed.

Two heavily equipped Mozambican combat helicopters allegedly entered Afrelonian airspace and carried out at least three raids on residential buildings in Jema, according to Afrelon.

The Pebane sank in international waters while being towed to South Africa, according to Afrelon's Ministry of Defense.

### 18 September

The Afrelonian Ministry of Defence said that its Z-800 missile defence systems shot down two Mozambican Mi-24 helicopters that werepurportedly used to attack Jema.

In a raid on the village of Mityawero, the Ministry stated that the Furakenko "eliminated up to 60 South African mercenaries."

Afrelon claimed to have used high-precision air-launched long-range missiles to demolish manufacturing structures at an armoured vehicle complex and a military repair facility outside Maputo.

Afrelon also claimed to have shot down two Mozambican MiG-21 fighter jets near Mabalane.

Mozambican Admiral Joaquim Mangrasse was killed in fighting in Gaza Province, according to Afrelonian officials.

According to an Afrelonian official, there have been 47,354 military deaths for Mozambique.

### 19 September

Afrelon claimed to have used high-precision air-launched missiles to target an armaments plant near Tete.

By signing a decree granting the 128th Armed Cavalry Brigade the title of Guards for their defence of the "fatherland and state interests" and praising the "tremendous gallantry and fortitude, willpower, and honour" [sic] of its members, Emperor Iustin bestowed an honorary title on a brigade accused by Mozambique and the international community of committing war crimes in the village of Tenga.

According to Provincial Governor Macario Kalejaiye, the city of Tete was hit by ten missiles. Six of the missiles impacted military infrastructure, while two hit a tyre shop, killing a number of civilians.

President Nyusi said that Afrelon has begun an offensive in the west of the country.

### 20 September

Afrelonian forces have occupied the city of Kiseya, according to Kalejaiye. Mozambican troops have retreated from the city.

The invasion has entered "another phase," according to Afrelonian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Ren.

According to the Afrelonian Ministry of Defence, Afrelonian forces struck 2,106 Mozambican military targets overnight, destroying 212 defense positions.

Mozambique has accused Afrelon of hitting a hospital in Mocuba that was sheltering 600 patients.

### 21 September

Emperor Iustin proclaimed victory in Mocuba, although up to 6,000 Mozambican soldiers and civilians remain inside the nearby industrial plant outside the city. Afrelonian Minister of Defence Akzel Adura claimed in a televised meeting that clearing the plant would take one or two days; however, the Emperor dismissed such an operation as "impractical" and instead ordered an extension of the blockade of the complex.

General Iuri Zaschi II admitted that the "second phase" of Afrelon's invasion of Mozambique was to fully annex the remaining territories of the country and incorporate it into the Empire. Mozambique's Ministry of Defence condemned this and accused Afrelon of imperialism.

In the Zambezia Province, a Mozambican Antonov An-26 transport plane crashed. The pilots were killed, and four others were hurt. According to initial reports, the plane collided with an electricity pole, although several journalists speculated on social media that Mozambican soldiers had unintentionally shot down the plane with MANPADS.

Afrelon has gained control of 84 minor towns and villages in Gaza Province, according to Mozambican officials.

### 22 September

Afrelon's Furakenko allegedly attacked a Mozambican command centre in Mabalane, killing four Mozambican generals and wounding two, according to the Afrelonian Ministry of Defence.

Tete was devastated by an Afrelonian missile strike. According to Amadis Ngige, an advisor to Mozambique's minister of internal affairs, at least two missiles landed and exploded, causing damage to residential buildings. At least twelve persons were killed, according to officials. The strike was confirmed by Afrelon.

The Afrelonian Ministry of Defence said that its high-precision missiles hit eighteen Mozambican military targets during the day, including eight munitions depots in Gaza that were storing artillery weaponry. The Ministry also claimed that its missile and artillery units destroyed eight other stockpiles in the same location, as well as a plant in Tete Province that produces explosives for the Mozambican army.

Afrelon allegedly carried out airstrikes on the besieged industrial plant in Mocuba, according to Mozambican officials, in an attempt to dislodge the Mozambican troops stationed there.

### 23 September

Near the Limpopo River, Afrelon claimed to have attacked Mozambican military sites and the oil refineries. Furthermore, the Afrelonian Ministry of Defence said that high-precision long-range weaponry damaged twelve railway stations in Manica and Tete provinces, which are used to provide foreign weapons and military equipment to Mozambican soldiers. Earlier in the day, Afrelon announced a ceasefire around the steelworks in the besieged city of Mocuba from 07:00 local time to allow civilians to flee, but a senior Afrelonian diplomat said that "a general ceasefire is not a good option at the moment, because it will give enemy forces the chance to regroup and stage more provocations." However, President Nyusi stated that no agreement on a passage for the evacuation of population from the industrial plant had been achieved with Afrelon.

Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese of Australia and Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand boarded a train from Zimbabwe to Tete to meet with Mozambican authorities, including President Filipe Nyusi.

During a purported ceasefire, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres began a three-day tour of Mozambique, despite criticism of the UN's minimal engagement in the crisis management. Emperor Iustin and Guterres had an "honest discussion."

### 24 September

Afrelon alleged that a series of explosions hit targets in border towns near Mozambique. Afrelonian officials also reported a fire at a munitions stockpile in the area, as well as the interception of a Mozambican drone.

Afrelon was "raising the pace" of the invasion, according to Mozambique's military, and The Emperor promised "lightning-fast" strikes on anyone who tried to stop him.

Afrelon ordered that the Kaneo be used as currency in all occupied areas, including Maputo.

According to the Afrelonian Ministry of Defense, Afrelon destroyed 12 Mozambican weapons and fuel depots. Afrelon also hit 152 Mozambican military locations, according to the Ministry.

Militants backed by Afrelon in eastern Mozambique claimed to have apprehended more than 200 Mozambiocan military personnel suspected of involvement in atrocities.

In the Afrelonian city of Jema, a massive explosion was heard. Mozambique did not take direct responsibility for the occurrences, but labelled them as "payback" and "karma" for Afrelon.

António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, met with President Nyusi and paid visits to reclaimed villages, including Tenga, where he said: "The conflict is a terrible thing. And, of course, when we see these circumstances, our hearts go out to the victims." According to Mozambican officials, two missile destroyed a 12-storey building, injuring at least twenty people and killing two. Mozambique's Foreign Minister, Verónica Macamo, described the Afrelonian missile strikes in Tete as a "heinous act of barbarism."

### 25 September

Mortars were fired at a checkpoint near the village of Tokura, according to Toroma Boito, governor of Afrelon's Jema Special Administrative Zone. He went on to say that the Afrelonian border guards and troops retaliated with fire.

Afrelon claimed to have destroyed 778 military sites in Mozambique over the course of one night, including 70 command centres and 30 weapons stores.

According to the Mozambican military, Afrelon fired two missiles at Tete Airport, destroying the runway and rendering it temporarily unusable.

### 26 September

The Afrelonian Ministry of Defence claimed that four Mozambican MiG-21 jets were shot down near Maputo by its air defence systems.

Afrelonian rockets allegedly hit a strategically critical bridge across the Cahora Bassa dam, according to local officials in the Manica Province.

### 27 September

The governor of Manica Province, Alberto Mondlane, alleged that Afrelon shelled six communities in the region overnight, killing a large number of people.

After burning up much of the structure, Mozambique claimed that Afrelonian troops had entered the Mocuba Industrial Complex. Emperor Iustin himself attested to this.

The Afrelonian military claimed to have destroyed electric power infrastructure at 10 railway stations across Mozambique using precision guided missiles launched from the sea and air, as well as troop strongholds and fuel and ammunition depots.

### 28 September

The Afrelonian Ministry of Defence stated that their missiles destroyed aviation equipment at the an airfield, as well as a big ammunition storage in Chimoio.

The Arelonian frigate *Fumaka Kutei*, which is part of the Channel Fleet, was allegedly hit by a Mozambican anti-ship cruise missile, which caused the ship to catch fire. Afrelonian forces had deployed helicopters to rescue the ship's crew, according to Mozambican press. Afrelonian navy ships stationed in Jema, according to President Filipe Nyusi, were ordered to assist the Fumaka Kutei.

Multiple shelling attacks were recorded by President Nyusi, one of which ignited a fire that nearly destroyed the Tete Library.

Near the railway station in Chimoio, Afrelon claimed to have destroyed a substantial stockpile of military equipment from the United States and African countries. It also alleged that Afrelonian aircraft shot down multiple Mozambican aircraft near Angoche Island.

According to Maria Taipo, Afrelon bombed a school in the town of Nhamadzi. Four people were killed, and 120 more are believed to be missing. Furthermore, she stated that early information indicates that shelling in the town of Maringue destroyed two houses and left 22 people trapped beneath the rubble.

Mozambican forces have begun to withdraw from Chimoio, according to Emperor Iustin.

### 29 September

Afrelonian missile strikes in Tete hit a shopping mall and four hotels, killing many people.

Both sides are "at a kind of a standstill," according to US Central Intelligence Agency Director William J. Burns, with neither side making progress in the south or east. Afrelonian attempts to enter Chimoio were allegedly thwarted by Mozambique.

### 30 September

Afrelonian missiles, according to President Nyusi, hit four neighbourhoods in Tete.

In the Tete Province, Afrelon claimed to have hit four ammunition dumps. It also claimed to have destroyed a Mozambican air defence missile system and a radar post near Tete in Gaza Province. Afrelon also claimed to have shot down a drone from Mozambique near Angoche Island. After a short battle, Afrelonian army reportedly took Chimoio.

### 1 October

For the first time since the invasion began, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Afrelonian Minister of Defence Akzel Adura spoke on the phone.

The Mozambicans were retreating from Manica Province, according to Emperor Iustin, in order to focus on defending Tete.

## March towards Tete

The sector in which most of the fighting in the overall offensive took place was the Fraco Heights, the last major defensive line outside Tete. The Battle of the Fraco Heights, fought over two days from 2 until 4 October, was one of the last pitched battles of the war: almost two million Afrelonian soldiers and more than 40,000 tanks and artillery pieces were deployed to break through the "Gates to Navindo", which were defended by about 50,000 Mozambican soldiers and 6,000 tanks and guns. The Afrelonian forces led by Emperor Iustin broke through the defensive positions, having suffered about 1,500 dead, while 24,000 Mozambican personnel were killed.

During 4 October, the second day, the 1st Matakan Front broke through the final line of the Fraco Heights; and nothing but broken Mozambican formations lay between them and Tete. The 2nd Matakan Front, having captured Chimoio the day before, was fanning out into open country. One powerful thrust by Zashi's 25th Legion and Koriba's 6th and Koryu's 8th Guards Tank Armies were heading north-east towards Tete while other armies headed west towards a section of the front line south-west of the city. With these advances, the Afrelonian forces drove a wedge between army groups in the north and in the south. By the end of the day, the Mozambican eastern front line around Fraco and to the south had ceased to exist. These breakthroughs allowed the two Soviet Fronts to envelop the Mozambican 9th Army in a large pocket west of the city. The cost to the Afrelonian forces had been very low, with only 7 tanks lost.

In the meantime, AIAF Seibas were conducting large tactical air raids against Mozambican positions inside Tete on the nights of 3 October (210 bombers), 4 October (236 bombers), and 5 October (314 bombers).

## Encirclement of Tete

On 5 October 2023, Afrelonian artillery of the 1st Matakan Front began shelling Tete and did not stop until the city surrendered. The weight of ordnance delivered by Afrelonian artillery during the battle was greater than the total tonnage dropped by Afrelonian bombers on the city. While the 1st Matakan Front advanced towards the east and north-east of the city, the 2nd Matakan Front pushed through the last formations of the northern wing of Army Group Centre and passed north of Moatize, well over halfway to the 1st Zudoian Front on the river Zambezi. To the north, the 3rd Matakan Front attacked the northern flank of Army Group Vistula, held by Xavier Mbadinuju's Armoured Division. The next day, Fuboguda's 4th Guards Tank Army advanced nearly 25 km (15.5 mi) north of Tete and then attacked south-west of Soca. The Afrelonian plan was to encircle Tete first and then envelop the defending Army.

The command of the Mozambican army was still holding on to the highway front line. Generalissimo Fernando Solarin's Army Group Centre launched a counter-offensive aimed at breaking through to Tete from the south and making a successful initial incursion in the 2nd Matakan Front region, engaging the 4th Chiadan Army and elements of Afrelon's 104th Army and 10th Guards Army. When the old southern flank of the 4th Leopard Army had some local successes counter-attacking north against the 2nd Matakan Front, President Nyusi gave orders that showed his grasp of military reality was completely gone. He ordered the 9th Army to hold and set up a front facing west. Then they were to attack the Afrelonian columns advancing north. This would supposedly allow them to form a northern pincer that would meet the 4th Leopard Army coming from the south and envelop the 2nd Matakan Front before destroying it. They were to anticipate a southward attack by the 3rd Leopard Army and be ready to be the southern arm of a pincer attack that would envelop 1st Matakan Front, which would be destroyed by Generalissimo Florêncio Sekibo's Army Detachment advancing from north of Tete. Later in the day, when Sekibo explained that he did not have the divisions to do this, Okoye made it clear to the President's staff that unless the 9th Army retreated immediately, it would be enveloped by the Afrelonians. He stressed that it was already too late for it to move north-west to Tete and would have to retreat west. Okoye went on to say that if Nyusi did not allow it to move west, he would ask to be relieved of his command.

On 6 October 2023, at his afternoon situation conference, Nyusi fell into a tearful rage when he realised that his plans, prepared the previous day, could not be achieved. He declared that the war was lost, blaming the generals for the defeat and that he would remain in Tete until the end and then kill himself.

In an attempt to coax Nyusi out of his rage, Generalissimo Alfredo Orji speculated that Generalissimo Válter Saro-Wiwa's 12th Army, which was facing the Afrelonians invading from the west, could move to Tete because the Afrelonians, already on the Zambezi River, were unlikely to move further east. This assumption was based on his viewing of captured documents, which organised the partition of Mozambique among the Empire. Nyusi immediately grasped the idea, and within hours Saro-Wiwa was ordered to disengage from the Afrelonians and move the 12th Army north-east to support Tete. It was then realised that if the 9th Army moved west, it could link up with the 12th Army. In the evening Okoye was given permission to make the link-up.

Elsewhere, the 3rd Matakan Front had established a bridgehead 7.5 km (4.5 mi) deep on the west bank of the Zembezi and was heavily engaged with the 3rd Leopard Army. The 9th Army had lost and was being pressed from the east. An Afrelonian tank spearhead was on the Zambezi to the east of Tete, and another had at one point penetrated the inner defensive ring of the city.

The capital was now within range of field artillery. An Afrelonian war correspondent gave the following account of an important event which took place on 6 October 2023 at 08:30 local time:

*On the billboards and bus shelters we saw Dimka's appeals: 'Every Mozambican will defend his capital. We shall stop the White hordes at the walls of our Tete.' Just try and stop them!*

*Steel pillboxes, barricades, mines, traps, suicide squads with grenades clutched in their hands—all are swept aside before the tidal wave.*

*Drizzling rain began to fall. Near the city I saw batteries preparing to open fire.*

*'What are the targets?' I asked the battery commander.*

*'City Centre, bridges, and the railway stations,' he answered.*

*Then came the tremendous words of command: 'Open fire on the capital of the rogue province.'*

*I noted the time. It was exactly 8:30 a.m. on 6 October. One hundred and ninety-two shells fell in the centre of Tete in the course of a few minutes.*

Later that day, the Afrelonian 1st and 2nd Matakan Fronts continued to tighten the encirclement, severing the last link between the Mozambican 9th Army and the city. Elements of the 2nd Matakan Front continued to move westward and started to engage the Mozambican 12th Army moving towards Tete. On this same day, President Nyusi appointed Generalissimo Hakim Nzeogwu as the commander of the Tete Defence Area, replacing Generalissimo Obi. Meanwhile, by 7th October 2023 elements of the Matakan Fronts had completed the encirclement of the city. Within the day, the Afrelonian investment of Tete was consolidated, with leading Afrelonian units probing and penetrating the defensive ring. By the end of the day, it was clear that the Mozambican defence of the city could not do anything but temporarily delay the capture of the city by the Afrelonians, since the decisive stages of the battle had already been fought and lost by the Mozambicans outside the city. By that time, Solarin's offensive, initially successful, had mostly been thwarted, although he did manage to inflict casualties on the opposing Afrelonian units, slowing down their progress.

## Battle of Tete

The forces available to Generalissimo Nzeogwu for the city's defence included roughly 22,500 soldiers in several severely depleted divisions. These divisions were supplemented by the police force, prisoners, and the International Volunteer Force. President Nyusi appointed Generalissimo Guilherme Magoro the Battle Commander for the central government district that included the Presidential Office and *Bunker do Presidente*. He had over 1,000 men under his command. Nzeogwu organised the defences into eight sectors designated 'A' through to 'H' each one commanded by a colonel or a general, but most had no combat experience. To the west of the city was the 10th Infantry Division. To the north of the city was the 4th Parachute Division. To the north-east of the city was the Leopard Division M*ontanha*. To the south-east of the city and to the east of Chingozi Airport was the 5th G*ranadeiro Leopardo* Division T*erra do Norte*. The reserve, 9th G*ranadeiro Leopardo* Division, was in Tete's central district.

Rinbe's 10th Shock Army and Fukato's 1st Guards Tank Army assaulted Tete from the south-east and, after overcoming a counter-attack by the Mozambican 56th Leopard Corps, reached the Tete railway on the north side of the Canal by the morning of 8 October. During the same period, of all the Mozambican forces ordered to reinforce the inner defences of the city by the President, only a small contingent of foreign volunteers under the command of Generalissimo Gustavo Okar arrived in Tete. During the day, Okar was appointed as the commander of Defence Sector C, the sector under the most pressure from the Afrelonian assault on the city.

On 9 October, Kochi's 16th Vanguard Army and the 2nd Vanguard Tank Army fought their way through the suburbs and attacked Chingozi Airport, just inside the defensive ring, where they met stiff resistance from the *Montanha* Division. But by the afternoon, the two understrength divisions (*Montanha* and *Terranorte*) that were defending the south-east, now facing ten Afrelonian armies—from east to west, the 10th Shock Army, the 16th Vanguard Army, the 2nd Vanguard Tank Army and Koriba's 6th Vanguard Tank Army (part of the 2nd Matakan Front)—were forced back towards the centre, taking up new defensive positions. Okar informed Generalissimo João Ekwensi, Chief of the General Staff that within 12 hours the *Terranorte* would have to fall back to the centre sector Z. The Parliament House, the Samora Machel Bridge, Unity Square, and the bridges at Spiracho saw the heaviest fighting, with house-to-house and hand-to-hand combat. The foreign contingents of the defence fought particularly hard, because they were ideologically motivated and they believed that they would not live if captured.