QLF forces destroyed, leadership captured

(Extracted from the Hamilton Newsweb)

In a daring assault, Mercenaries employed by the Hamilton planetary government launched an attack on the suspected headquarters of the outlawed QLF. In a swift, decisive battle, the Mercenary forces were able to not only defeat the terrorist group, but were able to capture the organization’s apparent leader and a sizable portion of its command structure.

Following information believed to have been provided by a high-ranking QLF captive, the Mercenary forces attacked a meeting of several QLF cell leaders, being held in the ruins of Qizilqum City. Arriving on-scene, the mercenary forces discovered not only a large concentration of QLF troops, including conventional vehicles and BattleMechs, but also a Mule-class Cargo Dropship that was believed to be providing supplies to their forces.

The Mercenary force were able to overcome the superior numbers of the QLF troops, destroying or crippling numerous vehicles and several BattleMechs, and quickly forcing the terrorist forces into a retreat. During the clash, a squad of Battle Armoured troopers belonging to the Mercenary unit were able to infiltrate the QLF command centre, capturing the organization’s overall leader and a number of other key command staff. It is also believed that several more QLF leaders were captured on the battlefield, and that at least one has since died of injuries sustained during the battle.

Once secured, the QLF leader was identified as Sayyid Niyazi, a prominent businessman who was believed slain by a QLF terrorist bombing in 3132. While details are sketchy, it now appears that Niyazi (60) may have faked his own death in order to ‘disappear’ and take control of the QLF full-time. It is believed that Niyazi’s business and real estate assets were being used to help support the QLF, while his contacts and influence within the Kazan district may have served to support recruitment as well as hamper efforts to shut down the terrorist group.

One such source of aid is believed to be former Kazan District governor, Rashid Zaydid, Niyazi’s brother in law. Following his arrest, Zaydid has admitted to supporting the QLF in exchange for guarantees to limit the conflict, as well as a potential position in a new Qizilqum government. While details are still scarce, it now appears that the capture of former QLF leader, “Prince” Zafar bin Muhammad Serakhis, may have been a part of a power-play by Niyazi to remove his rivals from the organization.

In a statement made earlier today, Planetary Guard Commander Roxanna Zaryons declared “the QLF threat has been effectively ended following this recent conflict. Their leadership has been removed and their equipment destroyed. In addition, we have cut off the source of their supplies and are working to trace their origin. While some QLF elements are still known to be at large, they lack direction and control, and pose little actual threat”

“After thirteen years, our nightmare is over. It is time for us to rebuild, and make a better future for all of Hamilton”