Chapter 1743 - 1357: Nasur Fortress

"Which unit should we deploy?"

Tor Khan's voice lowered as his fingers moved back and forth between the defense line of Elbil and the Nasur Fortress on the tactical map.

"The core of my brigade must defend the city's outer perimeter. This is our foundation, not one soldier can be spared. The Presidential Guard must ensure the absolute security of command centers and key nodes, there is no manpower to spare... Are we really going to cobble together forces from the remnants or police we've just reassembled? That's not viable; it would be sending them to their deaths, unable to hold back Barzani's armored brigade for even an hour."

A brief and oppressive silence fell within the command center.

Everyone understood that without a proper, combat-ready unit, even the most perfect encirclement plan was nothing but a castle in the air.

It was at this moment that Little Masoud took a step forward.

His movement was small, yet it immediately drew everyone's attention.

"Deploy the sharpest blade in the third brigade."

Little Masoud said, "General Tor Khan, I know that the third brigade's 'Storm' assault battalion has just been redeployed from the western front for rest, currently based at the No. 3 camp east of the city. They are the most elite heavy mechanized infantry of the brigade, having fought tough battles and overcome hard challenges."

Tor Khan raised his head abruptly, his face full of shock and rejection: "'Storm' battalion?! That's the final strategic reserve of the third brigade, the fist for counterattack! And they've just undergone long-distance maneuvering, they need rest..."

"We don't have time to rest!"

Little Masoud interrupted Tor Khan, "Barzani's tanks won't wait for us to be ready. The 'Storm' battalion is best equipped, most well-trained, and strongest in anti-armor capabilities. Only they might manage to pin down Barzani's vanguards long enough in such terrain as Nasur Fortress."

He took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping over each anxious or solemn face in the command center: "Moreover, I will personally go with the 'Storm' battalion to Nasur Fortress."

"Sir! Absolutely not!" Tor Khan was genuinely urgent this time, almost rushing over, "You are the president's son! You..."

"Precisely because my surname is Masoud, I must stand at the frontline!"

In Little Masoud's voice was a trace of pride.

"The soldiers need to see with their own eyes that the president's family is not hiding behind steel and concrete, but standing with them in the most dangerous places! It's to show everyone that the Masoud family's determination to defend this land is proven by blood and life! If we ourselves fear sacrifice, how can we expect thousands of soldiers to bleed for us? How can we risk turning all of Elbil into ruins for us?"

This succession of words gave Song Heping, who was standing by, a new perspective on the eldest son of the president's family.

It seems the Masoud family is truly not cowards.

Leading the Kold Autonomous Region for so many years was clearly not a stroke of luck.

Tor Khan opened his mouth but found he couldn't argue back.

Song Heping raised his hand, signaling the excited Tor Khan to calm down, then turned his gaze toward Little Masoud.

"I agree for Little Masoud to take on the supreme command of this blocking force. His presence provides irreplaceable morale boost to the 'Storm' battalion and the entire frontline."

"However, for tactical command and specific battlefield deployments, I must assume full responsibility. Additionally, Little Masoud must accept three conditions."

Little Masoud promptly said, "Mr. Song, please go ahead."

"First, although you hold the highest command, all combat directives must either be approved by me or directly issued by me. The battalion commander of 'Storm' will serve as your deputy and battlefield operations officer."

"Agreed."

"Second, your position will be in a pre-arranged, fortified, concealed command post. You must not advance to frontline engagement positions for any reason. Your role is to oversee command, boost morale, not to lead the charge."

Little Masoud's lips tightened slightly, evidently dissatisfied with this restriction, but eventually he nodded: "I understand the importance, I accept."

"Third, and most crucial of all."

Song Heping's tone became exceptionally serious.

"The goal of the containment mission is to buy time, not to fight to the death. Once I deem the predetermined containment objectives accomplished, or if the battlefield situation deteriorates to the point of risking a breach in command posts or your capture or death, I will immediately order the 'Storm' battalion to secure your forcible evacuation. You must unconditionally comply at that time. This is non-negotiable; it's a firm rule ensuring strategic baseline and your personal safety. If you don't accept this, don't go."

Little Masoud remained silent.

After a few seconds, he spoke, "I accept your conditions, Mr. Song. But I also have one request: unless we reach a truly desperate situation, the 'Storm' battalion and I must fight to the very last moment to secure every minute, every second for Samir and the Abu You Army's encirclement."

"Deal."

Song Heping nodded, then turned to the visibly conflicted Tor Khan.

"General Han, immediately order the 'Storm' battalion to enter the highest state of combat readiness and complete all preparations for mobilization within one hour. Issue double quantities of anti-tank missiles, rocket launchers, and ammunition, especially the 'Konkurs' and RPG-29. Send them with the warehouse's best equipment!"

He then looked at Little Masoud: "Sir, you should also change outfit right away and prepare to set off. We don't have time."

Tor Khan watched the two rapidly reaching an agreement, knowing everything was now unchangeable.

He sighed and said, "Understood... The 'Storm' battalion will receive everything they need. May Allah bless you... And please, make sure you come back alive."