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The GLA Conflict[3][note 1] was a global military conflict that took place in 2013.[1][2] It saw a series of violent confrontations between the multinational terrorist group Global Liberation Army and the dominant superpowers of the world, the People's Republic of China and the United States of America. The conflict caused global devastation and massive civilian casualties due to the numerous uses of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons against civilian population centers.

The conflict began when the GLA launched a nuclear attack at a Chinese military parade at Tiananmen Square, Beijing. In response, the Chinese military began a campaign to eliminate all GLA presence in Asia, eventually destroying the GLA Asia-Pacific headquarters in Dushanbe.

However, with Chinese forces spread thin, the GLA was able to quickly reorganize and recover by pillaging civilian populations. After destroying the Incirlik Air Base and recapturing its toxin supply from the US forces in the Aral Sea, the GLA struck at a joint US-Chinese garrison at the Baikonur Cosmodrome and took over the spaceport. Using a modified Soyuz rocket, they launched a devastating biochemical attack on a major city.

After learning that the GLA possessed biological weapons, the United States began its own campaign against the GLA, launching a series of attacks on GLA cells worldwide that culminated with the destruction of the GLA capital at Akmola. The GLA retaliated by launching another toxin rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome at a US naval base, but US forces soon retook Baikonur and executed a series of successful strikes that ultimately resulted in the apparent death of Dr. Thrax, the leader of GLA's toxin research program.

With the GLA apparently defeated, the US began withdrawing its overseas forces. However, General Mohmar "Deathstrike", the supreme leader of the GLA, evaded US forces and reorganized the group once more. After eliminating the rogue GLA leader, Prince Kassad, and acquiring his advanced stealth technology, the GLA hijacked an American particle cannon and used it to destroy the aircraft carrier USS Reagan. They then destroyed the US command center in Stuttgart, Germany, forcing the US to withdraw all forces from Europe and allowing them free reign in the continent.

With the US out of the equation, China prepared to confront GLA. After destroying the GLA-occupied US base in Stuttgart, Chinese forces repelled a GLA incursion on the Chinese homeland and began the liberation of Europe with the backing of the European Security Council. Chinese troops were able to force the GLA into retreat and destroy its final stronghold in Hamburg, Germany. With NATO having faded into irrelevancy, China and Europe formed a new alliance, the Eurasian Unity League.

Background[]

The origin of the GLA and its source of funding were unknown, other than that it had existed since at least 1995.[3][4] Shortly before the conflict began, the GLA established a power base in Central Asia and crossed into Western China to build support for an independent state. The group's hostility towards China was believed to coincide with the latter's implementation of the "Modern Way" program, a series of reforms that resulted in increased civil liberties and growth in exports.[4]

The situation escalated when the GLA struck a military depot at Yecheng, stealing thousands of rounds of munitions and destroying a nuclear power plant, causing severe spread of radioactive contamination. In response, the Chinese government ordered several division of its military into the province and refused all United Nations attempts to mediate discussions with the GLA.[4]

As the situation in China continued to deteriorate, scattered intelligence reports from Europe and Asia indicated that the GLA has been establishing and funding sleeper cells to spread its influence further. Meanwhile, the United States maintained a policy of non-involvement with the region beyond providing orbital reconnaissance to the UN Security Council.[4]

Course of the war[]

First phase[]

Chinese campaign[]

Today as we claim our rightful place among the world's leading nations, your troops will provide security for the glorious display of our military strength. The People's Army will not tire in our pursuit of the terrorist enemy.
- Lin Zhong(src)
Gen Tiananmen Nuke

The GLA detonating a nuclear warhead on Tiananmen Square

To demonstrate its military strength to the GLA and the rest of the world, China organized a military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing. However, the GLA attacked the parade and detonated a nuclear warhead, annihilating the Square and killing many of the soldiers and spectators present. Chinese forces quickly routed the GLA forces in the city and destroyed their own nuclear stockpile to prevent the GLA from capturing it.[5]

Gen Bridge Gone

The destruction of the Tsing Ma Bridge

Following the attack, China discovered a GLA cell in Hong Kong and deployed a massive force in response. However, as the Chinese attack force was crossing, GLA forces destroyed the Tsing Ma Bridge, wiping out much of the force. The surviving Chinese forces regrouped and destroyed the GLA-occupied Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.[6]

Gen Toxin Facility

MiG fighters approaching the GLA toxin facility

Another GLA cell surfaced near the Three Gorges Dam and destroyed a Chinese base in the area. To stop the GLA advance, Chinese forces destroyed the dam to buy time and ultimately destroyed the cell.[7] Later, Chinese forces discovered a GLA toxin factory in the Tanggula Mountains. They incinerated the factory using the napalm missiles of MiG fighters, preventing its content from contaminating the Yangtze River.[8]

Gen American Bombing Run

An American B-52 Stratofortress bombing the GLA forces in Balykchy

After being driven out of China, the GLA took over Balykchy and heavily entrenched within the city. With air support from the US military, Chinese forces destroyed the GLA presence in the city.[9] The GLA then took over a Chinese rail line and used it to amass troops in Bishkek, the subcapital of Aldastan. To cut off the rail line, a Black Lotus agent snuck onto a train bridge and destroyed it using a bomb. [10]

Gen Nuclear Winter parade

Chinese forces parade through Dushanbe

Finally, Chinese forces located the GLA's Asia-Pacific headquarters in Dushanbe, the capital of Aldastan. For this battle, the Chinese government authorized the use of nuclear weapons. A strike team led by GLA commando Jarmen Kell ambushed the Chinese attack force on approach to the city, and the GLA even deployed their superweapon, the SCUD storm. However, Chinese troops pressed on and wiped out the GLA cell in Dushanbe. The victorious Chinese forces then held a military parade through the city.[11]

GLA regroup and retaliation[]

We have lost many soldiers in our struggle with the Eastern Dragon, but as a result our enemy has spread its defenses too thin.
- Kanwar Khan(src)
Gen Dam Burst

Chinese forces being swallowed by flood at Shymkent

Despite their victories, Chinese forces were spread too thin during the campaign, leaving major economic and civilian targets undefended. Seeing an opportunity, the GLA forces launched an attack in the Shymkent DMZ. The local Chinese garrison was powerless to stop the GLA from destroying a hydroelectric dam, causing severe Chinese casualties and flooding a fishing village downstream.[12]

Gen Mob Riot

Angry mobs incited by the GLA destroying Astana City

To acquire resources, GLA forces intercepted UN and American aid supplies to several villages outside Almaty, slaughtering many civilians and aid workers in the process.[13] They then incited a riot in Astana, inciting angry mobs to rise up against Chinese and American forces in the city. GLA forces and angry mobs destroyed and looted much of the city, acquiring funds in the process.[14]

The GLA then sought to drive the US out of Turkey. However, they were hindered by American air support from the Incirlik Air Base, so they launched an attack on the air base and destroyed it.[15] However, they then learned that the US had taken control of their toxin storage facility in the Aral Sea. To secure their toxin supply, the GLA destroyed the US forces occupying the area.[16]

At this point, a GLA splinter cell turned against the GLA and joined the Chinese. The Chinese provided the splinter cell with nuclear warheads, but the GLA ambushed the convoy escorting the warheads, took over them, and used them to destroy the splinter cell.[17]

Gen Soyuz Attack

The aftermath of the Soyuz rocket attack

With the splinter cell destroyed, the GLA was ready to carry out their masterstroke: taking control of the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The launch facility, protected by Chinese and American forces, was planning to launch a Soyuz rocket. The GLA forces launched an attack on the facility, captured the ground control facility and launch pad, and installed a toxin warhead onto the rocket. The GLA then launched the rocket at an unknown city, poisoning it and causing massive civilian casualties.[18]

US entry into the war[]

Gen SCUD Storm launch

GLA forces in Baghdad launching SCUD Storm

Following the GLA's rocket strike, the US finally fully entered the war, realizing the true danger of the terrorist group. After tracking GLA biological weapons to Baghdad, the US launched a siege of the city and broke through GLA forces on the third day. To stop the Americans, the GLA fired a SCUD storm hidden in the nearby mountains at Baghdad, killing a massive number of civilians. Despite heavy GLA resistance, US forces destroyed the SCUD storm and secured Baghdad.[19]

The US then tracked GLA leaders to Al Hanad, Yemen. However, GLA shot down multiple American Comanches with Stinger missiles and captured their pilots, forcing the US military to prioritize rescuing them.[20] Later, the GLA ambushed a US division in the Hindu Kush mountains, forcing it into full retreat. Most of the US forces retreated safely with assistance from a Comanche base near the Salang Pass.[21]

Gen GLA Pursue

GLA forces pursuing retreating US forces

Undeterred by the losses in the Hindu Kush, the US discovered a major GLA training camp on the coast of the Caspian Sea. In response, US forces launched an amphibious assault on the camp and destroyed it.[22]

In an attempt to end the hostility with the GLA, a UN negotiator code-named Blue Eagle attempted to hold a peace conference with the GLA in Kabara City, Kazakhstan. However, before the conference could begin, the GLA slaughtered Blue Eagle and the escorting UN forces. Having known that the GLA could not be trusted, the US stationed a force nearby, which then moved in to destroy the GLA base in the area. In an attempt to cut off the US forces, the GLA destroyed a nearby hydroelectric dam, but the US forces still managed to destroy the main GLA base in the area.[23]

In Southeastern Kazakhstan, a rogue Chinese general joined the GLA and helped them fortify their mountain stronghold. The mountain stronghold was heavily defended by tunnel networks, so the US military deployed the particle cannon superweapon and fuel air bombs, ultimately wiping out both the GLA and the rogue Chinese forces.[24]

Gen Akmola

The GLA stronghold in Akmola

At last, US forces surrounded the GLA capital in Akmola. With assistance from China, the US launched an assault on the heavily defended GLA compound and completely destroyed the heavy GLA presence there.[25]

Second phase[]

The hunt for Dr. Thrax[]

Hoping to avoid an incident even more catastrophic than the Baikonur disaster, the American response is its signature shock-and-awe campaign.
- James Seabury(src)
ZH Naval Base Rocket

A US naval base in Northern Europe about to be struck by a GLA rocket

Following the loss of its capital, the fragmented GLA began retreating. However, due to their control over the Baikonur Cosmodrome, they continued to threaten all of Europe. After repelling a Chinese attempt to retake the facility, the GLA launched another modified rocket at a US naval base in Northern Europe. To remove this threat, the US launched an attack on Baikonur, infiltrating a strike force into the base aboard a train. After the US ground forces wiped out the anti-air defenses around the launch pad, a B2 stealth bomber was called in and destroyed it using a MOAB.[26]

USA - Snow Fall

The GLA toxin lab in Mount Elbrus, moments before being buried by an avalanche

To defend a civilian relief convoy carrying supplies to a dock in Somalia, the US deployed the aircraft carrier CVN-88 Daedalus and the Battleship Escort Group Dreadnought to support a small number of ground forces.[27] After destroying the GLA base attacking the dock, the US found documents revealing the presence of a GLA toxin research facility in Mount Elbrus, Russia. Working with a Chinese Black Lotus agent, US commando Colonel Burton infiltrated the facility. After freeing a number of US prisoners, Black Lotus downloaded data from the facility, and Burton triggered an avalanche using explosives, burying the facility.[28]

ZH USA M04 Paradrop

US forces airdropping onto the Amisbad oil fields

Following the capture of the GLA toxin facility, the US learned that the GLA general known only as Dr. Thrax was responsible for running the toxin program. US intelligence tracked the funding for Thrax's research to the Amisbad oil fields in Iran. Subsequently, the US launched an attack on the oil fields and removed the GLA presence there.[29]

ZH Thrax silo captured

Dr. Thrax's missile silos, after being captured by American forces

With his funding cut off and US forces closing in, Thrax threatened to unleash missiles loaded with Anthrax Gamma, the deadliest strain of anthrax ever created, upon major US cities. To stop an even greater catastrophe than the Baikonur disaster, the US launched an operation to destroy or secure all of Thrax's missile silos. During the mission, a GLA general joined the US forces, believing that Thrax's obsession with toxin would kill them all. In the end, the US stopped the launch of the missiles. With Thrax apparently dead and the GLA fragmented once again, the US began withdrawing its overseas forces.[30]

Dr. Thrax and his arsenal of toxic missiles have been destroyed. The cause he served, the Global Liberation Army, has once more been run to ground. Weapons of mass destruction, like those launched from Baikonur, no longer threaten the free world. By land, sea, and air, American troops head home, battle weary but proud... and as the smoke clears, perhaps we are a step closer to lasting peace.
- James Seabury(src)

GLA second regroup and conquest of Europe[]

Senseless American aggression once more fills the sky with smoke and fire but despite this air power and combined full strength, China and America cannot hope to break the GLA chain of command.
- Omar bin Ghazali(src)
ZH Deathstrike Flight

Deathstrike fleeing from US forces in his limo

Unbeknownst to the US, the GLA leadership had abandoned Dr. Thrax to his fate, believing him to be too unstable. Meanwhile, the true GLA leader, General Mohmar, escaped from American pursuit aboard a stolen American plane.[31]

After the deaths of several GLA leaders, including the apparent death of Thrax, the resulting power vacuum led to the creation of multiple GLA splinter cells. One of which was led by Prince Kassad, who refused to aid the GLA and holed up in his compound in Cairo, close to the pyramids. In order to acquire Kassad's stealth technology, the GLA attacked his compound, took over his command centers, and apparently killed Kassad.[32]

Reagan 84

The destruction of the USS Reagan

With the GLA now reunited, US intelligence warned that major actions by the terror group are imminent. Meanwhile, the GLA sought to expand their reach to all of Europe by striking at the US Mediterranean Fleet, stationed at Matala, Crete. A GLA strike force captured a particle cannon and used it to sink the aircraft carrier USS Reagan.[33]

Following the destruction of the Mediterranean fleet, the US began reevaluating its overseas presence, with rumors that they would completely withdraw from Europe. Emboldened, the GLA launched an attack on a toxin facility on the American west coast. A strike team led by Jarmen Kell stole toxins from the facility and transported them away using a stolen American cargo plane.[34]

ZH GLA monument

GLA forces cheer as they erect monuments in Coburg, Germany

With even American soil under threat, calls for withdrawing from Europe to bolster homeland security grew louder in Washington. Meanwhile, the GLA was determined to hasten this decision. They captured a Chinese base in Stuttgart, Germany, and used it to launch an attack on the US Central Command, also located there. With the loss of its European command center, the US began a full withdrawal from Europe to defend its homeland. Many of the abandoned bases fell to the GLA, allowing them to sweep across Europe, taking over cities and erecting monuments.[35]

Chinese liberation of Europe[]

As America withdraws his troops to strengthen homeland defense, our own nation now takes the rightful path to lead the world against terrorism.
- Sun Meiying(src)
ZH Stuttgart nuke

The captured US base in Stuttgart hit by a Chinese nuclear missile

Embarrassed by the GLA's use of stolen Chinese equipment, China decided to expel the GLA forces occupying Europe following the US withdrawal. They destroyed the GLA-occupied US base in Stuttgart using a nuclear missile and mopped up the survivors with ground forces.[36]

ZH GLA attack on Chinese base

GLA terrorists rushing a weapons production facility in the Chinese mainland

In response to the Chinese attack, the GLA launched an attack on a weapons production facility in China, intending to destroy its main nuclear power plant. However, the Chinese forces held off the GLA attacks until reinforcements arrived and wiped out the invading GLA forces.[37]

ZH Chinese pincer

Chinese forces envelop retreating GLA forces in a pincer movement

With the support of the European Security Council, the Chinese military began the liberation of European cities from GLA forces. Their first target was Coburg, Germany, where the GLA had erected numerous monuments following their occupation. To secure international support, Chinese forces demolished these monuments and eliminated the GLA presence in the town.[38]

As Chinese forces swept across Europe, the GLA began retreating. Unwilling to let the GLA regroup once again, Chinese forces funnelled GLA forces toward Halberstadt, Germany. There, they wiped out many waves of GLA forces attempting to escape through this town until friendly forces closed in from the south.[39]

ZH GLA capture Hamburg

GLA forces capturing a major US base near Hamburg for a last stand

By this point, only one last GLA stronghold remained near Hamburg, Germany. The GLA forces there captured a large US base abandoned by the retreating Americans, including a particle cannon. However, the Chinese forces overcame the defenses of both bases, finally defeating the GLA forces in Europe. Following this victory, China claimed the GLA was crushed, and the World Court would try its surviving leaders.[40]

Aftermath[]

Millions cheer our soldiers in parades from Paris to Hong Kong. Surviving leaders of the crushed GLA will soon be tried by the World Court. With America's power now reaching no further than its own shores, the world looks to China for strength and prosperity. Tomorrow, the Premier will open the first meeting of the Eurasian Unity League. It is for all of us a new day.
- Sun Meiying(src)
ZH Final Parade

The victorious Chinese forces on parade

Following the US retreat into isolationism, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization faded into irrelevancy. With the world grateful for China's role in the liberation of Europe, China and European leaders founded a new military and economic alliance, the Eurasian Unity League. China had become the world's foremost superpower.[40]

Footnotes[]

  1. The cancelled Command & Conquer refers to this conflict as the First GLA Uprising.

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 "The USA has mobilized forces to root out the GLA from Baikonur... making a force commitment that has not been seen since the Iraq War a decade ago." Command & Conquer: Generals - Zero Hour manual. Los Angeles, California: Electronic Arts Los Angeles, 2003.
  2. 2.0 2.1 "The year is 2023... The China dominated Asia-Pacific Alliance (APA), having sat comfortably as the world’s foremost geopolitical power for nearly a decade, finds itself challenged on all fronts." Victory Games. Command & Conquer. Official site: Campaign Missions (archived).
  3. 3.0 3.1 Command & Conquer: Generals - Zero Hour manual. Los Angeles, California: Electronic Arts Los Angeles, 2003.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Command & Conquer: Generals manual. Los Angeles, California: Electronic Arts Pacific, 2002.
  5. Electronic Arts Pacific, Command & Conquer: Generals. China mission 1: "The Dragon Awakes".
  6. Electronic Arts Pacific, Command & Conquer: Generals. China mission 2: "Hong Kong Crisis".
  7. Electronic Arts Pacific, Command & Conquer: Generals. China mission 3: "A Flood of Violence".
  8. Electronic Arts Pacific, Command & Conquer: Generals. China mission 4: "Broken Alliances".
  9. Electronic Arts Pacific, Command & Conquer: Generals. China mission 5: "Scorched Earth".
  10. Electronic Arts Pacific, Command & Conquer: Generals. China mission 6: "Dead In Their Tracks".
  11. Electronic Arts Pacific, Command & Conquer: Generals. China mission 7: "Nuclear Winter".
  12. Electronic Arts Pacific, Command & Conquer: Generals. GLA mission 1: "Black Rain".
  13. Electronic Arts Pacific, Command & Conquer: Generals. GLA mission 2: "Pillage the Village".
  14. Electronic Arts Pacific, Command & Conquer: Generals. GLA mission 3: "Astana City".
  15. Electronic Arts Pacific, Command & Conquer: Generals. GLA mission 4: "Incirlik Air Base".
  16. Electronic Arts Pacific, Command & Conquer: Generals. GLA mission 5: "Appropriate Poisons".
  17. Electronic Arts Pacific, Command & Conquer: Generals. GLA mission 6: "Trojan Horse".
  18. Electronic Arts Pacific, Command & Conquer: Generals. GLA mission 7: "Baikonur Cosmodrome".
  19. Electronic Arts Pacific, Command & Conquer: Generals. USA mission 1: "Final Justice".
  20. Electronic Arts Pacific, Command & Conquer: Generals. USA mission 2: "Treasure Hunt".
  21. Electronic Arts Pacific, Command & Conquer: Generals. USA mission 3: "Guardian Angel".
  22. Electronic Arts Pacific, Command & Conquer: Generals. USA mission 4: "Stormbringer".
  23. Electronic Arts Pacific, Command & Conquer: Generals. USA mission 5: "Blue Eagle".
  24. Electronic Arts Pacific, Command & Conquer: Generals. USA mission 6: "Desperate Union".
  25. Electronic Arts Pacific, Command & Conquer: Generals. USA mission 7: "Last Call".
  26. Electronic Arts Los Angeles, Command & Conquer: Generals - Zero Hour. USA mission 1: "Global Security".
  27. Electronic Arts Los Angeles, Command & Conquer: Generals - Zero Hour. USA mission 2: "Defending The Docks".
  28. Electronic Arts Los Angeles, Command & Conquer: Generals - Zero Hour. USA mission 3: "Snow Fall".
  29. Electronic Arts Los Angeles, Command & Conquer: Generals - Zero Hour. USA mission 4: "Black Gold".
  30. Electronic Arts Los Angeles, Command & Conquer: Generals - Zero Hour. USA mission 5: "Area Fifty-Two".
  31. Electronic Arts Los Angeles, Command & Conquer: Generals - Zero Hour. GLA mission 1: "The Great Escape".
  32. Electronic Arts Los Angeles, Command & Conquer: Generals - Zero Hour. GLA mission 2: "Hidden Agenda".
  33. Electronic Arts Los Angeles, Command & Conquer: Generals - Zero Hour. GLA mission 3: "On The Waterfront".
  34. Electronic Arts Los Angeles, Command & Conquer: Generals - Zero Hour. GLA mission 4: "Jarmen Kell And The Forty Thieves".
  35. Electronic Arts Los Angeles, Command & Conquer: Generals - Zero Hour. GLA mission 5: "Sneak Attack".
  36. Electronic Arts Los Angeles, Command & Conquer: Generals - Zero Hour. China mission 1: "The Dragon Unleashed".
  37. Electronic Arts Los Angeles, Command & Conquer: Generals - Zero Hour. China mission 2: "Defending The Fire".
  38. Electronic Arts Los Angeles, Command & Conquer: Generals - Zero Hour. China mission 3: "Liberation".
  39. Electronic Arts Los Angeles, Command & Conquer: Generals - Zero Hour. China mission 4: "Burning Skies".
  40. 40.0 40.1 Electronic Arts Los Angeles, Command & Conquer: Generals - Zero Hour. China mission 5: "The Dragon's Destiny".
Generals and Zero Hour missions
Conflicts
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