"It's good that you're back." Izzat felt relieved when he saw Qusay standing before him unharmed. "How did you get back? I should have arranged a grand welcome ceremony for you."
"Uncle," Qusay was somewhat exhausted, but there were things that needed to be said. "I flew back in a helicopter, a Chinook. It's on Highway 6 just outside Basra."
Flying a helicopter? Where did a helicopter come from? Before Izzat could even react, Qusay continued, "I flew all the way here from Susangerd Swamp, and yet I wasn't detected by our radar. Do you know what that means? Furthermore, I'm wearing this uniform, and my men are dressed like this, yet no one suspected us when we entered Basra. Do you understand what that implies, Uncle?"
Only then did Izzat notice that the Qusay before him was wearing an Iranian helicopter pilot's flight suit, and his subordinates were in Iranian military uniforms.
Izzat's face instantly turned pale. What did this mean? If the Iranians had attacked Basra, he might not have even realized it until it was too late. These soldiers in Iranian uniforms had actually managed to pass through without any hindrance, all the way to the Central Hospital. Who was in charge of Basra's defense today? He must be dismissed immediately!
"They're coming out, they're coming out." Just then, Hades saw the doors of the operating room open. Several doctors filed out, followed by a gurney being pushed forward.
On it, beneath a white sheet, lay the heavily wounded Nilhe. Qusay saw that the sheet did not cover his head and finally felt relieved.
"Doctor, how is he?" Hades asked.
"We've treated his wounds and given him a blood transfusion. He's out of danger now, but the anesthesia hasn't worn off yet. Take him to the ward to rest. Also, he needs peace and quiet, so don't disturb him too much," the doctor said, removing his white mask.
"That's great, brother. Although you lost a leg, at least your life is saved." Several lightly wounded soldiers looked at Nilhe's dark, broad face. Compared to their fallen comrades, they were considered lucky.
Watching the soldiers busily push the gurney into the ward, a look of sorrow appeared in Qusay's eyes.
"Uncle, I took thirty-nine men out this time. Only twenty-five are left unscathed," he said softly, as if speaking to Izzat but also to himself.
War had always been cruel and heartless.
In the eight-year Iran-Iraq War, official figures stated that Iraq's dead and captured reached 480,000. The casualties among his dozen or so men were merely a drop in the ocean.
However, every person was not just a cold number; they were vibrant lives.
Izzat seemed to understand Qusay's inner thoughts. He squeezed Qusay's shoulder firmly, remaining silent for a long time.
Qusay only allowed himself to sink into that gloom for a moment. Soon after, that confident and strong expression returned to his face.
"Rest assured, those who died in battle and those who were wounded will be properly taken care of. They are heroes of the Iraqi people," Izzat said.
"Uncle, there are some matters I would like to report to you," Qusay said.
"Alright, let's go to the Military Region Headquarters," Izzat replied.
Southern Military Region, Headquarters, Conference Hall.
In attendance were the senior commanders of the Southern Military Region: Commander Izzat, Chief of Staff Fatteh Al-Khalad, Major General Hamid Raja, and others. These were the core figures of the Southern Military Region.
"First, let us welcome our hero's return with warm applause. He deserves great credit for the victory at Susangerd Swamp," Izzat said.
Immediately, everyone burst into applause. In the military, besides lineage, one's military achievements were paramount. The top credit for this operation undoubtedly belonged to His Excellency Qusay. Combined with the fact that he was the President's son, his future was certainly limitless.
"The success in thwarting the Persians' plot is primarily due to the bloody battle fought by the 35th Armored Brigade. They sacrificed half of their tanks to withstand the attack of the Chieftains. Secondly, credit goes to our Air Force's attack aircraft and gunships, which completely broke the Persians' will to resist. All of this is related to your wise leadership and strict discipline. Therefore, this victory is the glory of our entire Southern Military Region," Qusay said.
Not taking all the credit and remaining humble and cautious, Qusay's words won everyone's praise.
"Oh, Abdullah, don't be so modest," Izzat said. "A full report has already been prepared and submitted to His Excellency the President. Your contribution is the greatest."
"We were actually very fortunate to thwart the Persians' offensive this time. However, Lady Luck will not favor us every time. We must increase our vigilance against the Persians to prevent another surprise attack," Izzat added.
"What do you all think? Where will the Persians' next direction of attack be?" Qusay asked.
"Attack?" Hamid said. "Your Excellency Qusay, although the Iranians performed a march beyond our imagination at Susangerd, that was likely their absolute limit. Now that they've been driven back by us, what capability do they have to launch an attack? Right now, we are the ones attacking their Abadan, and we are even set to take Bandar Khomeini."
Looking at the somewhat fanatical Hamid, Qusay thought this guy was truly a fool to have reached the rank of Major General. He said, "The Iranians' absolute limit? Gentlemen, Iran's population is three times ours, its land area is four times ours, and its GDP is several times ours. Iran's war machine has not yet fully started. What is modern warfare? It's a battle of comprehensive national strength! The reason we could drive deep into their territory at the start of the war was only because the Iranians were in internal chaos. Yet, we've faced Abadan for a year without taking it, and the Iranians have already begun their counter-offensive!"
These words made Hamid's face turn red then pale.
"Gentlemen, we are currently discussing military matters. The Iranians' current movements are indeed quite suspicious," the Chief of Staff stepped in to smooth things over.
"I believe we should strengthen the defenses of Susangerd Swamp to prevent another surprise attack from the opponent," one Major General said.
Fool, can the same thing be done twice? The first time is a surprise attack; the second time is just seeking death.
Qusay finally realized that few of these military leaders had real substance. No wonder the Iran-Iraq War lasted so long. If he were given the chance to command the troops directly from the start, he could have marched straight to Tehran.
The low-level soldiers were brave but lacked mastery of advanced weapons, while the high-level commanders were shortsighted and lacked leadership. No wonder an army equipped with modern weapons was fighting a war of human-wave tactics like in World War II.
"Gentlemen, our most dangerous point right now is the Abadan front," Qusay saw that it was impossible to expect them to find the answer themselves.
Historically, after thorough preparation, the Iranians began their counter-offensive from Abadan. From then on, the situation of the Iran-Iraq War collapsed. It became an Iranian offensive and an Iraqi defense, with the Iraqi army constantly retreating until they were completely driven out of Iran, and the flames of war spread into Iraqi territory.
Abadan? We have Abadan surrounded tightly. With just a little more effort, we'll take it. A counter-attack starting from Abadan? Hamid was quite dismissive, but he only dared to say it in his mind.
"Our previous offensive succeeded only because of the internal chaos and low morale of the Iranian army. Now, Khomeini has seized military power. Under his inspiration, some fearless youths have formed suicide squads. Their attack at Susangerd Swamp was just a diversion. They originally intended to take advantage of our panic to draw troops from Abadan north, giving them an opportunity. Although this plot was crushed by us, their main force is still quietly gathering on the outskirts of Abadan, intending to deal us a devastating blow," Qusay said forcefully, slamming his fist onto the map on the table, where Abadan was circled in red.
"Let us be fully prepared to crush Khomeini's illusions!" His domineering voice echoed throughout the conference room.