Radio Free Anmativeda

Radio Free Anmativeda is a private, non profit corporation that operates a news service that broadcasts radio programs and publishes online, news, information, and and commentary to its audience in Anmativeda. The service, which is editorially independent, has the mission of providing uncensored, factual reporting to Anmativeda, which historically has had a poor media environment and limited freedoms of speech and the press. It is one of the most reputable sources for information related to the Anmativedan Civil War.

In the midst of escalating tensions in the east of the country, the military government of the Democratic People’s Republic of Anmativeda has launched a barrage of bomb and missile attacks against the city of Kampau, which was captured by the Free Government of Anmativeda in January of this year. The onslaught marks a serious escalation in the conflict as the Thhar has previously restrained itself from blatant attacks on civilian targets in major population centers, further plunging the nation into chaos and uncertainty.

Reports from the war-ravaged city indicate that military forces loyal to the military government launched coordinated attacks on several targets within the city of Kampau, with targets ranging from key pieces of transport infrastructure to a schoolhouse. The bombardment, which happened during the city’s rush hour, has inflicted widespread destruction and casualties, raising fears of a possible humanitarian crisis.

The city of Kampau fell under the control of the Free Government of Anmativeda following a series of intense battles and weeks of urban warfare between rebel forces and Thhar troops in late January. The capture of the city was hailed as a significant victory for the Free Government, which is the widely recognized true government of Anmativeda, due to it being the first major population center captured by the rebels since Laukai was captured by the Kau People’s Army in August 2022. Free Government soldiers paraded through the now ruined streets in Kampau in victory not even two months ago.

The attacks have stirred grave concerns among humanitarian organizations about the safety and well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire of the civil war. Thousands of residents have already been displaced or fled the fighting in and around Kampau, fleeing their homes in search of refuge from the violence. Some parties have called for an immediate ceasefire and resumption of dialogue to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict, calls which both sides have dismissed.

Explosions were reported across the city in locations ranging from parks to rail stations to a school building. While no official numbers have been released by authorities, RFA is able to confirm that at least thirty-seven civilians have lost their lives in the attacks. An unknown number of civilians were injured in addition. The Free Government of Anmativeda claims that none of the sites struck were being used by their troops at the time of the strikes, a claim which RFA has been unable to corroborate.

The military government of Anmativeda has sparked outrage after the arrest of aid workers attempting to deliver vital food aid to the Free Government-held central regions of the country. The comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in the country, with many of the country’s poorest regions reporting widespread food shortages.

Humanitarian organizations have been working tirelessly to provide assistance to vulnerable civilian populations in rebel-held areas of the country, where access to necessities and many vital foodstuffs has been severely disrupted by the civil war. However, the government’s crackdown on humanitarian efforts has dealt a devastating blow to relief operations and exacerbated the suffering of vulnerable communities.

The Sorovian Embassy confirmed that six of those arrested are citizens of the Republic of Sorovia. The Hexastalian Embassy in Seinoku (Hexastalia withdrew its embassy staff from Anmativeda in 2021) has additionally confirmed the identities of two of the detainees as Hexastalian citizens. Both diplomatic missions have called for the immediate release of their citizens and sharply condemned the Anmativedan regime’s actions.