332: Chapter 330: Rescue Operation, Begins.
332: Chapter 330: Rescue Operation, Begins.
When Gao Yang and his group saw the vast farmlands appearing on the grasslands, they slowed down the vehicle’s speed.
The presence of large farmlands near the town suggested that the main population of this town should be the Shilluk people.
The Shilluk Tribe is the third largest ethnic group in South Sudan, primarily living in Upper Nile State, and they mainly make a living through agriculture.
Therefore, the Shilluk people are settlers.
The Shilluk villages attracted a small portion of the Dinka people who had no cow herds and lived by growing corn.
Gradually, a multi-ethnic town formed.
An intertribal conflict could easily evolve into plundering all outsiders, but the likelihood of kidnapping hostages was very small among the Dinka, Nuer, or Shilluk people.
However, the Nubians from North Sudan had a tradition of kidnapping hostages for ransom.
But after the separation of North and South Sudan, the number of Nubians remaining in South Sudan was not significant.
Now, Gao Yang hoped that the kidnapping of the hostages was done by a certain tribe, because, in that case, whether through military rescue or negotiation, the process would be much simpler.
But if the hostages were kidnapped by some power in a town, the situation would be far more troublesome.
Gao Yang and his team had disembarked from their vehicle early and proceeded on foot.
Gao Yang used night vision to search for traces while the rest relied on the bright moonlight, moving at a not-so-slow pace.
Just as Gao Yang was looking down and hurrying along, Jiang Yun suddenly said from behind, “Look, there’s a light.”
Gao Yang looked up in the direction Jiang Yun was pointing and saw the light scattered across the sky in the distance.
Jiang Yun said triumphantly, “As far as I know, there are no electrical facilities in this area.
The brightness of that light can only be from electric lamps.
I think the source of the light must be either a generator stolen from a camp or a car.”
Gao Yang was extremely excited and said, “Exactly, we’ve got a guiding light now.
It’s not normal for a light to be on at this time.
It must be those robbers.”
Following the direction of the light source, Gao Yang and his group quickened their pace and soon arrived at the edge of the town.
The buildings in the town were disorderly, with everything shrouded in darkness except for one area in the northwest corner.
Approaching the town from the northeast, Gao Yang and his team did not enter the town but circled around, making their way towards the northwest corner where the light was shining.
The source of the light was a clearing on the outskirts of town, the light came from several incandescent bulbs hoisted up on wooden poles, powered by a generator.
The clearing was crowded with no fewer than a hundred people and seemed bustling.
Gao Yang and his team hid themselves less than three hundred meters from the noisy crowd on the clearing.
After observing with binoculars, Gao Yang handed the binoculars to Jiang Yun and said, “Those people are definitely Dinka, no mistake about it.
The items are all from the camp, but we haven’t spotted any Huaxia people.
Do you think the hostages could be here?”
After carefully checking with the binoculars for a while, Jiang Yun put down the binoculars and pointed towards an area behind the noisy crowd, saying, “Look there, right at the edge of the light, but you can see two people holding guns.
I think, at a time like this, the one holding guns and that corner, might well be where the hostages are being held.”
Gao Yang looked through the binoculars for a moment, took the HK417 from his back, turned on the thermal imaging scope on the rifle, and aimed at the suspicious area.
With just a glance, Gao Yang said in a deep voice, “No doubt, there are people there, a lot of people, huddled together.
The heat source is too concentrated, it’s hard to tell how many there are, but it’s almost certain they’re hostages.
Furthermore, there are six men pacing around them.
Judging by their movements, they are armed.”
After relaying his observations, Jiang Yun immediately said, “The place where the hostages are being held is not far from the enemy, about less than a hundred meters.
However, the place where the hostages are held is a dark corner.
There is a chance, I think we should get closer for reconnaissance.”
Gao Yang hesitated for a moment and said, “Isn’t that too risky?
The enemy is very close to the hostages, and there’s no cover from buildings.
If the enemy discovers us, won’t the hostage situation become very dangerous?”
Jiang Yun looked back and said, “Big Cat, it’s your call on how to proceed.
We’ll follow your command.”
Wang Laohu took the binoculars, observed carefully for a while, and then took Gao Yang’s sniper rifle and used the thermal imaging scope to observe.
He then said solemnly, “Approaching for reconnaissance, I think, as long as the hostages are not kept separately, a rescue attempt is entirely possible—especially now.”
Gao Yang was somewhat puzzled.
Jiang Yun seemed to be their leader, but now they were letting Wang Laohu take command.
Seeing the confused look in Gao Yang’s eyes, Jiang Yun smiled and said, “Big Cat is different from us; he comes from the armed police and has received specialized hostage rescue training.”
Gao Yang suddenly realized that for hostage rescue, he and people like Jiang Yun were amateurs.
For Wang Laohu, who came from the armed police, hostage rescue was part of his job.
Once authorized to take charge of the subsequent operation, Wang Laohu immediately said, “Dagger, Bull Demon King, and I will approach for reconnaissance.
If we find that the hostages are not separated and there’s an opportunity, the three of us will immediately proceed with a forceful rescue.
Steel Claw, Three Cannons, and Mole, the three of you spread out and closely monitor the enemy’s movements.
If they discover our operation, you three are responsible for delaying the enemy’s actions and suppressing their fire.
Ram, as a sniper with night vision equipment, you have the most freedom of movement.
If the hostages or our safety is threatened, you can independently choose your targets and the timing of your shots.”
After finishing, Wang Laohu glanced at his watch and said, “Note that, except for Ram who’s monitoring the whole field, no one is to shoot without my order.
Only after the reconnaissance team fires can the support group engage.
Everything must prioritize the safety of the hostages.
Now, check your gear.”
After Wang Laohu gave the command, the sound of cocking guns filled the air.
Meanwhile, Wang Laohu, Jiang Yun, and Li Pengfei, having loaded their bullets, slung their rifles on their backs in positions inconvenient for shooting, and then each positioned their knives at their waists for easy access.
Then Gao Yang spoke with gravity, “The enemy is in the open.
If I take the role of sniper, one night vision scope will be enough.
Do you need to bring a low-light night vision device?”
After thinking, Wang Laohu replied, “No need.
Keep it for yourself.
Your task is the most critical, and you need to maintain visibility under all conditions.
The current light sources are sufficient for us.”
Gao Yang thought for a moment and felt that Wang Laohu was right.
At this time, spreading the technical equipment around would not be as effective as keeping it all on himself.
That way, he could respond to any sudden situation and maintain strong combat capability at all distances.
Therefore, Gao Yang did not insist further but began to check his gear, especially the status of his electronic equipment.
With the most equipment, Gao Yang was the last to signal that he was ready.
Wang Laohu waved his hand and spoke in a low voice, “Reconnaissance team follows me in.
Support team and Ram, choose your battle positions freely.
Let’s move.” (To be continued.
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