646: Chapter 639: A Chance?
646: Chapter 639: A Chance?
As dusk approached, Gao Yang and his companions drove to the village.
Citing the northwestern edge’s large residential area as a village doesn’t seem quite right; at the southernmost end of the extensive buildings were places that looked more like factory compounds.
After driving past the two compounds, they came upon house after house, and most of these structures were made of stone blocks.
The types of houses varied; since they were in the northern suburbs of Aleppo, the village had both urban-style two or three-story buildings and Syrian-style single-story houses with courtyards.
Once they entered the village by car, Gao Yang and his companions did not encounter any obstacles.
The road was quite spacious initially, but there were many vehicles in the village, especially SUVs and pickups, congesting the originally wide roads a great deal; however, Gao Yang and his convoy could still pass through.
Raja already knew where the Free Syrian Command was, but Gao Yang didn’t rush to see the Free Syrian Command’s headquarters.
As usual, before settling down, they took a turn around the village to familiarize themselves with the terrain and the roads, so if they needed to flee, they would know where to go.
After memorizing a few of the most convenient exits in the village, Gao Yang directed Raja to slowly drive towards the Free Syrian Command’s headquarters.
The entire village was teeming with members of the Rebel Army; it was bustling, like a market town, but the people were not there to trade—they were there to kill.
Every single person was carrying a gun, and of course, rocket launchers were also a common sight.
In comparison to the open areas outside the village, it was clear that there were many foreign fighters in the village; if they did not make up half, they were at least about thirty percent.
Many of the foreigners wore camouflage uniforms predominantly in a dark green tone, which hardly served any camouflaging purpose but clearly identified their affiliation.
Their gear, still primarily comprising AK family weapons, was much more sophisticated than that of the common Rebel Army members, including numerous side arms and miscellaneous accessories.
After finding a spot with fewer vehicles, they parked at a distance from the Free Syrian Command’s building but did not get out of their car; instead, they began to survey the situation at the Free Syrian Command from inside their vehicle.
The Free Syrian Army occupied a three-story building, which was relatively large compared to others in the village.
“The command center isn’t a civilian house, but I’m not familiar with the buildings here, so I’m not sure what that particular building is used for.
The rooms inside are very large with a staircase that connects to the third floor internally.
It’s not a spiral staircase but a return staircase that’s quite narrow, only wide enough for two people to pass side-by-side.
There are many people from the first to the third floor, some even live inside, but commands are also issued from here.
It’s very chaotic, no formal guard is present, and you can just blend in with a simple excuse, no one cares about who you are or what you’re here for.
Of course, everyone inside is armed.”
The Free Syrian Command’s headquarters was bustling with people coming and going; as Gao Yang intently observed the scene, Raja, who had previously been inside, described the interior to him.
On the whole, it would be best for Gao Yang to go in himself, but his distinctly Eastern features were too conspicuous, as was his gear.
Raja could stroll in and browse without raising any eyebrows, but it was not feasible for Gao Yang personally or even for someone else to go in his place.
As he intently watched people entering and exiting the headquarters, Gao Yang spoke in a deep voice, “It looks like everyone coming and going is Syrian?”
Raja nodded and replied, “Exactly, they’re all civilians who formed what they call the Free Syrian Army in opposition to Bashar.
They are fools with no experience and no fighting capacity, completely undisciplined greenhorns.
The Victory Front would never kill or loot for a mere tens of thousands of dollars worth of arms.”
Gao Yang nodded and said, “That’s right, experienced people know who they can provoke and who they cannot.
Only those who know nothing would try to mess with you.”
After finishing his thought, Gao Yang sighed and said, “Buddy, I think we’re in a tough spot.
The Free Syrian Command is right in the center of the village, we’re surrounded by people, and as you’ve seen, many inside are seasoned veterans of war.”
Raja silently nodded and said, “It’s difficult.
It’s easy to take out the Free Syrians, but I can’t think of any way to easily leave after striking their command.
I don’t think we could get out of here.”
Gao Yang gave a bitter laugh and said, “So, it’s a simple task, but it would cost us our lives.”
Raja didn’t speak, just nodded.
Gao Yang looked up at the sky in the distance and whispered, “Looks like it’s going to rain.”
After looking at the sky, Raja said solemnly, “It definitely will rain.
It’s the rainy season in Syria now.”
Gao Yang, not being British, had no habit of starting a conversation with the weather, and evidently, Raja didn’t either.
The two fell into silence for a long while before Gao Yang finally said in a grave voice, “We’re here to make money, not to die.
This mission clearly is suicide; I might give up on it.”
Raja nodded and said, “I have six children, I can earn one hundred thousand US dollars a year, but I’m the only breadwinner for my family, so I don’t want to die either.”
Gao Yang shrugged and said, “Then it seems we agree.
Do you think it’s time to abandon the operation?”
Raja looked at Gao Yang and said, “I just work for Polovich, and I must be worth his salary.
I think it’s the right decision to pull out now, but there are some things I can’t say, so you inform my boss about canceling the mission, and I will confirm what you say.”
Gao Yang would never engage in clearly suicidal behavior.
No amount of money could make him do so, making it unnecessary to stay here any longer.
Gao Yang spread his hands in resignation and said, “Alright, we’ll abandon the mission.
I’ll call your boss and inform him that this operation is canceled.”
Just as Gao Yang was about to take out his phone, Raja suddenly whispered, “Look, they’re coming out, the Free Syrian commanders, there he is!”
Gao Yang stopped all his actions and focused on the entrance of the headquarters.
The first to exit was a man in sand-colored camouflage, followed by thirty-six others consecutively.
After leaving the headquarters, the group gesticulated while speaking and walked toward the east.
Gao Yang immediately perked up and said, “They’re leaving, and there’s our chance.
We’re too conspicuous, you follow them and see where they’re going.
Keep a distance, and inform us immediately if there’s an opportunity!”