War of Yukigakure Aggression

From the Iwagakure Herald

War Declared!

Yuki no Kuni Makes First Strike!

23 Dead, Dozens more injured!

Today, a few hours before sunrise on the northern border just a mere mile from the demilitarized zone created two years ago in the Tsuchi Yuki Border Agreement1, Yuki no Kuni launched an attack on multiple airships stationed along the border. Ten ships were taken out of commission at least temporarily due to the attack with word saying that many more are damaged but still being flown. Official word is yet to confirm the count on ships, but insider information is confirming that ten ships were taken out of the sky between sundown last night and sunrise this morning. The I.A.F. has confirmed that twenty three airmen were lost in the attack, the largest loss of life in a single incident since the creation of the organization. Details are still coming in, but it appears as if the attack was done through the use of bombs disguised as lanterns customary with the Spirit Harvest Festival. It has been rumored that because of the subtlety of the attack that airmen were not aware that they were under siege until it was too late. The I.A.F. Bounty was one of the ships on the border, but information has it that the Dreadnought class ship was saved from major damage due to quick thinking of its commander.

Loyola Nine, Admiral of the I.A.F., was in Metropolis during the attack and has been unreachable for comment. Prime Minister Daniel Hollows has a press briefing later this afternoon. The Minister spoke briefly to the public, reaffirming that the country has the situation under control and that they would bring more information as they have it. Due to the Tsuchi Yuki Aggression Declaration2 signed last year by the Prime Minister, the Tsuchikage and the Admiral of the I.A.F., this act by Yuki no Kuni is a clear declaration of war. There is no doubt in any citizens mind what this means and what response the country must take now to defend its borders.

- Terian Mokusha

Iwagakure Herald Writer