Operation Lone Avenue (EC2003 IOPG BattleSet)
In the near future, the global economy remains stagnant and nations once committed to protecting the shipping lifelines of the world make deep budgetary cuts particularly in defense spending. As a result, the world's navies have gradually withdrawn from the Horn of Africa, leaving a dedicated few to continue the long patrols.
Japan has become the dominant maritime power in the region. The US Navy's presence is a mere shell of it's former glory. Ashore, the war over Somalia has stalemated. The African Federal Union has finally seized Mogadishu. The Islamic Foundation of Justice is fighting a two front-war against both the Federalists and a hard-core pirate coalition on the coasts. All sides are exhausted from the protracted conflict and have agreed to a temporary cease-fire. But the IFJ has called upon their trump card; surging from the Persian Gulf is a renewed Iran, intent on spreading their militant philosophy to the shores of Africa...