New Year Celebration In The Face of War

New Year celebrations in the region are expected to be low key as tensions are increasing between Malatia and regional countries.

Residents of Equanter fear that war could break out anytime, and they are hoping the presence of troops from the Kingdom of Lego and other regional countries will deter Malatia from invading Equanter.

Some residents of Smallville, a town located 5 km from Equanter, have already moved to the provincial capital of Maname. " I am afraid that when war breaks out, Smallville will be attacked," said a resident that has moved his family to Maname.

In the city of Maname itself, the residents are more relaxed. "Our Equanterian military is capable to defend our country. I will not move anywhere," said Mr Poco Otto, owner of Poco Otto Restaurant in Maname.

Security in the Eastern Province has been stepped up. Additional police officers are deployed to check on person within the province.  

In Legotown, hundreds of policemen are deployed to guard key installations as threats of war looms larger. The Royal Palace will remain close during the Christmas and New Year's holidays for security reason. About 20,000 troops have been recalled from their leaves and additional 15,000 troops are now on guard duty along the border with Malatia.