Rebels Declared People's Republic of Eastern Province

Rebel forces have declared the separation  of Eastern Province which is partly under its control from Equanter. A new state called  Malatian People's Republic of Eastern Province has been established.

The declaration was made after Malatia announced it would support the Eastern Province should the rebel declare their secession from Equanter. It is believed the rebellion leadership made the announcement after receiving supports from the Malatian Armed Forces.

Equanter condemned the announcement and has vowed  to recapture Smallville.

In the meantime, the Armed Forces of Equanter (AFE) offensive against the rebels has collapsed. Equanterian troops are now on the defensive as rebel forces launched a swift counter attack on government troops, destroying several Equanterian armoured vehicles and shooting down an Equanterian warplane.

AFE forces were just about 4 km from Smallville when rebel units launched deadly counter attacks using vehicle bombs, anti-tank weapons and heavy artillery, and overrunning AFE forward positions. AFE troops were in disarrayed and retreated quickly. Some units had abandoned their positions without putting up a fight.

The rebels were stopped just outside Maname when elements from the Commando Battalion put up stiff resistance along Highway M1, killing some 50 rebels.