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v1.97 UPDATE - "COLLATERAL DAMAGE"

With the restoration of heavy weaponry (TLAMs), the rules of engagement have been tightened. The environment is now more populated and reactive, forcing Commanders to verify targets before engaging.

CHANGELOG:


* Collateral Damage Rules: Implemented point penalty for destroying civilian structures.

* Strategic Placement: Neutral civilian buildings (Residential/Office) have been placed in close proximity to key military targets (S-300VM sites, HVT Bunker) to act as a deterrent against reckless heavy missile strikes.

* Infantry Tactics: The "Rifleman" units at Fuerte Tiuna have been renamed to "Guardia de Honor" and assigned to active patrol zones. They will no longer remain static, making them harder to target with precision strikes.

* Civilian Life: Renamed generic civilian vessels to realistic local names (e.g., Yacht "La Consentida", FV "Virgen del Valle") to enhance the Caribbean atmosphere.

* Briefing Update: Added a critical warning regarding the risk of collateral damage when using heavy ordnance in the urban AO.

* Cleanup: Removed the date prefix from the Scenario Title for better alphabetical sorting in the menu (Operation Absolute Resolve [v1.97])


I can finally say that I am truly satisfied with the final state of this mission. Honestly, the development process has been an incredible and fun journey. Without your help and patience, the scenario would never have reached this level of polish.

Please forgive my mistakes and oversights along the way; as I mentioned before, this is my very first mission for Command: Modern Operations. I truly appreciate your patience during this learning curve. If this work serves as a small contribution to the CMO community, then all the effort was worth it! My sincere respects to everyone involved. It´s time to play it.

v1.97 tested. Major victory, 465 points.

Triumph lost due to a the civilian Bell shot down, I think.


Lua history problem again.

AVISO: El submarino no está en el mapa, script omitido.

AS OF: 03-Jan-26 10:47:53

SIDE: VENEZUELA
===========================================================

LOSSES:
-------------------------------
2x 152mm/48 2S19 MSTA-S Self-Propelled Howitzer
4x 23mm ZU-23-2 + SA-24 Grinch [ZOM-1-4]
2x 40mm/70 Single Bofors [Flycatcher Mk1 FCR]
3x BMP-3 [AT-10 Stabber] IFV
6x BTR-80A APC
2x C-802 Twin
1x F 21 Mariscal Sucre [Lupo]
2x F-16A Falcon
2x K-8W Karakorum
1x Low Profile Vessel [LPV-OM]
2x Peykaap III [Zolfaghar]
1x PO 11 Guaiqueri [Avante 2200 Combatant]
2x Radar (Bill Board B [9S15M Obzor])
1x Radar (China JY-27A)
1x Radar (China JYL-1)
2x Radar (High Screen B [9S19M2 Imbir])
4x Radar (Mys-M1E)
2x Radar (Snow Drift [9S18M1])
2x SA-17 Grizzly [9A310M1-2] TELAR
1x SA-17 Grizzly [9A39M1-2] LLV
8x SA-23a Gladiator [9A83M] TELAR
4x SA-23a Gladiator [9A84] LLV
4x SA-23b Giant [9A82M] TELAR
2x SA-23b Giant [9A85] LLV
3x SA-24 Grinch [9K338 Igla-S] MANPADS
2x Su-30MK2 Flanker G
1x Vehicle (Flycatcher Mk1)
2x Vehicle (Grill Pan [9S32M])


EXPENDITURES:
------------------
5x 127mm/54 OTO Melara Compact HECVT
3x 20mm/85 M61A1 Vulcan Burst [100 rnds]
2x 30mm Gsh-30-1 Burst [30 rnds]
54x 40mm/70 Single Bofors Burst [4 rnds, Flycatcher Mk1 FCR]
9x 40mm/70 Twin Breda Compact Burst [32 rnds]
28x 76mm/62 Super Rapido HE Burst [2 rnds]
4x AA-11 Archer [R-73M1]
121x AA-12 Adder A [R-77, RVV-AE]
16x Aspide
8x CSS-N-8 Saccade [YJ-83]
8x Otomat Mk2 Mod I
54x Python 4
96x SA-17 Grizzly [9M317]
44x SA-23a Gladiator [9M83M]
26x SA-24 Grinch [9M342]
6x SA-3c Goa [5V27DE]



SIDE: EEUU
===========================================================

LOSSES:
-------------------------------


EXPENDITURES:
------------------
20x 127mm/62 Mk187 HE-MFF [Mk64 HiCap Body, Mk419 Fuse]
24x AGM-114K Hellfire II
48x AGM-158B JASSM-ER
12x AIM-120D AMRAAM P3I.4
1x Generic Chaff Salvo [8x Cartridges]
202x HYDRA 70mm Rocket
10x Mk48 Mod 7 ADCAP CBASS
16x RGM-109C Tomahawk Blk III TLAM-C
100x RGM-109E Tomahawk Blk IV TACTOM
8x RIM-156A SM-2ER Blk IV
16x RIM-162A ESSM
22x RIM-174A ERAM SM-6 Blk I
16x RIM-174A ERAM SM-6 Blk I Dual I
16x RIM-174A ERAM SM-6 Blk IA Dual II
33x RIM-66M-2 SM-2MR Blk IIIA
21x RIM-66M-5 SM-2MR Blk IIIB
49x Shahed-136
5x Shahed-136



SIDE: Nature
===========================================================

LOSSES:
-------------------------------


EXPENDITURES:
------------------



SIDE: CIVIL
===========================================================

LOSSES:
-------------------------------
1x Bell 412EP Basic


EXPENDITURES:
------------------

Wow! You really brought fire and fury to the enemy side! That expenditure log is massive.
​It’s impressive how you used a combination of Tomahawks and drone swarms to suppress them while trying to keep collateral damage in check. It looks like you had a blast playing it.
​RIP to those poor pilots in the civilian Bell 412 though... wrong place, wrong time! haha.
​I'm very happy to finally mark this as the definitive version. I'm actually already working on a new mission, in other place of the world. It's going to be a completely different challenge. I hope I can count on your help with testing again once I have something solid. Thanks again for everything!

And still a lot of Venezuelan stuff remained on the ground.

Their air defenses work really well and many Tomahawks and Shaheds are shot down before impacting the target.

The difficult part is to coordinate both because of the speed gap between Shaheds and Tomahawks.

Another problem with the Shaheds is that you cannot retarget them if the targets contacts are old, and that happens when the RQ-170 is gone due to fuel.


New mission in another part of the world? I hope it is Greenland invasion now that NATO is dead

USA vs European coalition

Sure I will test, Greenland invasion or any other

Regarding the coordinated strike with Tomahawks and Shaheds, I have an Excel sheet I’d be happy to share. It’s based on PGatcomb’s tutorials: you simply input the desired impact time, the distance, and the speed of each weapon, and it calculates exactly when you need to launch each element. It works perfectly.
​As for Greenland... no for the moment

Yes please, post the excel sheet.

Not Greenland? No problem

I'm not sure how you can add an actual landing as a trigger. Unless it is "remain on station" for a certain amount of time, since the unit is not only in the zone, but staying in the zone (which it would do if it was landed). This would also cover the time needed to get the prisoner off the helicopter and into the brig, etc. I don't think I've ever tried this, so I don't know if it would work.

Nikel wrote: Tue Jan 06, 2026 9:46 am v1.7 tested.

Congrats for the new description/briefing! Are you sure this is your first scenario?


A typo in the description. It happened the night of the Jan 3. The time in the scenario is correct.

Date/Time: Jan 4, 2026 / 05:00 Zulu

In the briefing, it is said:

SUCCESS CONDITION: The MH-47G must safely land on the USS Iwo Jima.

However this has not changed, it is the Chinook returning to the Iwo Jima zone what fires the success event, not the landing. I think the successful landing is more realistic.

Mgellis wrote: Sun Jan 11, 2026 8:22 pm I'm not sure how you can add an actual landing as a trigger. Unless it is "remain on station" for a certain amount of time, since the unit is not only in the zone, but staying in the zone (which it would do if it was landed). This would also cover the time needed to get the prisoner off the helicopter and into the brig, etc. I don't think I've ever tried this, so I don't know if it would work.

Did not try it, but perhaps using this code by Lumiere.


https://forums.matrixgames.com/viewtopi ... 5#p5082525

​You are absolutely right, a 'hard landing' trigger can be implemented via Lua by checking if the unit is effectively 'docked' (which changes its base GUID). Here is the logic LUA

-- Get the Helicopter unit
local heli = ScenEdit_GetUnit({name='MH-47G Extortion 1'})

-- Get the USS Iwo Jima unit
local carrier = ScenEdit_GetUnit({name='USS Iwo Jima'})

-- Safety check
if heli == nil then
return
end

-- CHECK: Is the helicopter 'docked'?
-- When a unit lands, its '.base' property changes to the carrier's GUID.
if heli.base == carrier.guid then
ScenEdit_SetEvent('Mission Success', {mode='active'})
ScenEdit_EndMission('United States', 'VICTORY')
end


However, for this specific scenario (v1.97), I consider the mission accomplished once the extraction team enters the Carrier Group's defensive perimeter (the zone). At that point, they are virtually under the fleet's protection.
​I prefer to leave the actual landing procedure as an optional roleplay element for the player rather than a hard requirement to trigger the 'Victory' event, just to ensure the ending is smooth after a long sortie. But I might use your strict landing approach for my next mission!

I finished the mission with a (440pts) Major Victory. This was a well designed and immersive scenario and not too difficult considering the tech & firepower superiority of US side. On critical factor however that made it easy was the invulnerability of the Sentinel UAV (because if its wrong DB classification). Without it, it would be much more difficult to map the positions of the Venezuelan ground units

I spent the first 4-5 hrs doing ISR with the Sentinel and the E-2D and advancing the IwoJima south towards for a position 80mn north of the coast destroying a couple of enemy ships that carried dangerous ASCM missiles. SSN Vermont conducted ASW west of IwoJima Group. I also established a CAP with the Raptors carrying AIM-260 supported by tankers nearby to take advantage of targets of opportunity.
I loaded all F18s with 4 AGM-88 each save for 2xF18 with AGM MALD-J and 2xF18 with AIM-260 and

All F35C were loaded with AGM-154C-1 JSOW

Once all loadouts were ready I launched all the Shaded and a few Tomahawks against the main air defences and radars and after a while the AGM-88 followed.
Once the air defences were knocked out (that was not very hard), I send the 4 Raptors and the 2xF18 with their AIM-260 to sweep the sky above Caracas
After that the Helos form IwoJima destroyed the remaining soft targets.
Last Extorsion 1 was in and out of the Fuerte Tiuna LZ
AS OF: 1/3/2026 3:19:37 PM

SIDE: VENEZUELA
===========================================================

LOSSES:
-------------------------------
6x 152mm/48 2S19 MSTA-S Self-Propelled Howitzer
6x 23mm ZU-23-2 + SA-24 Grinch [ZOM-1-4]
2x 40mm/70 Single Bofors [Flycatcher Mk1 FCR]
1x Automatic Rifleman
3x BMP-3 [AT-10 Stabber] IFV
9x BTR-80 APC
15x BTR-80A APC
1x Building (Control Tower)
6x C-802 Twin
1x F 21 Mariscal Sucre [Lupo]
2x F-16A Falcon
8x F-16A Falcon
1x K-8W Karakorum
1x Low Profile Vessel [LPV-OM]
1x Peykaap III [Zolfaghar]
1x PO 11 Guaiqueri [Avante 2200 Combatant]
1x Radar (Bill Board B [9S15M Obzor])
1x Radar (China JY-27A)
1x Radar (China JYL-1)
1x Radar (High Screen B [9S19M2 Imbir])
1x Radar (Mys-M1E)
1x Radar (Snow Drift [9S18M1])
2x Rifleman
4x SA-17 Grizzly [9A310M1-2] TELAR
1x SA-17 Grizzly [9A39M1-2] LLV
8x SA-23a Gladiator [9A83M] TELAR
4x SA-23a Gladiator [9A84] LLV
4x SA-23b Giant [9A82M] TELAR
2x SA-23b Giant [9A85] LLV
6x SA-24 Grinch [9K338 Igla-S] MANPADS
4x SA-3c Goa Twin Rail [Pechora-2M, MZKT-8022]
3x SA-7a Grail [9K32 Strela-2] MANPADS
7x Su-30MK2 Flanker G
1x T 91 Los Frailes [Damen Stan Lander 5612]
1x Unarmed Midget Submarine
1x Vehicle (Flycatcher Mk1)
2x Vehicle (Grill Pan [9S32M])
1x Vehicle (Low Blow [SNR-125])
1x Vehicle (Spoon Rest D [P-18])


EXPENDITURES:
------------------
4x 127mm/54 OTO Melara Compact HECVT
3x 35mm/79 Oerlikon Millennium GDM-008 AHEAD Burst [24 rnds]
47x 40mm/70 Single Bofors Burst [4 rnds, Flycatcher Mk1 FCR]
8x 40mm/70 Twin Breda Compact Burst [32 rnds]
5x 76mm/62 Super Rapido HE Burst [2 rnds]
2x AA-11 Archer [R-73M1]
49x AA-12 Adder A [R-77, RVV-AE]
8x Aspide
2x Chimera Chaff/Flare Seduction Round
8x Generic Chaff Salvo [4x Cartridges]
11x Generic Chaff Salvo [5x Cartridges]
96x SA-17 Grizzly [9M317]
48x SA-23a Gladiator [9M83M]
27x SA-24 Grinch [9M342]
4x SCLAR Chaff



SIDE: EEUU
===========================================================

LOSSES:
-------------------------------


EXPENDITURES:
------------------
16x ADM-160C MALD-J [Stand-In OECM]
24x AGM-114K Hellfire II
16x AGM-154C-1 JSOW [BROACH]
48x AGM-158B JASSM-ER
2x AGM-84D Harpoon IC
30x AGM-88E AARGM
18x AIM-120D AMRAAM P3I.4
33x AIM-260 JATM
1x AIM-9X Sidewinder
1x AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Blk II
4x AN/SSQ-36 BT
23x AN/SSQ-53F DIFAR
20x AN/SSQ-62E DICASS
8x GBU-32(V)2/B JDAM [Mk83]
16x GBU-53/B StormBreaker
2x Generic Chaff Salvo [5x Cartridges]
216x HYDRA 70mm Rocket
1x Mk54 LHT Mod 0
12x RGM-109E Tomahawk Blk IV TACTOM
1x RIM-174A ERAM SM-6 Blk I Dual I
45x Shahed-136
5x Shahed-136
12x UGM-109E Tomahawk Blk IV TACTOM

Excellent execution! An impeccable log with 0 losses.
​It is great to see you kept the Tomahawk usage limited (just 24). This demonstrates a surgical approach and confirms that the mechanics are working as expected to discourage 'spamming' heavy missiles in urban areas. It is exactly the balance I was aiming for.
​Based on your run, a quick design question: Did you feel you had enough ISR/Recon assets to maintain situational awareness? Do you think the scenario would benefit from a larger stock of Shaheds, a relief Sentinel (for extended station time), or maybe a satellite pass scheduled for extra intel?

ISR benefits from the DB glitch that makes the Sentinel untouchable (it does not classify as UAV for WRA purposes). Once this is fixed, it will be more challenging, because the JY-27 radar detects the sentinel (and everything else) from afar. If a human was handing Venezuela, the Sentinel would not survive too long. And the E-2D is not that good in detecting ground units from a distance. If the Sentinel becomes vulnerable (after DB correction), then the plan would need to be revised so that it is closely defended by a cap of Raptors while doing ISR.

Who would say "no" to more Shaheds, an extra Sentinel and Sat intel? But in general the player has more than enough to do the job once ISR acquires all key targets.

I agree, there is more than enough stuff available for the operation.

Perhaps I would start the scenario with the RQ-170 landed, so that the player choose when to use it.

​@Knightpawn: You are absolutely right about the Sentinel DB quirk. Once that is patched in the future, the mission profile would definitely require a heavy Raptor CAP to keep it alive against that JY-27. For now, we will accept that small 'blessing' from the Database gods.
​@Nikel: Starting the RQ-170 on the ground is a solid idea for tactical flexibility, but for this version, I like the tension of having assets already 'in the thick of it' when the scenario loads.
​VERDICT:
I have decided to freeze the scenario as it is (v1.97). It feels stable, the triggers work, and the balance between 'surgical' and 'firepower' is in a good place.
​I am now shifting my full attention to the East. The pieces and briefing are already on the board for the next challenge.
The 20th Division needs us.

I think the ini file is important to db updates, you may include it in the zip you posted for the community pack.

Telegraph piece on the attack with some nice graphics.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/ ... o-caracas/

Thanks for the tip regarding the .ini file.
​And thanks for the link! Those graphics are great reference material
​Over and out!

Updated Briefing: Added "EXECUTION" Images.