100418.9 Federation News Service
STARFLEET PUSHES TO RATOR, SECURES VICTORIES IN CERO AND TRI’VOKIL
Just over 24 hours ago, Starfleet launched Operation Guillotine, an ambitious invasion of the Romulan Star Empire. The 2nd and 5th Fleets entered the Rator System and engaged the Star Empire homeworld’s defenses. The 4th and 42nd Fleets intercepted arriving reinforcements. The 9th Fleet continued its defense of Tri’Vokil, while the 27th and 38th Fleets assaulted the Cero System.
The central battle at and around Rator lasted for over a day before Starfleet withdrew, drawing critical resources away from the war’s other fronts. Before the operation was complete, the Star Navy had been driven from both Cero and Tri’Vokil, and FNS sources within the Romulan Republic are reporting that the RSE’s redeployment has given the RRF time to regroup and redeploy its flotillas. Though the Sienae and Terrh Systems fell to the Beta Reticuli invasion force, the Republic seems to have stalled the Imperial advance in the Agrama and Noro Sectors.
While Operation Guillotine was certainly a victory for the Federation, it did not come without significant cost. Three out of 32 starships were destroyed at Cero, and 8 out of 41 were lost at Tri’Vokil. Of 168 starships committed to the Rator area, 29 have been confirmed destroyed.
In the aftermath of the operation, Starfleet is maintaining the pressure on the Rator system directly and by disrupting logistics. Though the Tri’Vokil Colony itself is no longer under immediate threat, intense fighting continues just over the border inside the Star Empire. At Cero, Starfleet now begins the process of securing the planet itself and nearby facilities.