Op White Orchid 07 - 2025/08/09

Situation

Through combined efforts in signals intelligence, reporting from Colombian assets, and exploitation of cartel cell phone data, we have uncovered that one of the Moreno brothers is preparing to be married. The event is being kept highly compartmentalised, with only trusted personnel aware of its timing and location. Current indications suggest the ceremony will be conducted at the main chapel, with minimal visible movement of troops or vehicles to avoid drawing attention. Given the family significance of the event and the secrecy surrounding it, it is highly likely that other high-value targets (HVTs) from the cartel’s senior leadership and inner circle will be present at or near the chapel, providing a rare opportunity to target multiple HVT's in a single operation. This low-profile approach is intended to mask the presence of these figures and reduce the risk of detection.

Further analysis of movement patterns and intercepted communications indicates the cartel has positioned a quick reaction force (QRF) to the south of the chapel. These units appear to be staged in concealed positions along key approach routes, able to reinforce the ceremony site rapidly if required. By maintaining a light overt presence at the venue itself while hiding the bulk of their security element nearby, the cartel is attempting to sustain the illusion of a private, low-risk gathering while still retaining the ability to respond with significant force.

The threat posed by former US contractor and cartel military trainer Emiliano Osorio (real name Ross Kurtis) has been removed. Osorio was killed in action by 40 Commando during OP 06 in the assault on San Antero. His death removes a critical node in the cartel’s training pipeline and denies them his operational expertise. While his absence will degrade their ability to generate well-drilled paramilitary units in the near term, the cartel retains other experienced commanders who may attempt to fill the gap.

Acknowledgements

• Refer to the situation report for detailed information on known factions and identification.
• Civilian population are neutral to our activities, though it is likely members of the cartel are among the population.
• Police, while government-funded and cartel-controlled, appear to heavily support the local population. While not overtly hostile, they are unlikely to assist us in anyway and will most likely report our positions if detected.
• Columbian intelligence operatives have been operating in the region against the cartel. We haven't been read into their ongoing operations or locations, keep an eye out and check fire against operatives and/or teams that may be in the region. 

Commanders intent

The current phase of Operation White Orchid focuses on exploiting actionable intelligence—especially through vehicle tracking—to locate and eliminate all viable high-value targets (HVTs) within the Chucomayo Cartel’s leadership and military structure. Our objective is to strike with speed and precision, using real-time intel to disrupt cartel command-and-control and dismantle critical leadership elements before they can recover or mount a coordinated response.

Our approach will exploit the cartel’s overconfidence and operational overstretch, ensuring that every engagement compounds their disarray. Civilian impact will remain minimised, but we anticipate resistance as cartel forces retreat toward bigger population centres and attempt to shield their leadership. The end state is a battlespace shaped for decisive follow-up operations against the remaining leadership cadre, with cartel command fractured and unable to re-establish cohesive control.

Tasking(s)

Map - Overview

Area of Operations - Alpha | Bravo

40 Commando

• [OBJ Embrace] Capture Juan Moreno organising security for his brothers wedding
• [OBJ Moss] Dismantle cartel and military reaction forces and installations in the area
• [OBJ Shell] Dismantle the military installation that's been recently reinforced

2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment

• [OBJ Pollen] Capture Leonardo Moreno preparing at a safe house for his wedding
• [OBJ Moss] Dismantle cartel and military reaction forces and installations in the area
• [OBJ Shell] Dismantle the military installation that's been recently reinforced

Royal Tank Regiment

• [OBJ Embrace] Assist 40Cdo in securing the area around the chapel while intercepting likely QRF elements
• [OBJ Moss] Dismantle cartel and military reaction forces and installations in the area
• [OBJ Shell] Dismantle the military installation that's been recently reinforced

Joint Aviation Command

• [FOB Pollen] Infil 2PARA to a HLS designated nearby the objective

Markings - AO Alpha

Markings - AO Bravo