Several minutes ago, reports came through of an exchange between what is understood to have been a Kishiro convoy under Kusari Naval Forces escort and a score of ships flying "Liberty insignia" and displaying "IFFs directly affiliated with the law enforcement agencies of [the Republic of] Liberty" in the Shikoku system.
We are currently investigating these latest news and one of reporters is en route to the border to get a better picture on the situation. We will cover further developments in this live broadcast.
Though details remain unclear, an attack by elements of the Libertonian military will no doubt push Kusari to mount a response. With relations already strained, the Kusari Government may feel compelled to push through more drastic measures and take a much more proactive stance at countering Liberty's encroaching influence on the near Border Worlds.
In simpler terms, the response could be anything from a military strike to travel restrictions, or, though unlikely, another embargo. With officials yet to provide any insight, we can but guess, but past incidents have shown that Kusari may use its economic powers first.
Lord Protector vows to "bring perpetrators to justice"
Kawashima Riko Live reporter
In a short statement released moments ago, the Lord Protector has sworn to "protect Kusari's dignity" and has promised "the most serious of consequences for Liberty" following this momentous development.
Having returned to New Tokyo several days prior for a defence meeting, the prominent military figure has long since advocated for a firmer hand in relations with Liberty, stating, in the past, that Kusari "cannot allow itself to be pushed around by the warmongering Libertonians" and pointing to past deployments of Navy assets to Coronado as the "future of all Independent Worlds" should Kusari not step in instead.
We have reached out for further comments on what the next move may be.
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