Yesterday morning, Texas Air Rangers attacked and reportedly destroyed a stronghold of Oklahoma separatists near Boise City. According to eyewitness accounts, the fighting was fierce, brief and deadly; at least fifteen Oklahomans are confirmed dead, and casualty estimates (unconfirmed as of this report) are reportedly as high as 50 wounded.

The small "rebel encampment"—a small airstrip north of Boise City, in the Oklahoma panhandle—was attacked just after dawn by two Texas Air Ranger squadrons of Peacemakers and a third squadron of Riflemen. According to Republic of Texas militia officals, the squadrons first moved in and destroyed the heavy anti-aircraft gun emplacements and turret trucks, allowing three Texan heavy combat zeppelins, the Lake Livingston, the Alamo and the Crockett's Pride, to finish off the base with a barrage of bombs and rockets.

The Air Rangers report that the base, which appeared to casual flybys as an ordinary farm and small airstrip, was a major center of Oklahoma anarchism and sabotage, and that several separatist leaders (who oppose the Texan occupation and annexation of Oklahoma) were killed while trying to flee the combat zone. Some 50 survivors were captured in the raid, most wounded. They are currently hospitalized under heavy guard in Oklahoma City.

General John O'Neil, a veteran of the Second Mexican War, commanded the Ranger operation from the Republic-class zeppelin Lake Livingston. The raid was executed by some of the top fighter squadrons from Texas, including the 28th Tactical Fighter Squadron (the "Vipers"), newly under the command of Major Joe "Twister" Thompson; and the 5th TFS "Mavericks" commanded by Major Mike "Sandman" Sanderson.

Leading citizens in the Protectorate of Oklahoma were quick to praise the fast action of the Air Rangers, calling the action "decisive and necessary."

"These dissidents must be prevented from destroying the fragile peace the Republic of Texas has assured Oklahoma," said Oklahoma Defense Force commander David Fox.

No Oklahoma Defense Force squadrons took part in the attack.

There are unconfirmed reports that a small group of Oklahoma rebels escaped in Marquette PR-1 Defenders, the main line plane of the People's Collective, but this is denied by the Air Rangers.

—Roger Korby, AWN Field Reporter