To the horror of the entire world, NATO airstrikes were unable to prevent the use chemical and / or biological weapons by Red forces against Blue military and civilian personnel.  The exact type of weapon used has not yet been determined; however, very heavy loss of life has been reported.  Blue military forces are said to be in near total disarray.  These attacks have clearly given the Red Ground forces the upper hand in the region.

In a related development, high-ranking members of the Blue government are reportedly engaged in secret cease-fire talks with their Red counterparts.

The gruesome images on television coming from Russia have reduced US public support for continued military action to an all time low.   In the face of growing protests, Congress passes a resolution demanding that the US withdraw from the region.
