Hattaro Straits

The Hattaro Straits are a strategically significant and historically contested geographic region in Anaria, serving as the eastern access route into the Medio Sea. As one of the most crucial waterways in the region, the Hattaro Straits are vital for civilian, commercial, and military traffic transiting between various bodies of water. The primary ports that service the straits are Impport at the eastern end and Oseidon at the western end, both located within the territory of Auresia.

Historical Overview

The entirety of the Hattaro Straits has been part of Auresian territory since the inception of the Auresian Empire. Before the formation of the empire in its initial royalist confederacy form in 4466 RH, the region, known as Greater Hattaria, was an independent Karsk polity called Lianna. Lianna was renowned as a prosperous nation of merchants, shipbuilders, explorers, and scholars. However, it was conquered in the mid-46th century by the Auresian Confederacy under the rule of Adamo the Great's grandson.

After the Haeverist invasion of Hattaria during the Pan-Anarian War, the Auresian military successfully repelled the invading forces, though with significant losses on both sides. In response, Auresia has since maintained a much stronger military presence in the region, ensuring military assets remain in the region for quick response if necessary. These forces have maintained a near-permanent station in and around the straits, ensuring the security and control of this vital maritime route.

Strategic importance and policy

Under Auresian policy, the Hattaro Straits are considered sovereign Auresian territory. In accordance with the Straits Passage Act 7569, all shipping through the straits is permitted "upon sufferance", meaning all non-military vessels are allowed passage with the understanding that they adhere to Auresian regulations. The Auresian government has made it clear that it will not negotiate the status of the straits and will not tolerate any attempts by foreign powers to exert control over the waterway.

While the Auresian government maintains a largely indifferent stance regarding the alignment of non-military shipping passing through the straits, all vessels are monitored during their transit. Military vessels from nations in good standing with the State are allowed to transit without restriction, provided they give prior notice. If notice is not given, the navy will turn the vessel back until the issue is clarified between the respective governments.

Defense and security

The Hattaro Straits are heavily defended by the Auresian Navy and assets of both the Auresian Army and Imperial Air Force. The dedicated naval and air assets defending the straits are strategically split between stations at Oseidon and Porto Imperiale, playing a crucial role in the defense of the straits.

Since the end of the Pan-Anarian War, the Auresian government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward any perceived threats to the straits. The government has proclaimed that any hostile or perceived hostile actions will be met with overwhelming military force, without prior warning. All responses to potential threats are handled directly by the military forces rather than the transit police, a change in practice that reflects lessons learned during the Pan-Anarian War.