Backstab (Operation Arrowhead)

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Special Forces attempt to take out the enemy commander before the invasion. Mission Description

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Backstab
Time	XX:XX AM
Date	01-06-2012
Location	Zargabad, Central Takistan, Takistan

Backstab is the first mission of ArmA 2's Operation Arrowhead campaign.

Overview

The player controls Delta Force operator Sergeant First Class Terry Graves. The deadline for the ultimatum issued to the Takistani regime has passed ignored. Operation Arrowhead is due to begin shortly but the opportunity to assassinate the country's leader, Muhammad Aziz, has presented itself.

With the help of a local contact, Graves' fireteam will be transported to the regional capital of Zargabad to hopefully eliminate Aziz before the main invasion commences.

Graves' role/class:

• Specops / Takistani (sweater)

Default loadout:

• Primary weapon: SVD Dragunov (4× magazines)
  • PSO-1
• Secondary weapon: None
• Equipment: None
• Backpack: None

The briefing loadout menu is not available for this mission.

Objectives

Primary

N/A

Optional

N/A

Mandatory

N/A

Walkthrough

This isn't actually a "playable" mission in the conventional sense but is rather an interactive cutscene that kicks off once the intro news report is over.

When Sayid (the contact) drops off Graves' team overlooking the city's mosque, you'll be given the chance to snipe Aziz when he attempts to leave the area. However, it isn't possible to kill Aziz no matter how well you aim. The mission will end shortly afterwards.

Trivia

• This is the first mission in Operation Arrowhead where Graves is depicted wearing a civilian "disguise" rather than his standard MultiCam/UCP-camouflaged fatigues and plate carrier vest.
• Although the mission can optionally be played in co-op, there is no difference to its events compared to the single player version.
• Despite the mission taking place mere hours before the main invasion, the intro text inconsistently states that it takes place on May 25th.
• Backstab is the only occasion where AAN reporter Joe Harris utters dialogue until his demise several missions later.
• The local contact is inconsistently referred to "Sa'em" in the briefing rather than "Sayid"/"Sa'ed" as written in the subtitles whenever Graves speaks to him.
• The news ticker bar in the intro report contains references to the ARMA community and other Armaverse events, particularly with regards to active military operations taking place in the first phase of the invasion:
  • "USMC announces purchase of the latest generation of cutting-edge simulation software from Bohemia Interactive.
  • "US amphibious assault ship 'USS Khe Sanh' sustains light damage from Takistani gunboat."
  • "Scud missile strikes reported in Mazargan suburbs, Karzeghistan. Czech NBC specialist dismisses reports of chemical warheads."
  • "British RN Harriers sink Takistani light cruiser 'Pride of Chalang' in Salak Darya delta."
  • "US President McKain authorizes surgical bombing against military targets in Takistan."
  • "British SAS troops seize port authority building of Bandar-e Ghazmi; harbour area secured by Royal Marines."
  • "Ardistan report first refugees fleeing warzone; Chernarussian President Baranov promises humanitarian aid."
  • "US Army Task Force Knight deployed to forward base established by Marine Task Force Bishop."
  • "Takistani forces in state of readiness; armored units cross border of Karzeghistan."
  • "UN Security Council authorize Allied counterattack in Takistan this morning."