In 05.025.M42, Commander Malkaor launched a bold and sweeping westward breakout from the Tau-held bridgehead, aiming to change the tempo of the campaign and seize the initiative. The offensive was meticulously planned and executed with typical Tau precision, incorporating Hunter Cadres supported by mobile armour and air assets. The Biordeosta region, a critical logistical hub for the traitor forces, fell after a short but intense engagement.
The offensive then rolled into the rugged Appenine highlands, a heavily fortified and naturally defensible region. Expecting a prolonged and grinding conflict, the Tau commanders were surprised when the resistance—composed largely of chaos cultists and scattered traitor PDF—collapsed under sustained drone strikes, pulse fire, and flanking manoeuvres by mobile stealth units.
This manoeuvre proved decisive. With the Appenine highlands lost, chaos forces in northern Zadoc found themselves isolated and in danger of encirclement. Recognising the untenable position, the Chaos commanders ordered a hasty evacuation of Andiselie, abandoning valuable materiel and infrastructure to avoid annihilation.
By 06.025.M42, the Tau Empire had gained control of the majority of the central continent of Zadoc, establishing a network of forward operating bases and expanding their sphere of influence westward and north. This campaign marked the first significant strategic reversal for the Chaos forces on Zadoc since their initial invasion, and morale among the traitor ranks visibly faltered.
The success of the western breakout significantly altered the balance of power on the world. With their forces now in a strong operational position, and the chaos front lines crumbling, the Tau appeared poised to complete the conquest of Zadoc before the end of 025.M42—if they could maintain momentum and avoid retaliation from either Chaos reinforcements or the ever-watchful Imperium.
The war for Zadoc had entered a new phase—one where Tau dominance was no longer theoretical, but material, visible in the fire-lit skies above burning hive spires.