Several hours ago, in the Saga (Tau-29) system, an unfortunate series of events culminated in the death of Lord Lowfer-Ferres while His Excellency was returning to the Kingdom of Bretonia after a medical emergency. At present, Naval Forces units belonging to the 99th Advanced Battlegroup, IKN Akatsuki, acting in close coordination with relief ships under escort of IKN Haruna, have secured the trade lane infrastructure to prevent any delays to the commercial activity and are working to establish a perimeter around the conflict area in order to begin the salvage process and the retrieval of any bodies found near the battle zone.

Lord Mitsuo has arrived 30 minutes ago on New Tokyo from the Kyushu system, for an urgent meeting with the Minister of Defence, esteemed Mr. Masamune Kogen and the respected Foreign Affairs Minister Toshinori Kojirou to discuss immediate measures regarding the security of Saga, Kyushu, and the junction to the Kingdom of Bretonia, Tau-31. A press meeting is scheduled later today to elaborate on the discussed steps.

Further, an investigation has been launched by the Internal Affairs & Justice Ministry with accent being put upon the complete dismissal of communication channels with the Kusari authorities by the Bretonian convoy upon being intercepted by hostile forces. Lord Mitsuo advises foreign authorities to await the conclusion of this investigation before launching their own, as the Empire will take all the necessary actions to ensure that the body of Lord Lowfer-Ferres is located and returned promptly to the Kingdom of Bretonia, while also clarifying the events that led to the destruction of the convoy.

The Office of the Lord Protector transmits the most sincere condolences to the affected families of the crews and vows to bring the treacherous Royalists which have committed the brutal acts to justice as soon as possible. Additionally, His Excellency, Mr. Mitsuo, also states that communication channels with the Kingdom of Bretonia will be used with great haste upon the conclusion of the New Tokyo meeting.