"Requesting assistance."
"Xiaozhi is wounded, we need help urgently."
Urgent cries echoed over the police communication channel.
"Temporary withdrawal, maintain surveillance, do not engage."
The on-site commander swiftly issued orders.
There seemed to be no other viable option.
The available firepower was inadequate.
The drug traffickers were armed with rifles, while the police were equipped with handguns.
Charging headlong into danger would be reckless.
For now, the objective was to keep the drug traffickers pinned down, preventing their escape, and await reinforcements.
"Report, there's a villager ahead, and one of the drug traffickers is headed in their direction, likely attempting to take them hostage."
"Is there a way to flank them from the side?"
"No, it's impossible. The terrain on both sides of the path is too steep to traverse."
Going around was not an option.