and Operation Dynamo
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunkirk_evacuation
or read
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Bulge
It's one dedicated military operation during that event. The Battle of the Royal Guards being another semi operation. So if any separation has to be done put it in the Battle of Lakfakalle.
edit:
I think if anything the Battle of Lakfakalle could be called a Campaign but it would be the Hania Fderation's campaign not Abh or anyone else... maybe Alliance if all are involved physically, though. No doubt there's intelligence war going on, too. That's one of the plot background for the story I did with Alex's support years ago...
------------
Battle of Gate Lakfakalle
doesn't sound right because it's not one single gate named Lakfakalle. If anything wit gate it has to be the Kryb gate or the Barke gate (which ever you meant). This again would be part of the Battle of Lakfakalle.
At the time the status of Kotoponi's fleet is unknown to the people involved. Even though HQ certainly has no reason to believe otherwise. As military commander you got to be pessimistic and consider the worse, planning and fighting with the least forces you are sure of to have. The rest is features.
The way the novel says it, I surmise a contingency plan was put in place and unsealed at beginning of the event. So she simply got orders and plans handed to her with complete time tables, codes etc. That's how a modern well organized military works. It's not a choice she can make. Only field decisions are her call.
I dunno about the blockade from the Barke Kingdom's side. It's unconfirmed reasonable guessing at this point. I think the alliance will be consolidating their foothold in Lakfakalle first, hence, a kind of ceasefire. Bot I'm certain both sides will probe the situation (scouts and probes) all the time.
edit:
In any case lots of military power is needed to seal off access.
or
The Abh could close the sord. But the UM can open it up as easily as well.
--------------------
I think Nereis is a (field) career officers. Remember him recording his exploits/memoirs he's out to make history, hence, career focused is unavoidable. For comparison Kenesh is an adjutant career officers. It's natural she would climbs faster.
I dunno if they got private career before he war. Unless they are reserves and are recalled to duty it's unlikely for someone to return to service by themselves. It's quite unheard off. So I think the rank difference between Nereis and Kenesh doesn't necessarily point to a private career.