Resistance News Network (Derra) – Alliance forces have begun to wind down operations in the Derra system, with senior commanders confirming that all strategic objectives have been fully met. Local government officials have expressed sincere thanks for the swift actions of the Alliance in restoring peace to the troubled system, as well as their ongoing assistance in a training and advisory capacity.

The operation began just over three galactic standard weeks ago with a wave of precision strikes against cartel communication and espionage infrastructure. Naval forces implemented enhanced patrols and customs checks - seizing over four tonnes of contraband including weapons and narcotics - and successfully escorted dozens of civilian spacecraft within the system limits.

With previously established smuggling routes forcibly discontinued, and communications infrastructure crippled, the poorly motivated pirates were easily routed. Alliance ground forces quickly secured local population centers and criminal strongholds across the System with little resistance. Zann Consortium kill-bots - which previously roamed the streets unchallenged - were left cut-off from their primary command signals, allowing local security forces to capture and dismantle them with ease. In spite of the overwhelming disadvantage, the roving brigands refused to surrender - instead, employing an upstart band of mercenaries of little renown to aid their faltering cause. Although the group saw limited initial successes by employing hit-and-run tactics, the superior Alliance fleet quickly adapted and prevented a breakthrough of their formidable defensive line. With the misguided mercenaries on the run, the local cartels quickly laid down their arms.

Despite the unbridled success of Alliance forces across the Sector, the sentient cost cannot be understated. Captain Jahn Lo Tar of the Resistance Combat Engineers was quick to praise the work of those on the ground. “Allied aid workers have worked night and day to feed, clothe, and home the thousands of sentients displaced by cartel terrorism. With local security forces back in control of the major cities, we can now begin the arduous task of rebuilding and repairing their homes and infrastructure.” Yet despite this support, many feel anxious at returning to homes which, not so long ago, were so violently torn from them.

Analysts express surprise that a significant Alliance task force was able to operate with impunity in such close proximity to occupied Imperial territories, with some suggesting that Imperial reluctance to engage is symptomatic of a broader failure of foreign policy and military readiness. Some surmise that the laissez-faire attitude toward territorial integrity may embolden an Alliance that is already riding high on the coat-tails of several notable victories, inviting further sorties deeper into occupied territories.