The Most Devastating Planetary Destructions in Star Wars

Introduction

In the vast galaxy of Star Wars, the devastation caused by Operation: Cinder, Emperor Palpatine's ruthless plan to destroy numerous planets, stands as a chilling testament to the Empire's cruelty. Unlike the Death Star's strategic purpose, Operation: Cinder was fueled purely by revenge and sadism. Let's delve into the most devastating planetary destructions in Star Wars and the impact they had on the galaxy.

Operation Cinder as shown in Star Wars Battlefront II

Mon Cala

The waterworld of Mon Cala, the homeworld of Admiral Ackbar, was a target for Operation: Cinder. The Empire aimed to draw the New Republic to the planet to destroy Project Starhawk, a prototype battleship. Although Mon Cala was saved from complete destruction by the Battle of Endor, it suffered greatly from the Empire's strategic attacks.

Mon Cala from Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

Mandalore

The Great Purge of Mandalore, orchestrated by Moff Gideon, was a notorious retaliation against the homeworld of the Mandalorians. The devastating attack turned the planet's surface to glass, nearly wiping out the entire Mandalorian population. This act was meant to erase all memory of Mandalore and set an example for the rest of the galaxy.

TIE Bombers destroy Mandalore in The Book of Boba Fett.

Naboo

Naboo, despite being Emperor Palpatine's homeworld, was targeted by Operation: Cinder. The capital city of Theed faced a fierce invasion by Imperial ground troops, but the combined forces of Leia Organa and elite pilots were able to repel the attack, showcasing the resilience of Naboo's defenders.

Naboo in the Star Wars movies

Commenor

The loyal planet of Commenor, despite its underground rebel movement, was devastated by Operation: Cinder. Although the planet survived, many civilizations were decimated, and Imperial remnants occupied it for years, leaving a lasting impact on its people.

Three Star Destroyers from Star Wars

Vardos

Vardos, the home of crack pilot Iden Versio and her father, Admiral Versio, was one of the first planets targeted by Operation: Cinder. The destruction of Vardos involved the use of a climate disruption array, covering the planet in atmospheric ash and leading to the disbandment of Inferno Squad.

Three characters talking in Star Wars Battlefront II

Nacronis

Nacronis, a planet with naturally occurring silt storms, fell victim to the Empire's attack during Operation: Cinder. The use of vortex grenades enlarged the storms to cataclysmic levels, resulting in the tragic loss of the entire population.

A Super Star Destroyer appears in The Empire Strikes Back.

Abednedo

Abednedo, a planet sympathetic to the Rebel Alliance, faced the threat of destruction during Operation: Cinder. However, the local population's resistance and the intervention of New Republic special forces prevented its demise, solidifying its loyalty to the New Republic and the Resistance.

A fleet of Republic Venator-class Star Destroyers flying through space in Star Wars.

Burnin Konn

The mining planet of Burnin Konn was ravaged in a ground battle during Operation: Cinder. The destruction and resistance encountered on the planet led to significant consequences for those involved, including the sniper Migs Mayfeld, who deserted the Empire.

Din Djarin and Migs Mayfeld in an Imperial compound in The Mandalorian

Mysterious Targets

Little is known about the planets Dybbron III, Kortatka, and Fedovoi End, which were mercilessly attacked at the end of Operation: Cinder. The devastating impact of the campaign on these worlds remains a haunting mystery.

Valin Hess proposes having a drink with Migs Mayfeld and Pedro Pascal's Din Djarin in The Mandalorian season 2 episode 7

Conclusion

The devastating aftermath of Operation: Cinder and the destruction it brought to the galaxy serve as a grim reminder of the Empire's capacity for cruelty. The 12 planets affected by this campaign bear witness to the atrocities committed in Emperor Palpatine's quest for revenge, leaving a lasting impact on the Star Wars universe.

Plapatine Operation Cinder and Coruscant in Star Wars

Image Gallery

Explore visual representations of the devastating planetary destructions in the Star Wars universe.