The assault on the Esseles, also known as the Esseles incident, was an operation under the command of Grand Moff Rycus Kilran carried out by the Sith Empire during the Cold War with the objective of arresting Republic Ambassador Vyn Asara on charges of terrorism and sedition against the Sith Empire. Grand Moff Kilran threatened to kill the entire crew of the Esseles if they resisted his forces. Four individuals aboard the Esseles stood against the invaders, eventually repelling them and boarding the Moff's ship, disengaging the tractor beam that held the Esseles and allowed it to escape. Following the assault, Imperial spokesmen denied any wrongdoing.