In 10 ABY, preceding Operation Shadow Hand, the Galactic Empire achieved victory over the planet of Metellos before advancing towards Coruscant.
As the Galactic Empire renewed its offensive in 10 ABY, a campaign that ultimately led to Operation Shadow Hand, Admiral Sander Delvardus commanded one of the three massive Imperial fleets that emerged from the Deep Core. While the other two fleets targeted Corellia and Giju, the Imperial forces under Delvardus swiftly secured control of Kaikielius and Alsakan, before setting their sights on Metellos, a world rich in energy resources. After crushing the New Republic fleet sent to oppose him, Delvardus unleashed a devastating orbital bombardment, causing over five billion civilian deaths.
However, as the New Republic was concentrating its forces to resist the Empire at Metellos, they were taken by surprise when another fleet dispatched by the Imperial Ruling Council appeared at Coruscant, while a third launched attacks in the Borderland Regions. This forced the New Republic to withdraw along the Perlemian Trade Route, ceding Coruscant to Imperial control.
- Dark Empire Sourcebook
- Star Wars Encyclopedia
- Coruscant and the Core Worlds
- The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia
- Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Praji on Hyperspace (article) (content obsolete and backup link not available)
- The Essential Atlas
- The Essential Guide to Warfare