The Gelgelar withdrawal involved the removal of the Rebel base situated there, followed by the Elrood sector Alliance forces falling back to the Airam sector. This event also represented the initial actions of Task Force Vengeance in their mission to subdue the Airam sector and eliminate all Rebel presence.
Having received intelligence regarding Admiral Wooyou Senn's orders to establish Task Force Vengeance, the Alliance understood that the Empire would soon launch a swift attack against their Elrood sector resources.
The preparations proceeded smoothly, with both Rogue and Gold Squadrons maintaining constant surveillance, patrolling the area surrounding the XQ5 Platform. Several GR-75 medium transports were tasked with evacuating the base's personnel.
However, the planned orderly retreat quickly devolved into a desperate struggle for the survival of both the transports and the base.
The initial assault wave consisted of Assault Gunboats, which initiated a torpedo barrage against the platform. They were quickly reinforced by the Victory-class Star Destroyer Stormhawk, which promptly deployed fighters to engage the Rebel Z-95s.
Adding to the already dire situation, the Imperial-class Star Destroyer Rage entered the system via hyperspace and launched Avenger Squadron (flying TIE/IN interceptor craft) along with a separate squadron of TIE/sa bombers, while also conveniently cutting off the evacuation ships' escape route.
Rogue Squadron successfully executed their mission of achieving space dominance and suppressing enemy fire, enabling the command shuttle Raven and the three medium transports to escape.
The Gelgelar base held significant strategic value for the Alliance, functioning as a medical station for their forces stationed in the Elrood sector. The base's loss complicated medical treatment, forcing the Alliance to abandon some supplies during the hasty departure.
The arrival of Task Force Vengeance created further difficulties, compelling the Alliance to execute a complete withdrawal into the isolated Airam sector.