Operation Knightfall

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Date: 19 BBY
Location: Coruscant
Combatants: Galactic Republic/Empire and the Jedi Order
Outcome: Deffat of the Jedi Order

After the Jedi's betrayal in Supreme Chancellor Palpatine's office's personal office, Darth Sidious showed his true face and ordered the execution of Order 66.

The impact of Order 66

Countless Jedi were killed when order 66 was issued.

Across the galaxy, thousands of Jedi were killed by their own troops while the Chancellor's new apprentice, the Sith Lord Darth Vader, led the 501st Legion in a direct assault on the Jedi Temple of Coruscant. With the exception of a few surviving Jedi, such as Grand Master Yoda, Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, former Padawan Ahsoka Tano and Jedi Knight Kanan Jarrus, the Great Jedi Purge was largely accomplished through the initial activation of Order 66. Even after the initial onslaught, Order 66 still stood, and all Jedi, even people who might be Jedi, were to be killed on sight.

Report from the 501st Journal

What I remember about the rise of the Empire is... is how quiet it was.

During the waning hours of the Clone Wars, the 501st Legion was discreetly transferred back to Coruscant. It was a silent trip. We all knew what was about to happen, what we were about to do. Did we have any doubts? Any private, traitorous thoughts? Perhaps, but no one said a word. Not on the flight to Coruscant, not when Order 66 came down, and not when we marched into the Jedi Temple. Not a word.

With the fall of Coruscant and the elimination of the traitorous Jedi, Palpatine's rise to power was complete. In recognition of our service and loyalty to the Emperor, the 501st was placed under the direct command of Lord Vader. Armed with deadly new weapons, blazing new ships, and shiny new armor, our presence let the galaxy know that the days of the Old Republic were well and truly over. We were establishing a new era, an era of order and peace.

The Aftermath

The beginning of the Great Jedi Purge..

The order that stud once ten thousand strong, was reduced to only a few hundred in hiding or plotting against the Empire. You can learn more about this in my report next about the Jedi Purge...

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