JEDI HoloNet

OUTER RIM, 473.16 – Hutt-backed pirate groups have attacked several planets in the Outer Rim in a coordinated “campaign of tribute” against worlds left without Republic Navy protection, officials have stated.

A coalition of pirate cartels claimed responsibility for the raids, stating that they would continue to raid any world that refused to pay them tribute. Some of these groups also demanded the Republic recognise their control over key space lanes and moons within the Outer Rim.

The raids have raised fears that the region’s security crisis has entered a new and much more dangerous phase.

Head of the Republic’s Outer Rim Security Committee, Senator Hammond Peramis, has stated that at least 600 people had been kidnapped by pirate groups in the attacks, and at least 10 civilian starships have been captured or destroyed.

The largest raid took place on Rettna IV, where local authorities said gunmen in four landing craft attacked a refinery settlement. At least 240 people are missing. Residents said that the settlement’s local militia was overwhelmed, and likely destroyed.

In orbit over Utapau, pirates boarded a passenger ship exiting hyperspace and took its 79 passengers and crew. Footage released appears to show armed pirates of Nagai origin moving through the ship’s corridors wielding Hutt-import blaster weaponry.

The Galactic Senate has condemned the Hutt Cartel for “a blatant act of hostility”, and stated that it is “preparing a severe response” if its citizens are not freed by the pirate groups. Many of these pirate groups are believed to have strong ties to the Hutt Cartel. The most powerful of these groups, the ‘Sun-Splitters’, are known to pay tribute to Gor’lan the Hutt, one of the leading figures of the interstellar cartel.

The Senate has also strongly criticised the League of Sovereign Systems for the weakness of its space patrols, which they allege allowed pirate groups to move into Republic space without being detected.

A spokesperson from the Malvero government has stated that the “government is taking swift and aggressive action to ensure that its people are protected from outside threats.”

MAARKA, 473.13 — A fire broke out earlier today at a remote research installation, sending a column of dark smoke above the surrounding wilderness and raising concerns among nearby settlements.

According to an official statement released by the facility, the incident resulted from an unforeseen malfunction during an experimental procedure. The resulting fire reportedly spread through portions of the installation’s ventilation infrastructure before emergency containment systems were activated.

Facility representatives have assured the public that the situation has since been brought under control and that no immediate danger exists to surrounding communities.

“Our personnel responded promptly, containing the incident without harm. We wish to reassure concerned citizens that the situation is under control and that all necessary safety precautions are being observed and will be enforced.”

Despite these assurances, the incident has brought renewed attention to the research installation, whose activities have remained quiet unusually quiet in recent weeks.

Several relatives of local researchers at the facility have expressed growing frustration over the apparent lack of communication with their loved ones. According to their reports, communication has become increasingly infrequent, having received little to no personal transmission in several cycles.

“My husband was supposed to return home last rotation. He told me they had discovered something unique, however, and that his supervisor wanted everyone to stay a little longer. That was the last time we spoke,” one concerned spouse explained.

Another family member expressed similar concerns.

“I understand their work is important, but surely they can spare a few minutes to contact their families!”

Growing number of similar complaints has raised questions about working conditions and personnel welfare.

CORUSCANT, 473.14 – Protestors clashed with police overnight at the Galactic Republic’s Supreme Court after Yula Perun, commander of ‘Task Force Indigo’, was cleared of misconduct over the destruction of the RRS Stargazer.

Large crowds of protestors were seen gathering in the Republic’s government quarters throughout the day. Several protestors were identified as ex-military, wearing medals of service, insignias, and tattoos, of the Republic Navy and Marines. Protestors claimed that the death of the sailors aboard the RRS Stargazer was the responsibility of Perun’s poor leadership and Malvero’s “abandonment” of the Outer Rim. The RRS Stargazer was a part of ‘Task Force Indigo’, an anti-piracy task force located in the Outer Rim.

On 472.05 the task force was attacked by pirates, losing the RRS Stargazer in an ambush. Footage from the scene shows protestors attempting to overpower a police barricade outside the Supreme Court. Clashes subsequently broke out between officers and protestors, with the police deploying tear gas to disperse the crowds. Perun was brought into an inquiry led by the Galactic Senate’s Special Investigations Committee (SIC) set up by the government to “ascertain the truth” of the events at Rettna IV.

On her release, the SIC chair stated: “Yula Perun’s conduct did not lead to the tragic death of the sailors aboard the RRS Stargazer. Nor were her actions unlawful or in breach of the established chain of command, as she was placed in executive authority during an unfortunate period of communications loss.” According to Coruscant police, the protestors “endangered” the life of Yula Perun and several police personnel. Chancellor Malvero released a statement today strongly condemning the incident and calling for “an immediate calming of passions”.

[Imagery on the Holonet has shown RRS Indigo returning to the port of Drogheda in flames]

At least one Republic warship has been destroyed, and at least fifty Republic sailors are presumed dead, as a result of a surprise attack against an anti-piracy task force operating in the Outer Rim. Sources from within the Republic Navy indicate that a small Republic task force, made up of 3-4 warships, were attacked while operating near the planet of Rettna IV.

Holonews can reveal that this attack was likely conducted by a Hutt-backed piracy cell operating in uncharted space. Sources from within the military have stated that the attack was a response to “unexpected military activity” in a contested border region.

The anti-piracy task force was originally ordered to withdraw to the Core Worlds following Chancellor Malvero’s “mobilisation” directive several days ago. It is not currently known why the task force was continuing to operate in the Outer Rim, at least 2000 parsecs from the nearest support fleet.

The Republic Navy has not commented on this article, but has placed an embargo upon further comment by Holonews due to “ongoing operational sensitivities”.

While making no reference to the military activity, veteran “war-hawk” Senator Hammond Peramis of Duneeden has led public criticism against Chancellor Malvero for “abandoning the Republic’s borders in its time of need”.