The Destruction of Caamas,[1] also known as the Caamas Firestorm[2] or the Caamas Incident,[source?] was a vicious attack on the planet Caamas perpetrated by the Galactic Empire in 19 BBY.[1]
Due to their free-thinking ways and adherence to the Galactic Republic, the Caamasi were perceived by EmperorPalpatine as a threat to his rule, and he orchestrated a plan to wipe them out.[1]
Enlisting the aid of Bothan operatives on the ground, Palpatine had Caamas's planetary shields switched off,[1] subjecting the world to a fiery bombardment from Star Destroyers.[3]
The attack led to firestorms that lasted for years, finishing off the remaining plant life that survived the initial devastation. Surviving animal life was slowly killed off due to starvation or asphyxiation. Most of the Caamasi population were killed in the attack, with an estimated 200 survivors left alive, after the bombardment.[1]
"It does occur to me, though, that we might be worrying more than necessary about this whole Caamas thing. That was a long time ago, and it could be that no one will care anymore who was to blame." "I don't believe that for a moment." "No. Neither do I."
Due to the loss of all plant life, the planet experienced heavy erosion which changed the surface features. Soot and smoke filled the atmosphere, altering the planet's climate, and the oceans became polluted from runoff. Breath masks became mandatory for any visitors to the world who planned on staying outdoors for longer periods of time.[4]
An extensive outrage in the galaxy followed the attack, due to the severity of the crime. Caamasi refugees found temporary homes on planets such as Alderaan, Kerilt, and Susevfi.[5] Alderaan was noted as having a large collection of information on the attack in its royal library.
Years afterwards, the group responsible remained unknown. Imperial propaganda stated that a wayward cluster of high-yield actinium bombs originating with the CIS had detonated on the planet.[6] The Galactic Empire's guilt and the aid given by the Bothans was eventually uncovered. This fact came to a head with the Caamas Document Crisis in 19 ABY.[1]