First Battle of Taris

''"The Mandalorian flag flies over Taris, those savages have taken the jewel of the New Republic and oppressed it. The Republic has suffered a stinging defeat, but we must regroup and stay strong"

- Sul Sharala The First Battle of Taris was the second major conflict of the First Mandalorian War that shortly followed the Battle of Coruscant in 78,022 ABY, with the Mandalorian force regrouping after their fleet was repelled in that battle and attacking another New Republic stronghold, Taris.

The Republic, reeling from an attack on their capital, were forced to rush to the defense of another of their key planets, Taris, which had long since been a major planet in both the New Republic and its predecessor, the. The Mandalorians targeted Taris much as they had done Coruscant, obliterating the orbiting defenses before bombarding the surface of the New Upper City and causing heavy destruction and loss of life.

The New Republic fleet, commanded by Admiral Sul Sharala, arrived in orbit of Taris and immediately engaged the Mandalorian fleet, resulting in a continual struggle above the planet while the surface lay in half ruin. A contingent of Jedi, led by Ammon Gabra, were dispatched to the planet's surface to help with evacuating much of the damaged parts of the Upper City. They were confronted by one of the Mandalore 's most powerful lieutenants, Malachturk, whom Gabra defeated in single combat after the Mandalorian defeated several Jedi Knights in the battle. The Republic fleet continued to push back against the Mandalorians but were forced to retreat, leaving Taris to be subjugated by the Mandalorians.