Spice War on Taris Kills "Hundreds"

Taris, Ojoster Sector — A skirmish in the atmosphere of Taris involving criminal vessels has resulted in "hundreds" of civilians on the planet killed by falling debris, according to local officials. The incident began when the Marauder corvette Anjiliac, believed to be associated with the Hutt Cartel, ambushed a convoy of freighters carrying valuable and illegal glitterstim spice. Eight of the freighters were destroyed, raining debris onto a residential district over 60 miles below. The Anjiliac fled the scene, as did the other surviving ships, before authorities could intervene.

Efforts to rescue injured civilians and recover bodies buried under collapsed buildings are underway into the night, while officials estimate that as many as 200 people are believed killed. Medcenters on Taris are preparing to recieve at least as many injured.

The incident was the culmination of a week of violence on Taris related to the planet's spice trade. The Lucian Alliance, an amalgamation of pirate factions under the leadership of the mysterious "Netan" (which was also responsible for the hijacking, last month, of the luxury liner Ithorian Peace and the murder of all onboard) began the series of events by forcing local swoop gangs out of their territory in an attempt to dominate the market. The gangs later united, ambushed the Alliance's warehouses and distribution centers, and forced them into retreat this week.

Today's ambush and destruction of several shipments of spice represents the entry of the influential Hutt Cartel into the conflict, officials told The Coruscant Journal. The Hutts are the primary supplier, on both New Republic and Imperial Remnant worlds, of glitterstim and other illegal varieties of spice. Authorities announced that they are prepared for an escalation in the conflict and will step up anti-drug efforts on the planet. This incident is also expected to have a bearing on the New Republic Senate's debate on a measure to legalize certain varieties of spice, currently underway.

The Coruscant Journal will monitor developments as they occur.