The Separatist invasion of Ryloth, homeworld of the Twi'leks, demonstrated the war's impact on civilian populations. Techno Union Foreman Wat Tambor led the occupation, implementing a brutal regime that exploited Ryloth's resources while subjugating its people. The destruction of the Republic's Outer Rim garrison left the planet defenseless, allowing Separatist forces to establish a stronghold that would require massive resources to dislodge.
The Ryloth occupation highlighted the strategic importance of the Outer Rim. These resource-rich worlds became prizes to be won or lost, with their populations caught between competing military forces. The suffering of the Twi'lek people under Separatist rule became a rallying cry for Republic forces, but also demonstrated the difficulty of liberation operations that would be repeated on countless worlds.