Silam Dunerz was a Human male who served as a supply master in the 501st Legion, and held the rank of commander in the Galactic Empire's military by the time of the Galactic Civil War. At some point during the war, Dunerz was tasked with abducting Princess Leia Organa, a leading figure of the enemy Alliance to Restore the Republic. Knowing that the princess would be returning from the planet of Morton aboard the Redemption, a EF76 Nebulon-B escort frigate in service to the Alliance Fleet, Dunerz laid a trap on her route.