The First Battle of Xa Fel was one of the later battles in the Thrawn campaign. Under the command of Grand Admiral Thrawn, the Imperial fleet routed the New Republic forces after a thirty hour battle. The planetary government of Xa Fel surrendered to avoid a planetary bombardment. After the New Republic defeat, Grand Admiral Thrawn left the system to organize the Battle of Bilbringi. He let Captain Harbid lead the deployment of ground forces on Xa Fel and accepted the surrender of the planet. The capture of Xa Fel allowed the Empire to take control the Kanchen sector.