Prison Break on Kashyyyk

The Prison Break on Kashyyyk occurred during the Galactic Civil War, when Han Solo rescued his friend and copilot Chewbacca from a prison camp on Kashyyyk, provoking a battle between Imperial and Rebel forces.

Prelude
Some time prior to the Battle of Yavin, Chewbacca was captured by the Galactic Empire and was held in a prison camp on his homeworld of Kashyyyk. Han Solo traveled to Kashyyyk in order to rescue Chewbacca and, if possible, dozens of other Wookiees.

Rebel assistance
Learning the initiative of Han Solo, Mon Mothma sent troops on Kashyyyk to help him to liberate the Wookiees. The smuggler and the Rebel troops attacked each prison on Kashyyyk on at a time until they located which one held Chewbacca, inciting Wookiees to riot and join their cause along the way.

Vader's arrival
Not wanting to lose an invaluable workforce for the Death Star, Darth Vader went to Kashyyyk with troops and vehicles, most notably TIE Maulers and All Terrain Scout Transports in order to repress the rebellion.

The Empire managed to crush the revolt and kill many Wookiees and Rebel forces. Furthermore, they were able to maintain their steady supply of Wookiee slaves to help construct the Death Star. Despite the Imperial victory, Han Solo and Chewbacca were able to escape, leaving Kashyyyk in the Millennium Falcon.

Appearances

 * Star Wars: Empire at War