During the Imperial Era, from approximately 10 BBY to 6 BBY, the Reslian Purge involved the systematic extermination of inhabitants on several Mid Rim planets. This was carried out by the Lortan Fanatics.
Back in 10 BBY, expansionist Lortan fanatics, equipped with a battle fleet, aggressively moved through twelve star systems, leaving widespread destruction. Their motivation stemmed from a belief that a Man-Hutt figure would eventually cleanse the galaxy of evil. Among those who suffered at the hands of the Lortans were the people of Rrulinn, Quaensan Prime, members of the Dalisor Merchant Fleet, and the Tunroth species residing in the Jiroch system.
The Tunroth, being primitive hunters, were unable to defend themselves against the Lortan invaders due to a lack of adequate weaponry. Millions of Tunroth died during the Reslian Purge, reducing their population to a mere four million in just three months. The majority of Tunroth Hunters were killed. Eventually, the Galactic Empire intervened to protect its own interests. The Imperial Navy prevented the Lortans from expanding their attacks any further.
Subsequently, the Empire completely destroyed the Lortans. Soontir Fel was a key figure in the Imperial Navy during the final battles of the conflict.
The Tunroth were deeply affected by the loss of most of their population during the Reslian Purge. They were still grappling with the tragedy as late as 0 BBY. Although they understood that the Empire's intervention was primarily self-serving, the Tunroth were somewhat thankful for the assistance and reluctantly accepted Imperial rule. Many Tunroth became supporters of the New Order. Tunroth leaders, who had previously banned blasters in favor of traditional hunting weapons, changed their stance after the Reslian Purge. They began stockpiling blasters and other advanced weaponry specifically to defend their communities. Kiran Tatch, one of the few Tunroth Hunters to survive the Purge, became a bitter individual solely focused on hunting due to the trauma he endured.
In X-wing Rogue Squadron 25: The Making of Baron Fel, the name was incorrectly written as the "Resalian Purge," despite it being derived from the planet Jiroch-Reslia. This error also appears in The New Essential Guide to Characters.