Less than three days after capturing Secundus City, the Vizsla government forces were forced to abandon it and retreat in panic. As they withdrew, they destroyed the city's last water supply facility and its dust-shield controller, making reconstruction extraordinarily difficult and costly.
It was clear they were deeply unwilling to retreat. After all, capturing Secundus City had cost them nearly 8,000 dead and more than 30,000 wounded.
But they had no choice, because this army's supplies had been completely cut off.
The Vizsla government forces attacking Secundus City consisted of seven Legions, with a total strength of more than 90,000 troops. An army of that size consumed an enormous amount of supplies every day it fought. Their original plan had been to seize the city within three days, but it had actually taken more than a week, leaving them without ammunition long ago.
Food was manageable, since they could requisition it directly from the city. But ammunition and water had become enormous problems.
Cities across Mandalore generally suffered from water shortages, and Secundus City's determined resistance had quickly drained the water carried by the Vizsla government forces. When evacuating, the city's residents would rather pour out water they could not take with them than leave it for the invaders, making the army's water shortage unbearably severe.
The city's water facilities had been badly damaged by the fighting. Although they eventually captured the city, the army had no choice but to remain there for an extended period so the soldiers could replenish their water supplies. Only after every soldier had done so could they proceed with the next stage of their operations.
Yet having this army remain in the city for so long created a massive security risk—because they lacked ammunition!
Pre Vizsla had indeed built a vast army of 23