In a concerted effort by the Imperium in Tribute on May 27, the systems of 0-YMBJ (a Keepstar system) and A-DDGY (a system with two Sotiyos) lost their Infrastructure Hubs (iHubs) before blocker iHubs were installed by Goonswarm.
The extensive overnight operation was not limited to those two systems – both constellations of X-VN63 and GORV-P suffered catastrophic losses with 14 Northern Coalition. (NCdot) iHubs destroyed in Tribute. This breach into Tribute space and the destruction of the iHubs drops the strategic index down to 0, making it much easier for Imperium forces to online structures to support the siege of the Keepstar and Sotiyos, as well as crippling the PanFam FLEX Upwell network in those constellations. With a wall of iHub timers all stacked to come out at almost the same time, NCdot was able to save one iHub of 21SU-Y, however by not choosing to take the fight, they allowed the fleet of entosis hackers to have free rein and secure the nodes.
This means that the systems can no longer be cyno-jammed for at least 35 days, and a Sotiyo structure in A-DDGY is already reinforced and heading towards an armour timer. As a result, the full force of the Imperium supercap fleets can be used to attack these important structures, with one of the Sotiyos being reported as a supercapital shipyard.
NCdot and PL, supported by Pandemic Horde, have been attempting to defend the space, but only forming when attempting to create and take ship-to-ship fights. Their aim is to make the campaign as expensive as possible, while taking steps to reduce the killboard damage by passing ownership of structures to non-alliance holding corporations, as well as extracting “non-essential” assets to lowsec before the war started.
How long until the shields are breached on the 0-Y Keepstar? It’s hard to say for certain, but be sure to stay tuned as we continue bringing you more news from the Tribute region.
