Battle of Betazed

The Battle of Betazed was a Dominion offensive against the Federation member world of Betazed during the Dominion War in 2374.

The Dominion attack was a stunning success with the planet and its outlying colonies capitulating within ten hours. By sending their fleet through the Kalandra sector the Dominion was able to catch the Tenth Fleet, which was stationed to defend the world, by surprise and out of position on a training exercise. The Tenth Fleet fought on despite this and was devastated trying to protect the planet. That coupled with Betazed's antiquated planetary defences led to one of the Federation's most humiliating defeats in the war. 

Starfleet Task Force 59 responded to the planet's distress call after it was attacked. However, four hours from the system the task force was notified that the planet and fallen and retreated. (: "Change in Command")

Following the Dominion's occupant of Betazed they released a transmission to the entire Alpha Quadrant to confirm that the planet had fallen. Included in the transmission were scenes of the battle that showed the Dominion fleet steamrolling through the defenders.

Later that year, the Second Fleet launched three unsuccessful attempts to liberate the world from Dominion occupation.