Occupation of South Figaro

The Siege of South Figaro is an event in Final Fantasy VI that marks an escalation in the Gestahlian Empire's war against the Returners, as well as substantiating the end of the Figaro-Imperial alliance. To the Empire, the invasion is a response to Edgar Roni Figaro's refusal to hand over Terra Branford at a previous encounter in Figaro Castle, as well as a step in a wider plan to invade Narshe.

The player visits South Figaro right before and immediately after the invasion, but never gets to see the actual battle. It is mentioned that the town fell with almost no resistance due to an inside informant, despite a citizen in southeast South Figaro expressing faith in the city's defenses prior to the invasion. Locke Cole travels to South Figaro to operate on behalf of the Returners and slow down the Empire, but his efforts are in vain and he is ultimately forced to escape. The Gestahlian Empire asserts tight control over the city, and when visited by Locke after the invasion, the streets are patrolled by troops with Magitek Armor.

Aftermath
The siege happens right before the Siege of Doma, where the Empire faces stiff resistance but ultimately emerge victorious. The Gestahlian Empire continues its advance towards Narshe, culminating with the Battle for the Frozen Esper where Narshe Guards and the Returners inflict a decisive defeat on the Empire.

Though the occupation was presumably unopposed after Locke's escape from the city, the Empire later unconditionally withdrew its forces after surrendering to the Returners due to the decimation of Vector at the hands of furious espers.