Liberation of Ba Sing Se

The Battle of Ba Sing Se or more commonly known as Liberation of Ba Sing Se was the 2nd to the last battle which occurred in The War.

Prelude
The city of Ba Sing Se was the last Earth Kingdom stronghold the country had to sustain its war effort against the Fire Nation after the fortress city of Omashu fell to the enemy several months prior. Throughout the entire course of the War, Ba Sing Se was the country's major source of soldiers, food, equipment, etc. Ba Sing Se was once considered unconquerable due to the Fire Nation's failure to penetrate its walls.

However, roughly three months prior to the arrival of Sozin's Comet, the Earth Kingdom suffered an enormous defeat when Princess Azula and her two friends, Mai and Ty Lee, infiltrated the city disguised as Kyoshi Warriors. Through her expert manipulation, Azula was able to secure control over the Dai Li, the power-hungry cultural enforcers of Ba Sing Se. She was also able to enlist the help of her exiled brother Prince Zuko, who was desperate to return to the Fire Nation. Together, they overthrew Earth King Kuei and defeated Avatar Aang in a coup d'etat that left Azula in total control of the city, denying the country the resources necessary to win the War. Within days, the Dai Li demolished the city walls and the Fire Nation Army conquered the city, securing almost total victory over the Earth Kingdom.

The people of the world realized that if balance was to be restored to the world, Ba Sing Se had to be restored to the Earth King's rule. Earthbenders organized underground rebellions to resist the occupation, which denied the Fire Nation full control of the city. However, their efforts would not be enough to repel the invaders prior to the Comet's arrival.

In an effort to save the city from destruction, the Order of the White Lotus, a secret organization transcending world boundaries, initiated a mission to liberate the city on the day of the Comet's arrival. With its power, the Order's Firebenders would give the Society's small army a significant advantage over the Fire Nation Army.

The Battle
Prior to the arrival of Sozin's Comet a signal sent by General Iroh to the members of the White Lotus to join together at the outskirts of Ba-Sing-Se. At this time the Earth Kingdom capital was under tight occupation, and would soon be threatened by Ozai's airship armada.

The day before the comet initiated the operation, the Order encountered Prince Zuko and his allies during this scene, Iroh and Zuko made peace and things became clear, if the war was to end the Fire Nation would need to be decisively defeated at the capital.

During the Comet's arrival, the Order laid siege to the city, thus initiating the battle. With a single powerful blast, Iroh and his men were able to breach into the city. Dozens of Firebenders from atop the walls rained fire down at the invading army but to little avail. Heavy fighting took place at the main plaza of the Inner Ring and the streets were littered with broken down shells of the occupiers' tanks. The Order advanced to the center of Ba Sing Se as the retreating army was encircled in hundreds of pockets through out the city.

Hours of intense combat passed, but the outcome was clear for both sides. Iroh is seen burning the Fire Nation flag that hung over the Imperial Palace, symbolizing that the Earth Kingdom was free once again.

Aftermath
Little is seen of Ba Sing Se after the end of the War, although a few kids are seen playing Earth Soccer, using stacked up Fire Nation Tanks in the game, and Iroh, along with much of Team Avatar is seen at the Jasmine Dragon. Much of the city was damaged in the battle, and the Walls need extensive repairs. However, the city has been freed from the Fire Nation's tyrannous rule and judging from the jovial behavior of the children playing, the citizens are enjoying a newfound sense of freedom. It is likely that the Dai Li have been stripped of their authority over the city and the suspension of free speech lifted.