How is PPP (Puppet Political Parties) Supposed to Work?

[Taqwus]

In addition, the intel op seems to take place at the end of the user's turn (at least in traditional turn-based, haven't checked simultaneous), meaning that the original owner might see the planet declare itself independent and then immediately annihilate the rebellious colony the same turn, which would explain its emptiness (and you wouldn't get a battle report since you weren't a participant if they didn't join you).