New democratic government is agreed, per the treaty of Bajor, to fully disarm. Receiving aid from former allied powers, especially the Federation.
They’ve agreed to submit their security/military to the former allied powers, so there is always a Klingon, Federation, or Romulan presence inside existing Cardassian space.
Raiders and other resistant elements of the Cardassian fleet disappeared rather than submitting to the treaty’s stipulations.
They may or may not be hiding out in The Badlands.
This accounts for missing ships as well as supplies such as industrial replicators, construction supplies, medical supplies, food, etc.
(basically a Cardassian Maquis)
Empok Nor was found abandoned shortly after the war. Pa Wraith cultists, worshiping a vision Gul Dukat, are rumored to be present among the former Cardassian colonies, and within Cardassian space itself.
The Obsidian Order is thought to have permanently dissolved.
