2014 Northern Iraq offensive

2014 Northern Iraq offensive. The offensive was a major military campaign launched by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in early June 2014, leading to the rapid capture of vast territories in northern and western Iraq. The collapse of several Iraqi Army divisions precipitated a severe national crisis, brought the Kurdistan Region into direct conflict, and triggered a significant international intervention. The offensive marked a pivotal escalation in the War in Iraq (2013–2017) and led to the declaration of the Islamic State caliphate by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

Background

The offensive followed years of sectarian tension and instability in Iraq after the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the subsequent Iraq War. The rise of ISIL was fueled by the Syrian Civil War, where the group gained significant combat experience and resources. Deep-seated grievances among Iraq's Sunni population against the Shia-led government of Nouri al-Maliki, including allegations of political marginalization and repression by the Iraqi Army, created a permissive environment. ISIL had already established a stronghold in Al Anbar Governorate following the Anbar campaign, setting the stage for a broader assault.

Initial ISIL advance

On 4 June 2014, ISIL forces attacked and captured the city of Samarra, threatening the revered Al-Askari Shrine. The main thrust began on 6 June with a multi-pronged assault on Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city. Facing minimal resistance, ISIL fighters overran the city within days, causing the collapse of the Iraqi Army's 2nd Division and 3rd Division. The group seized vast quantities of U.S.-supplied military equipment, including Humvees and M1 Abrams tanks, from fleeing forces. ISIL then advanced southward, capturing Tikrit, Baiji, and threatening Samarra again, while also moving east toward Kirkuk and the Kurdistan Region.

International and Iraqi response

The crisis prompted immediate political and military reactions. The Government of Iraq declared a state of emergency, and Nouri al-Maliki called for national mobilization. The Kurdistan Regional Government deployed Peshmerga forces to secure disputed territories, including Kirkuk. Internationally, the United States initiated Operation Inherent Resolve, launching airstrikes in August and deploying military advisors. Regional powers, including Iran, provided direct support to Iraqi forces and mobilized the Popular Mobilization Forces. A major political shift occurred in August when Haidar al-Abadi replaced al-Maliki as Prime Minister of Iraq.

Major battles and territorial changes

Following the initial blitz, the conflict evolved into a series of protracted battles. The Siege of Amirli in July saw Iraqi Army, Peshmerga, and Popular Mobilization Forces break an ISIL blockade of the Turkmen town. The Sinjar massacre in August, where ISIL attacked Yazidis on Mount Sinjar, prompted U.S. humanitarian airstrikes. The Second Battle of Tikrit in late 2014 began the long campaign to recapture the city. Meanwhile, the Peshmerga fought fiercely to halt ISIL advances toward Erbil in battles such as those in Makhmur and the Zumar region.

Aftermath and consequences

The offensive had profound and lasting consequences. ISIL established de facto control over a third of Iraq's territory, declaring a caliphate straddling the Iraq–Syria border. This triggered a massive internal displacement crisis and severe human rights abuses. The offensive directly led to the formation of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and the full-scale U.S.-led intervention. It also redefined the political and military landscape of Iraq, significantly empowering the Popular Mobilization Forces and altering the dynamics between Baghdad and Erbil, setting the stage for the subsequent Iraqi Civil War and the Mosul liberation campaign.

Category:2014 in Iraq Category:Battles of the War in Iraq (2013–2017) Category:Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant military operations