Iraqi Civil War (2014–2017)

Iraqi Civil War (2014–2017) was a large-scale armed conflict primarily between the Government of Iraq, supported by an international coalition and Iran-backed militias, and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), which seized vast territories. The war also involved the Kurdistan Regional Government and various other insurgent groups, resulting in catastrophic humanitarian losses and the displacement of millions. It concluded with the territorial defeat of ISIL following major offensives like the Battle of Mosul and the Battle of Raqqa.

Background and causes

The conflict emerged from deep-seated sectarian tensions exacerbated by the Iraq War and the de-Ba'athification policies of the Coalition Provisional Authority. The authoritarian rule of Nouri al-Maliki marginalized Sunni communities, fueling widespread discontent. The outbreak of the Syrian Civil War provided a fertile ground for the resurgence of Al-Qaeda in Iraq, which later rebranded as ISIL. Key events like the 2012–2013 Iraqi protests and the violent crackdown on the Hawija demonstration further destabilized Anbar Governorate, setting the stage for large-scale insurgency.

Major combatants

The primary belligerent for the Iraqi state was the Iraqi Armed Forces, though its initial weakness necessitated the rise of the Popular Mobilization Forces, a coalition of predominantly Shia militias backed by Iran and led by figures like Qasem Soleimani of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The Kurdistan Regional Government deployed its Peshmerga forces, which played a crucial role in northern campaigns. The main antagonist was ISIL, led by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, which declared a caliphate spanning Syria and Iraq. Other insurgent factions included the Naqshbandi Army, led by Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, and the Salafi-jihadist group Ansar al-Islam.

Course of the war

The war ignited in January 2014 with the Anbar campaign (2013–2014) and ISIL's capture of Fallujah and parts of Ramadi. A pivotal moment was the Northern Iraq offensive (June 2014), where ISIL seized Mosul, leading to the Sinjar massacre and triggering global alarm. The Government of Iraq and the Peshmerga initially retreated but regrouped with international support. Major turning points included the Liberation of Tikrit, the Siege of Amirli, and the lengthy Battle of Ramadi (2015–2016). The decisive campaign was the Battle of Mosul (2016–2017), a grueling nine-month operation involving the Iraqi Army, Counter Terrorism Service, and Popular Mobilization Forces, which culminated in the city's liberation in July 2017.

Aftermath and consequences

The conflict resulted in a profound humanitarian catastrophe, with the United Nations reporting tens of thousands of civilian deaths and over 3 million internally displaced persons. Cities like Mosul and Ramadi were left in ruins. The war solidified the political and military power of the Popular Mobilization Forces, altering Iraq's security landscape. It also precipitated the 2017 Iraqi–Kurdish conflict following the Kurdistan Region independence referendum. While ISIL lost its territorial holdings, it transitioned to a persistent insurgency, carrying out attacks such as the 2018 Iraq attacks. The reconstruction efforts, discussed at conferences like the Kuwait International Conference for the Reconstruction of Iraq, faced immense challenges.

International involvement

A broad international coalition, led by the United States under Operation Inherent Resolve, provided crucial airstrikes, intelligence, and advisory support to Iraqi forces. Key contributors included the United Kingdom, France, and Australia. Regional powers played direct roles; Iran provided extensive military aid through the Quds Force and supported militias like Kata'ib Hezbollah. Turkey maintained a presence in Bashiqa and was involved in tensions with the Peshmerga. Russia conducted limited airstrikes, while various states participated in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. This multifaceted involvement turned the conflict into a proxy struggle within the broader regional rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Category:Wars involving Iraq Category:Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant Category:2010s in Iraq