Iraqi Security Forces

Iraqi Security Forces
Unit name	Iraqi Security Forces
Caption	Flag of Iraq
Dates	1921–present
Country	Iraq
Branch	Iraqi Army, Iraqi Air Force, Iraqi Navy, Iraqi Police, Counter-Terrorism Service
Type	Armed forces
Role	National defense, internal security
Size	~ 300,000 active personnel
Command structure	Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior
Garrison	Baghdad
Garrison label	Headquarters
Battles	Anglo-Iraqi War, 1948 Arab–Israeli War, Six-Day War, Yom Kippur War, Iran–Iraq War, Gulf War, Iraq War, War in Iraq (2013–2017), Iraqi insurgency (2017–present)
Current commander	Abdul Amir al-Shammari
Notable commanders	Abdul Karim Qasim, Saddam Hussein, Ibrahim al-Fahdawi

Iraqi Security Forces are the military and police forces of the Republic of Iraq, responsible for national defense and internal security. They were formally established following the country's independence from the British Empire and have undergone profound transformations, particularly after the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the dissolution of the Ba'athist-era military. The modern forces, rebuilt with extensive assistance from the United States Armed Forces and the Coalition Provisional Authority, have been central to conflicts against Al-Qaeda in Iraq, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, and ongoing insurgent activities.

History

The origins of a national military trace to the Iraqi revolt against the British and the establishment of the Kingdom of Iraq under King Faisal I. The early forces saw action in the Anglo-Iraqi War of 1941 and subsequent Arab-Israeli wars, including the 1948 Arab–Israeli War and the Six-Day War. Under the regime of Saddam Hussein, the massive Iraqi Army fought the protracted Iran–Iraq War, invaded Kuwait leading to the Gulf War, and was decisively defeated during the 2003 invasion of Iraq by a U.S.-led coalition. The subsequent order by L. Paul Bremer of the Coalition Provisional Authority to disband the army precipitated a severe security vacuum and fueled the Iraq War insurgency. The reconstituted forces, initially struggling, gained capability through the Iraq War troop surge of 2007 and later faced their greatest test against the ISIL offensive in 2014, which captured major cities like Mosul and Fallujah.

Structure and organization

The Iraqi Security Forces are divided under two primary ministries: the Ministry of Defense oversees the traditional armed services, while the Ministry of Interior commands internal security units. The main combat arm is the Iraqi Army, organized into divisions such as the 9th Armored Division and the Iraqi Special Operations Forces. The Iraqi Air Force operates from bases like Al Asad Airbase and Baghdad International Airport. The Iraqi Federal Police and the elite Counter-Terrorism Service report to the Ministry of Interior and played pivotal roles in the Battle of Mosul. The Popular Mobilization Forces, a coalition of Shia militias like Kata'ib Hezbollah and Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, were formally integrated into the chain of command following their mobilization against ISIL.

Personnel and training

Personnel are recruited from across Iraq's diverse ethnic and sectarian groups, including Arabs, Kurds, and Assyrians. Following 2003, initial training was conducted by the Multi-National Force – Iraq and later by the NATO Training Mission – Iraq at facilities like Camp Taji. The United States Department of Defense has provided extensive advising through programs like the Iraq Train and Equip Program. Key leadership figures have included commanders such as Abdul-Wahid al-Rabbat and Abdul Amir al-Shammari. Despite improvements, issues of sectarian bias, particularly during the tenure of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, and high attrition rates have posed persistent challenges to professionalism and cohesion.

Equipment

The arsenal is a mix of legacy Soviet-era systems, modern Western imports, and Iranian-supplied matériel. The army fields main battle tanks like the M1 Abrams and T-72, alongside armored vehicles such as the M1117 Armored Security Vehicle and BTR-80. The air force utilizes aircraft including the F-16IQ Fighting Falcon, AC-208 Combat Caravan, and Mi-28 attack helicopters. Logistical and transport support is provided by vehicles like the M998 Humvee and Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles. Equipment has been supplied through foreign military sales from the United States, Russia, and Iran, as well as captures from ISIL forces during the War in Iraq (2013–2017).

Operations and deployments

Primary operations have focused on counter-insurgency and stabilization following the Iraq War. Major campaigns include the Second Battle of Fallujah, the Battle of Basra, and the pivotal, coalition-supported liberation of Mosul from ISIL. Forces have also been deployed to secure key infrastructure like the Kirkuk oil fields and to maintain order during periods of civil unrest, such as the 2019–2021 Iraqi protests. Joint operations are frequently conducted with the Kurdistan Regional Government's Peshmerga forces and with international partners at locations like Al-Tanf. Ongoing missions include pursuing remnants of ISIL in regions like the Hamrin Mountains and securing the border with Syria.

Challenges and controversies

The forces have been plagued by systemic corruption, weak logistics, and political interference, often cited in reports by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. Major controversies include human rights abuses during the Camp Speicher massacre, allegations of sectarianism under Nouri al-Maliki, and tensions with the Popular Mobilization Forces over allegiance to Iran. The Fall of Mosul in 2014 exposed critical deficiencies in leadership and morale. Persistent challenges include infiltrations by militia elements, reliance on U.S. and coalition support, and navigating the complex influence of regional actors like Iran and Turkey amid ongoing insurgent attacks.

Category:Iraq Category:Armed forces (Iraq, and deployments of Iraq (Iraq-1–S.