Iraq War (2014–2017)

Iraq War (2014–2017)
Conflict	Iraq War (2014–2017)
Date	2014–2017
Place	Iraq, Syria (spillover)
Result	Defeat of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Iraqi territory; major territorial, political, and humanitarian consequences

Iraq War (2014–2017) The Iraq War (2014–2017) was a multi-sided armed campaign centered on the campaign to expel the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant from large areas of Iraq captured in 2014, with significant operations extending into Syria. The conflict involved Iraqi security forces, Peshmerga, popular mobilization units, international coalitions led by the United States and supported by United Kingdom, France, Australia, Germany and regional powers such as Iran and Turkey, culminating in the fall of key strongholds including Mosul and Ramadi between 2016 and 2017.

Background

In June 2014 the insurgent group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant seized Mosul and declared a caliphate, building on earlier violence linked to the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the insurgencies involving al-Qaeda in Iraq and the Iraqi insurgency (2003–2011). The rapid collapse of elements of the Iraqi Army drew comparisons to the 2006–2008 Iraqi insurgency and prompted international concern from actors including United States Department of Defense, United Nations Security Council, European Union, Arab League and NATO. Regional dynamics involved Iran–Iraq relations, Kurdish ambitions represented by the Kurdistan Regional Government, and cross-border militancy in Syria linked to the Syrian Civil War.

Course of the conflict

Iraqi and allied forces launched counteroffensives beginning in 2014 that progressed through campaigns such as the liberation of Tikrit (2015), battles for Ramadi (2015–2016), and the major Battle of Mosul (2016–17). Operations combined conventional assaults by the Iraqi Army, operations by the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service, engagements by Peshmerga forces, and offensives by Popular Mobilization Forces (Iraq) including factions tied to Popular Mobilization Forces leadership and pro‑Iran militias such as Kata'ib Hezbollah and Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq. Urban warfare in Mosul and Fallujah featured sieges, close-quarters combat, extensive use of improvised explosive devices, and defense in depth by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant fighters under leaders including Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The campaign culminated in the recapture of Raqqa-adjacent areas in Syria by Syrian Democratic Forces with Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve air support, while Iraqi government forces declared victory in December 2017 after operations in western Anbar Governorate and along the Iraq–Syria border.

International and coalition involvement

The United States launched Operation Inherent Resolve leading an international coalition including United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, Australia, Italy, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Denmark, Netherlands, and others providing air strikes, intelligence, training, logistics, and special operations forces. The United Nations and European Union engaged in humanitarian and reconstruction diplomacy, while Iran provided advisory support, weapons, and militias such as Hezbollah-aligned elements, coordinating through the Quds Force. Turkey conducted operations aimed at Kurdistan Workers' Party positions and deployed forces to guard Iraqi Turkmen Front areas, causing tensions with the Kurdistan Regional Government and Baghdad. Russia engaged diplomatically with Syria and sought influence through counterterrorism narratives, and international legal forums including the International Criminal Court and UN Human Rights Council monitored conduct.

Humanitarian impact and casualties

The conflict produced massive humanitarian crises documented by United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, International Committee of the Red Cross, Médecins Sans Frontières, and Amnesty International, among others. Millions of civilians were displaced internally and as refugees to Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, and Europe, aggravating flows addressed by UNHCR and triggering debates in the European Union and NATO about migration policy. Casualties included civilian deaths from air strikes, artillery, and terrorist attacks attributed to Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, coalition forces, and militia groups; major incidents such as the 2016 Mosul campaign and sieges of Fallujah and Tal Afar resulted in extensive infrastructure destruction and civilian suffering. Humanitarian concerns encompassed sieges, provision of food and medical care, unexploded ordnance, and post-conflict public health challenges reported by World Health Organization and International Organization for Migration.

Political and territorial aftermath

Territorially, Iraq regained control over cities formerly held by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, though instability persisted in rural areas and border regions with Syria. Politically, the war affected power balances among the Government of Iraq (2005–present), the Kurdistan Regional Government, Shia-aligned parties such as Dawa Party affiliates, and Sunni Arab actors, influencing the 2018 Iraqi parliamentary election and debates over federalism, control of oil-rich provinces like Kirkuk, and reconstruction funding involving World Bank and International Monetary Fund missions. Tensions between Baghdad and Erbil over Peshmerga integration and oil revenue sharing continued, while regional actors vied for influence through political alliances and security arrangements.

War crimes, investigations, and accountability

Reports by Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, and the United Nations Human Rights Council accused parties including Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Iraqi security forces, and allied militias of abuses such as summary executions, torture, forced displacement, and sexual violence. Allegations prompted inquiries by Iraqi courts, military tribunals, and international advocacy for investigations through mechanisms linked to the International Criminal Court and UN investigative bodies. Trials and prosecutions occurred in Iraqi judicial settings and military commissions, while documentation efforts by organizations including the International Center for Transitional Justice and the Small Arms Survey sought to preserve evidence for future accountability and reparations processes.

Category:Conflicts in 2014 Category:Conflicts in 2015 Category:Conflicts in 2016 Category:Conflicts in 2017