Battle of Ramadi

Battle of Ramadi. The Battle of Ramadi was a major conflict fought between the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) in Ramadi, the capital of Anbar Province, Iraq. The battle was part of the larger Iraq War and the War in Iraq (2013-2017), which involved various factions, including the United States, Iran, and Syria. The city of Ramadi is strategically located near the Euphrates River and has been a key stronghold for Saddam Hussein's Ba'ath Party and later for Al-Qaeda in Iraq.

Background

The Battle of Ramadi was preceded by the Fall of Mosul, which saw the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) capture Mosul, Nineveh Province, and large swaths of Iraq. The Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), backed by the United States, Iran, and Shia militias, such as the Badr Organization and Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, attempted to retake the city of Ramadi from ISIL. The city was defended by ISIL fighters, who had established a strong presence in Anbar Province and had been battling the Iraqi Security Forces and Sunni tribes for control of the region. The United States and its allies, including the United Kingdom, France, and Australia, provided air support to the Iraqi Security Forces through the US-led coalition.

Battle

The Battle of Ramadi began in 2014, with ISIL launching a series of attacks on the city, which was defended by the Iraqi Security Forces and Sunni tribes. The Iraqi Security Forces were supported by US-led coalition airstrikes, which targeted ISIL positions and command centers. The battle was marked by intense fighting, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant used suicide bombers, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and mortar fire to attack the Iraqi Security Forces, while the Iraqi Security Forces used artillery and small arms fire to defend their positions. The United States and its allies provided logistical support to the Iraqi Security Forces, including ammunition, food, and medical supplies, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Nations.

Aftermath

The Battle of Ramadi ended with the capture of the city by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in May 2015. The Iraqi Security Forces were forced to withdraw from the city, and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant established a strong presence in Anbar Province. The fall of Ramadi was a significant blow to the Iraqi government and the US-led coalition, which had been attempting to defeat ISIL and restore stability to Iraq. The United States and its allies continued to provide air support to the Iraqi Security Forces, and the Iraqi government launched a series of counterattacks to retake the city. The Battle of Ramadi was followed by the Battle of Fallujah, which saw the Iraqi Security Forces retake the city of Fallujah from ISIL.

Casualties

The Battle of Ramadi resulted in significant casualties on both sides. The Iraqi Security Forces suffered heavy losses, with estimates suggesting that over 1,000 soldiers were killed or wounded. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant also suffered significant casualties, with estimates suggesting that over 1,500 fighters were killed or wounded. The battle also resulted in significant civilian casualties, with estimates suggesting that over 500 civilians were killed or wounded. The United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) provided humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by the conflict, including food, shelter, and medical care.

Order of Battle

The Order of Battle for the Battle of Ramadi included the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), which were composed of the Iraqi Army, the Iraqi Police, and the Iraqi Air Force. The Iraqi Security Forces were supported by the US-led coalition, which included the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Australia. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) was composed of ISIL fighters, who were supported by foreign fighters from Syria, Saudi Arabia, and other countries. The Sunni tribes also played a significant role in the battle, with some tribes supporting the Iraqi Security Forces and others supporting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Peshmerga also provided support to the Iraqi Security Forces, including military equipment and training. Category:Military history of Iraq