Battle of Samarra (2004): Difference between revisions
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{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2016}} |
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2016}} |
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{{Infobox military conflict |
{{Infobox military conflict |
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| conflict = Battle of |
| conflict = Battle of Samara |
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| partof = the [[Iraq War]] |
| partof = the [[Iraq War]] |
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| image = OperationBatonRouge1.jpg |
| image = OperationBatonRouge1.jpg |
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| Line 8: | Line 8: | ||
| date = 1–3 October 2004 |
| date = 1–3 October 2004 |
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| place = [[Samarra]], [[Iraq]] |
| place = [[Samarra]], [[Iraq]] |
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| result = |
| result = Coalition victory |
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| combatant1 = {{flagicon image|Flag of JTJ.svg|23px}}{{flagicon image|Flag of al-Qaeda in Iraq.svg}}[[Jama'at al-Tawhid wal-Jihad]]<br/>[[File:Flag of the Ba'ath Party.svg|22px|border]] [[Ba'ath Party]] [[Iraqi insurgency (2003–11)| |
| combatant1 = {{flagicon image|Flag of JTJ.svg|23px}}{{flagicon image|Flag of al-Qaeda in Iraq.svg}} [[Jama'at al-Tawhid wal-Jihad]]<br/>[[File:Flag of the Ba'ath Party.svg|22px|border]] [[Ba'ath Party]] [[Iraqi insurgency (2003–11)|loyalists]]<ref>Wright, Dr. Donald P, and Reese, Colonel Timothy R. '' On Point II: Transition to the New Campaign: The United States Army in Operation Iraqi Freedom, May 2003-January 2005'', CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2013 {{ISBN|1494406470}} {{ISBN|978-1494406479}}</ref> |
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| combatant2 = {{Flag|United States}}<br/> {{Flag|Iraq| |
| combatant2 = {{Flag|United States}}<br/> {{Flag|Iraq|2004}} |
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| commander1 = {{flagicon image|Flag of al-Qaeda in Iraq.svg}} Haitham Shaker Badri<br>Najam Takhi Nisani<br>Hammadi Takhi Nisani<br>Rafiq Rahmani<br>Hadi Hussein Kaj<br>Zaidan Mohammad Haji<br>Hazim Mohammad Haji<br>Husain Ali Muzaibar<br>Ibrahim Abbas Harbouni<br>Alaa Ibrahim Abbas |
| commander1 = {{flagicon image|Flag of al-Qaeda in Iraq.svg}} Haitham Shaker Badri<br/>Najam Takhi Nisani<br/>Hammadi Takhi Nisani<br/>Rafiq Rahmani<br/>Hadi Hussein Kaj<br/>Zaidan Mohammad Haji<br/>Hazim Mohammad Haji<br/>Husain Ali Muzaibar<br/>Ibrahim Abbas Harbouni<br/>Alaa Ibrahim Abbas |
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| commander2 = {{flagicon|Iraq| |
| commander2 = {{flagicon|Iraq|2004}} Adnan Thabit |
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| strength1 = |
| strength1 = 500–1,000 [[Iraqi insurgency (2003-06)|insurgents]]<ref name=globalsecurity>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/oif-baton-rouge.htm|title=Operation Baton Rouge|author=John Pike|work=globalsecurity.org|access-date=26 February 2015}}</ref> |
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| strength2 = {{Flagicon|United States}} 3,000<br/>{{flagicon|Iraq| |
| strength2 = {{Flagicon|United States}} 3,000 troops<br/>{{flagicon|Iraq|2004}} 2,000 [[Iraqi Security Forces|security forces]] |
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| units1 = Unknown |
| units1 = Unknown |
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| units2 = {{flagicon|United States}} [[1st Infantry Division (United States)|1st Infantry Division]] |
| units2 = {{flagicon|United States}} [[1st Infantry Division (United States)|1st Infantry Division]] |
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| Line 20: | Line 20: | ||
{{flagicon|United States}} [[25th Infantry Division (United States)|25th Infantry Division]] |
{{flagicon|United States}} [[25th Infantry Division (United States)|25th Infantry Division]] |
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*2nd Brigade CT |
*2nd Brigade CT |
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{{flagicon|Iraq| |
{{flagicon|Iraq|2004}} 7th Iraqi Army Battalion<br/> {{flagicon|Iraq|2004}} 202nd Iraqi National Guard Battalion<br/> {{flagicon|Iraq|2004}} [[Iraqi 36th Commando Battalion]] |
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| casualties1 = 127 killed<br>60 wounded<br>128 captured<ref name=foxnews>{{cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,135055,00.html|title=Showdown in Samarra|work=Fox News|access-date=26 February 2015|date=11 October 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020220157/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,135055,00.html|archive-date=20 October 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.army.mil/professionalwriting/volumes/volume3/september_2005/9_05_3.html |title= |
| casualties1 = 127 killed<br/>60 wounded<br/>128 captured<ref name=foxnews>{{cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,135055,00.html|title=Showdown in Samarra|work=Fox News|access-date=26 February 2015|date=11 October 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020220157/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,135055,00.html|archive-date=20 October 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.army.mil/professionalwriting/volumes/volume3/september_2005/9_05_3.html |title=The U.S. Army Professional Writing Collection |access-date=7 August 2008 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20050908065842/http://www.army.mil/professionalwriting/volumes/volume3/september_2005/9_05_3.html |archive-date=8 September 2005 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> |
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| casualties2 = {{flagicon|United States}} 1 killed <ref>{{cite web|url=http://icasualties.org/oif/prdDetails.aspx |title= |
| casualties2 = {{flagicon|United States}} 1 killed <ref>{{cite web|url=http://icasualties.org/oif/prdDetails.aspx |title=ICasualties: Iraq Coalition Casualty Count - Deaths by Year and Month |access-date=2008-08-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080812235000/http://icasualties.org/oif/prdDetails.aspx |archive-date=12 August 2008 |df=dmy }}</ref><br>{{Flagicon|Iraq|2004}} 4 killed |
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| casualties3 = 20 civilians killed |
| casualties3 = 20 civilians killed<br>61 civilians wounded<ref name=foxnews /> |
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| campaignbox = {{Campaignbox Iraq War}} |
| campaignbox = {{Campaignbox Iraq War}} |
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}} |
}} |
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== Losing control == |
== Losing control == |
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During the month of September, negotiations with local commanders produced a city council which was to govern the city. However, insurgents soon seized control and the agreement fell apart. The city government was infiltrated by insurgents and the city came under the control of the Iraqi insurgency. Fighters loyal to the insurgents, including but not particularly Abu Musab Zarqawi, roamed the streets, confiscating music [[cassette tapes]], which were condemned as [[haraam|haram]]. Attacks on American and Iraqi forces in the vicinity of the city greatly increased.<ref name=militaryreview>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0PBZ/is_3_85/ai_n13824959/pg_1?tag=artBody;col1 The fight for Samarra: full-spectrum operations in modern warfare - Military Review]</ref> American commanders decided to re-take the city as a precursor to the upcoming battle to retake [[Second Battle of Fallujah|Fallujah]].<ref>{{cite |
During the month of September, negotiations with local commanders produced a city council which was to govern the city. However, insurgents soon seized control and the agreement fell apart. The city government was infiltrated by insurgents and the city came under the control of the Iraqi insurgency. Fighters loyal to the insurgents, including but not particularly Abu Musab Zarqawi, roamed the streets, confiscating music [[cassette tapes]], which were condemned as [[haraam|haram]]. Attacks on American and Iraqi forces in the vicinity of the city greatly increased.<ref name=militaryreview>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0PBZ/is_3_85/ai_n13824959/pg_1?tag=artBody;col1 The fight for Samarra: full-spectrum operations in modern warfare - Military Review]</ref> American commanders decided to re-take the city as a precursor to the upcoming battle to retake [[Second Battle of Fallujah|Fallujah]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,709017-1,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025100236/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,709017-1,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 October 2012|title=Appointment in Samarra|date=3 October 2004|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|access-date=26 February 2015|first=Michael|last=Ware}}</ref> |
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== Battle == |
== Battle == |
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[[File:BatonRouge2.jpg|thumbnail|left|alt=Picture of a soldier in a Humvee| |
[[File:BatonRouge2.jpg|thumbnail|left|alt=Picture of a soldier in a Humvee|An American soldier in the turret of a Humvee fires a .50-caliber machine gun in Samarra, Iraq, 1 October 2004]] |
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On the morning of 1 October, the [[Iraqi 36th Commando Battalion]] seized the [[Al-Askari Mosque|Golden Mosque]] inside the city, capturing 25 insurgents and uncovering weapons caches. The Golden Mosque is considered the [[Holiest sites in Islam (Shia)|third-holiest shrine in Shia Islam]], and any damage to it would have aroused significant controversy. Other Iraqi troops secured the [[Great Mosque of Samarra]], a valued historic and cultural site.<ref name=foxnews /> |
On the morning of 1 October, the [[Iraqi 36th Commando Battalion]] seized the [[Al-Askari Mosque|Golden Mosque]] inside the city, capturing 25 insurgents and uncovering weapons caches. The Golden Mosque is considered the [[Holiest sites in Islam (Shia)|third-holiest shrine in Shia Islam]], and any damage to it would have aroused significant controversy. Other Iraqi troops secured the [[Great Mosque of Samarra]], a valued historic and cultural site.<ref name=foxnews /> |
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That same day, American troops with 1-26th INF along with 1-14 INF secured the main bridge across the [[Tigris River]]. American forces encountered insurgents transporting and unloading weapons using speedboats and opened fire, destroying the boats.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=25169|title=Defense.gov News Article: U.S., Iraqi Troops Strike Samarra Insurgents|work=defenselink.mil|access-date=26 February 2015}}</ref> |
That same day, American troops with 1-26th INF along with 1-14 INF secured the main bridge across the [[Tigris River]]. American forces encountered insurgents transporting and unloading weapons using speedboats and opened fire, destroying the boats.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=25169|title=Defense.gov News Article: U.S., Iraqi Troops Strike Samarra Insurgents|work=defenselink.mil|access-date=26 February 2015}}</ref> |
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American and Iraqi forces were supported by [[M1 Abrams]] tanks, [[M2 Bradley]] armored fighting vehicles, one platoon of cannon artillery (155mm [[M109A6 Paladin]] howitzers) from the North Carolina Army National Guard, 25th ID 2nd BCT, 1-14th INF and the 1st ID 2nd BCT, C Co. 2/108 INF 27th BCT (NYARNG), B Co. 2/108 INF 27th BCT (NYARNG), 1-26th INF Task Force that was responsible for securing Samarra. Additional forces from 1-18th IN TF, 1-77th AR TF, 1-4 Cav supported this operation and smoke support from 12th Chemical Co. They focused on capturing major government and police buildings. After heavy street fighting, American and Iraqi forces controlled about half the city after the first day of fighting.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/meast/10/01/iraq.main/index.html|title=U.S.: 109 insurgents killed in major offensive|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511183402/http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/meast/10/01/iraq.main/index.html |archive-date=11 May 2008 }}</ref> CNN reporter [[Jane Arraf]] entered the city with US troops and covered the battle live. Fighting continued for two more days before the entire city was secured.<ref name=globalsecurity /> |
American and Iraqi forces were supported by [[M1 Abrams]] tanks, [[M2 Bradley]] armored fighting vehicles, one platoon of cannon artillery (155mm [[M109A6 Paladin]] howitzers) from the North Carolina Army National Guard 30th bct A btry 2nd platoon 1-113, 25th ID 2nd BCT, 1-14th INF and the 1st ID 2nd BCT, C Co. 2/108 INF 27th BCT (NYARNG), B Co. 2/108 INF 27th BCT (NYARNG), 1-26th INF Task Force that was responsible for securing Samarra. Additional forces from 1-18th IN TF, 1-77th AR TF, 1-4 Cav supported this operation and smoke support from 12th Chemical Co. They focused on capturing major government and police buildings. After heavy street fighting, American and Iraqi forces controlled about half the city after the first day of fighting.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/meast/10/01/iraq.main/index.html|title=U.S.: 109 insurgents killed in major offensive|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511183402/http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/meast/10/01/iraq.main/index.html |archive-date=11 May 2008 }}</ref> CNN reporter [[Jane Arraf]] entered the city with US troops and covered the battle live. Fighting continued for two more days before the entire city was secured.<ref name=globalsecurity /> |
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Around 90 weapons caches were captured during the course of the operation.<ref name=militaryreview /> |
Around 90 weapons caches were captured during the course of the operation.<ref name=militaryreview /> |
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[[Category:Battles of the Iraq War involving Iraq]] |
[[Category:Battles of the Iraq War involving Iraq]] |
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[[Category:Battles of the Iraq War in 2004]] |
[[Category:Battles of the Iraq War in 2004]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Battles involving Jama'at al-Tawhid wal-Jihad]] |
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[[Category:Samarra]] |
[[Category:Samarra in the Iraq War]] |
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[[Category:October 2004 events in |
[[Category:October 2004 events in Iraq]] |
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Latest revision as of 12:58, 20 December 2024
| Battle of Samara | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the Iraq War | |||||||
 Smoke rises from near the Golden Mosque during the battle of Samarra, 1 October 2004. | |||||||
| |||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||
  Jama'at al-Tawhid wal-Jihad Ba'ath Party loyalists[1] |
 United States Iraq | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
|
Haitham Shaker Badri Najam Takhi Nisani Hammadi Takhi Nisani Rafiq Rahmani Hadi Hussein Kaj Zaidan Mohammad Haji Hazim Mohammad Haji Husain Ali Muzaibar Ibrahim Abbas Harbouni Alaa Ibrahim Abbas |
Adnan Thabit | ||||||
| Units involved | |||||||
| Unknown |
7th Iraqi Army Battalion 202nd Iraqi National Guard Battalion Iraqi 36th Commando Battalion | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 500–1,000 insurgents[2] |
3,000 troops 2,000 security forces | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
|
127 killed 60 wounded 128 captured[3][4] |
1 killed [5] 4 killed | ||||||
|
20 civilians killed 61 civilians wounded[3] | |||||||
The Battle of Samarra, also called Operation Baton Rouge, took place in 2004 during the Iraq War. The city of Samarra in central Iraq had fallen under the control of insurgents shortly after insurgents had seized control of Fallujah and Ramadi. In preparation for an offensive to retake Fallujah, on 1 October, 5,000 American and Iraqi troops assaulted Samarra and secured the city after three days of fighting.
Losing control
[edit]During the month of September, negotiations with local commanders produced a city council which was to govern the city. However, insurgents soon seized control and the agreement fell apart. The city government was infiltrated by insurgents and the city came under the control of the Iraqi insurgency. Fighters loyal to the insurgents, including but not particularly Abu Musab Zarqawi, roamed the streets, confiscating music cassette tapes, which were condemned as haram. Attacks on American and Iraqi forces in the vicinity of the city greatly increased.[6] American commanders decided to re-take the city as a precursor to the upcoming battle to retake Fallujah.[7]
Battle
[edit]
On the morning of 1 October, the Iraqi 36th Commando Battalion seized the Golden Mosque inside the city, capturing 25 insurgents and uncovering weapons caches. The Golden Mosque is considered the third-holiest shrine in Shia Islam, and any damage to it would have aroused significant controversy. Other Iraqi troops secured the Great Mosque of Samarra, a valued historic and cultural site.[3]
That same day, American troops with 1-26th INF along with 1-14 INF secured the main bridge across the Tigris River. American forces encountered insurgents transporting and unloading weapons using speedboats and opened fire, destroying the boats.[8]
American and Iraqi forces were supported by M1 Abrams tanks, M2 Bradley armored fighting vehicles, one platoon of cannon artillery (155mm M109A6 Paladin howitzers) from the North Carolina Army National Guard 30th bct A btry 2nd platoon 1-113, 25th ID 2nd BCT, 1-14th INF and the 1st ID 2nd BCT, C Co. 2/108 INF 27th BCT (NYARNG), B Co. 2/108 INF 27th BCT (NYARNG), 1-26th INF Task Force that was responsible for securing Samarra. Additional forces from 1-18th IN TF, 1-77th AR TF, 1-4 Cav supported this operation and smoke support from 12th Chemical Co. They focused on capturing major government and police buildings. After heavy street fighting, American and Iraqi forces controlled about half the city after the first day of fighting.[9] CNN reporter Jane Arraf entered the city with US troops and covered the battle live. Fighting continued for two more days before the entire city was secured.[2]
Around 90 weapons caches were captured during the course of the operation.[6]
Aftermath
[edit]After the battle, American forces began a program to provide security, build up the local police forces, and spent tens of millions of dollars on public works projects and hospitals.[3][6] These initiatives brought some measure of security to the city, however, this did not prevent the bombing of the Golden Mosque in February 2006.
Notes
[edit]- ^ Wright, Dr. Donald P, and Reese, Colonel Timothy R. On Point II: Transition to the New Campaign: The United States Army in Operation Iraqi Freedom, May 2003-January 2005, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2013 ISBN 1494406470 ISBN 978-1494406479
- ^ a b John Pike. "Operation Baton Rouge". globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
- ^ a b c d "Showdown in Samarra". Fox News. 11 October 2004. Archived from the original on 20 October 2012. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
- ^ "The U.S. Army Professional Writing Collection". Archived from the original on 8 September 2005. Retrieved 7 August 2008.
- ^ "ICasualties: Iraq Coalition Casualty Count - Deaths by Year and Month". Archived from the original on 12 August 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-07.
- ^ a b c The fight for Samarra: full-spectrum operations in modern warfare - Military Review
- ^ Ware, Michael (3 October 2004). "Appointment in Samarra". Time. Archived from the original on 25 October 2012. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
- ^ "Defense.gov News Article: U.S., Iraqi Troops Strike Samarra Insurgents". defenselink.mil. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
- ^ "U.S.: 109 insurgents killed in major offensive". Archived from the original on 11 May 2008.
External links
[edit]
