The Battle of Baqubah II, spanning from March to August 2007, was a pivotal military engagement during the Iraq War. Situated in Diyala’s capital, to the northeast of Baghdad, the conflict aimed to expand U.S. and Iraqi military presence beyond their Forward Operating Bases. In March 2007, preparatory actions laid the groundwork for a more significant offensive.
In June 2007, Operation Arrowhead Ripper prepared to launch. The large-scale military endeavor aimed to take control of Baqubah and the surrounding regions from insurgents. This effort effectively pacified most of Baqubah, although some insurgent activities persisted in the city and across Diyala province. So, to build upon successes already achieved, Operation Phantom Strike was initiated in August 2007 across northern Iraq. As an integral part of this overarching strategy, Operation Lightning Hammer was launched northeast of Baqubah. This coordinated series of operations sought to capitalize on earlier gains, further diminishing insurgent capabilities in the region.
Background
In mid-October 2006, al-Qaeda announced the creation of Islamic state of Iraq (ISI). The ISI replaced the Mujahideen Shura Council (MSC).
In late 2006, al-Qaeda in Iraq started building troops in Baqubah. They called it the capital of their “Islamic State of Iraq.” In early 2007, they left Baghdad. This happened after the formation of the Baghdad Security Plan. They moved operations to Diyala province. This period was extremely violent in the Iraq War.
The insurgents strengthened Diyala province. They set up observation posts and fighting positions. Next, the insurgents planted mines and rigged houses with booby traps while creating supply bases and training camps. In the end, most of the forces gathered in Baqubah, since this city was crucial to al-Qaeda. Intel estimated the number of fighters in Baqubah at nearly 2,500 and an extra 500 in support roles.
March 14: Initial engagement in Buhriz
Insurgents in Buhriz employed hit-and-run tactics, using RPGs to disrupt U.S. forces. The game changed when Apache gunships equipped with Hellfire missiles entered the scene. On March 14, between 40 and 50 insurgent casualties were inflicted, thanks to aerial support from these gunships.
On March 15, a decisive move was made to begin clearance operations in the palm groves around Buhriz. The ensuing combat bore a striking resemblance to Vietnam-era jungle warfare. Insurgent forces utilized snipers, mines, pre-planned ambush sites, and strategic escape routes. They even fired an SA-7 missile at an Apache helicopter in a near-miss incident. After a grueling week, Buhriz came predominantly under American control, although sporadic hit-and-run attacks persisted.
For the next two months, a task force built around the 5-20 INF battalion systematically cleared eastern Baqubah. The unit was reinforced with Bronco Troop 1-14 Cavalry and two companies from the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry. This period marked some of the most intense combat the battalion experienced during its 15-month deployment.
Neighborhoods of Tahrir and New Baqubah
The well-defended, Al-Qaeda-controlled neighborhoods of Tahrir and New Baqubah were subsequently liberated. Progress was slowed due to ambushes involving deeply-buried mines and car bombs. On April 5, an ambush led to the loss of a Bradley fighting vehicle and an American soldier. Army medic Christopher Waiters earned the Distinguished Service Cross for his heroic actions that day, saving two more American lives.
Another significant attack on May 6 resulted in a Stryker vehicle being destroyed, claiming the lives of six American soldiers. On May 27, as troops cleared the village of Chibernat north of Baqubah, they rescued seven Iraqi hostages from an Al-Qaeda torture center.
Operation Arrowhead Ripper
While Task Force Regulars successfully isolated and contained the western half of the city, they found themselves unable to fully clear it. Lt. Colonel Bruce Antonia, then-commander of Task Force Regulars, made an official request for additional forces to assist in the task. The call was answered in early June when the 3/2 Brigade Command Staff and the 1st Battalion 23rd Infantry arrived to bolster the existing forces.
On June 18, the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team and the 2-505th 82nd Airborne Division launched Operation Arrowhead Ripper. They used a quick air assault to strike insurgents in and around Baqubah. By morning, they had killed at least 22 insurgents. By the end of the first day, 30 insurgents were dead.
However, during the assault, a Bradley fighting vehicle hit a mine near an empty clinic in southwestern Baqubah. One American soldier died.
All told, about 2,000 American soldiers participated in the operation. Another 4,500 support troops stayed at FOB Warhorse. An Iraqi Army Brigade, 500 Iraqi police officers, and other strong military assets backed them up. These included 155 mm Howitzer, Apache helicopters, and close air support from both the U.S. and Britain. The arrival of these reinforcements and the launch of Operation Arrowhead Ripper signaled a key shift in the battle for Baqubah, as the enhanced efforts helped to secure the area. The operation was both well-planned and courageously carried out. It highlighted the strength and resolve of American and coalition forces.
A Tenuous Peace: late June to early July
By June 28, fighting in some parts of Baqubah had ceased, with U.S. and coalition forces visibly moving in relaxed formations during daylight. However, localized violence persisted. On July 1, a raid on a townhouse led to the death of three Iraqi soldiers. The violence at this stage was largely considered civil unrest rather than organized insurgency.
Approximately 15 km away, the town of Al Khalis emerged as a new staging point for insurgents who had fled Baqubah. This occurred despite a considerable U.S. military presence at nearby FOB Grizzly. On July 3, Multi-National Forces (MNF) executed a successful 3-day operation in Mukhisa, northeast of Baqubah, killing 25 and detaining five suspected terrorists, while also uncovering 10 weapons caches. This was part of the ongoing Operation Arrowhead Ripper.
Though fighting seemed to subside, violent outbreaks returned. In mid-July, 1-12 Cavalry engaged insurgents, resulting in casualties on both sides. Reports later emerged of significant shelling and accusations of civilian casualties, largely in response to booby-trapped homes left behind by insurgents.
Conclusion of ops: mid-August
By August 14, the overarching Operation Phantom Thunder concluded, followed by the end of Operation Arrowhead Ripper on August 19. While Baqubah was largely secured, sporadic insurgent activities persisted in the city and surrounding areas, albeit not in the same large numbers seen prior to the operation.
The closing weeks of the operation were a blend of tactical successes and unforeseen challenges. Yet, through collective efforts, U.S. and coalition forces managed to reclaim most of Baqubah, further demonstrating the resilience and effectiveness of their combined military might.
A courageous endeavor
U.S. and coalition forces showed great skill and determination but these achievements came at a cost. The American military lost brave soldiers, both in the heat of battle and due to traps set by retreating insurgents. Their sacrifices, along with those of Iraqi soldiers and police, contributed to the overall objective of reducing the insurgent stronghold in the region.
According to military reports, hundreds of insurgents were killed or captured, while several weapons caches were destroyed, significantly weakening the operational capability of enemy forces in Diyala province. While it’s important to recognize the strategic and tactical successes, it’s equally critical to honor the sacrifices made. The men and women who served in this operation put their lives on the line, a poignant reminder of the costs involved in securing peace and stability. Each casualty represents not just a statistic, but a life dedicated to service, a family forever changed, and a nation indebted.
In the end, Baqubah became mostly secure. It returned to some normality, but challenges remain. The mission had a clear aim: break the insurgent stronghold and give control back to local governance. This mission succeeded. It showed the power of joint operations and the strong spirit of American and coalition forces. Though the battle is less than twenty years old, it already stands as a testament to the resilience, skill, and sacrifice of those who participated.