Battle of Ramadi (2015–2016)

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Battle of Ramadi (2015–2016)

The Battle of Ramadi (2015–2016) was a pivotal conflict in the Iraqi Civil War (2014–2017), marking a significant phase in the efforts to recapture territories controlled by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). The battle took place in the city of Ramadi, the capital of Al Anbar Governorate, which had fallen into the hands of ISIL in May 2015. The operation to retake the city was led by the Iraqi Army, supported by United States-led coalition airstrikes, Popular Mobilization Forces, and local Sunni tribes. The battle is notable for its extensive use of urban warfare and the significant role of coalition air support in the eventual victory of Iraqi forces.

Background

Before the battle, Ramadi was a strategic city in western Iraq, serving as a key administrative and economic center. Its capture by ISIL in May 2015 was a major setback for the Iraqi government and its allies, underscoring the group's ability to seize and hold significant urban areas. The loss of Ramadi prompted a reevaluation of strategies by the Iraqi government and the international coalition fighting ISIL.

The Battle

The operation to retake Ramadi began in earnest in November 2015, with Iraqi forces gradually encircling the city. The battle was characterized by intense urban combat, with ISIL employing booby traps, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and sniper positions to slow the advance of Iraqi forces. The Iraqi Army, supported by coalition airstrikes, focused on isolating and then methodically clearing ISIL fighters from the city.

One of the turning points in the battle was the destruction of the last bridge over the Euphrates River, which effectively cut off ISIL forces in Ramadi from reinforcements. This operation demonstrated the importance of controlling key infrastructure in urban warfare.

Aftermath

The Iraqi government declared Ramadi liberated from ISIL control on December 28, 2015, although clearing operations continued into 2016 to remove remaining ISIL fighters and IEDs from the city. The battle resulted in significant destruction to Ramadi's infrastructure and displacement of its population.

The recapture of Ramadi was hailed as a major victory for the Iraqi government and its allies, demonstrating the effectiveness of their revised strategies against ISIL. It also served as a model for subsequent operations to retake other ISIL-held territories in Iraq, including the battles for Mosul and Fallujah.

Legacy

The Battle of Ramadi (2015–2016) is remembered as a critical moment in the fight against ISIL, showcasing the challenges and complexities of urban warfare against a deeply entrenched enemy. It also highlighted the importance of coalition support in terms of airstrikes and training in achieving victory. The battle had a significant humanitarian impact, with thousands of civilians displaced and widespread destruction of urban infrastructure. The efforts to rebuild Ramadi and restore normalcy for its residents continue to be a significant challenge for the Iraqi government and international partners.