Siege of Fallujah (2016)

Battle of Fallujah 2016 (digital rendering)

The Siege of Fallujah (2016) was a military operation conducted by the Iraqi Armed Forces and allied militias to recapture the city of Fallujah from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). The operation was part of the larger Iraqi Civil War (2014–2017) and the global War on Terror.

Background[edit | edit source]

Fallujah, located in the Al Anbar Governorate, was one of the first cities to fall to ISIL in January 2014. The city had significant strategic importance due to its proximity to the capital, Baghdad. The recapture of Fallujah was seen as crucial for the Iraqi government to regain control over the region and to weaken ISIL's hold in Iraq.

The Siege[edit | edit source]

The operation to retake Fallujah began on 22 May 2016, under the command of Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. The Iraqi forces, numbering around 30,000 troops, included the Iraqi Army, Federal Police, and various Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) militias. They faced an estimated 1,500 to 2,500 ISIL fighters entrenched within the city.

Initial Assault[edit | edit source]

The initial phase of the siege involved encircling the city and cutting off supply routes. The Iraqi forces launched a multi-pronged assault, advancing from the north, south, and east. The operation was supported by coalition airstrikes led by the United States.

Urban Warfare[edit | edit source]

As the Iraqi forces entered the city, they encountered fierce resistance from ISIL fighters who had fortified their positions and laid numerous improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The battle involved intense urban warfare, with house-to-house fighting and significant use of snipers and booby traps by ISIL.

Humanitarian Crisis[edit | edit source]

The siege resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, with thousands of civilians trapped in the city. The United Nations and various humanitarian organizations raised concerns about the safety and well-being of the civilians. Efforts were made to establish safe corridors to allow civilians to escape the conflict zone.

Outcome[edit | edit source]

By 26 June 2016, the Iraqi forces had successfully recaptured Fallujah, marking a significant victory against ISIL. The operation resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 ISIL fighters and more than 100 Iraqi soldiers. The recapture of Fallujah was a major step towards the eventual liberation of Mosul, ISIL's last major stronghold in Iraq.

Aftermath[edit | edit source]

Following the siege, efforts were made to clear the city of remaining IEDs and to restore basic services. The Iraqi government, along with international aid organizations, began the process of rebuilding the city and assisting displaced residents in returning to their homes.