Battle of Baghdad (2006–2008)

The Battle of Baghdad (2006–2008) refers to a period of intense sectarian violence in Baghdad, Iraq, primarily between Sunni and Shia militias following the 2003 invasion of Iraq. This period was characterized by widespread bombings, assassinations, kidnappings, and displacement, transforming Baghdad from a relatively integrated city to one heavily segregated along sectarian lines.

The battle's roots lie in the power vacuum created after the fall of Saddam Hussein's Ba'athist regime and the subsequent rise of sectarian tensions. The bombing of the Al-Askari Mosque in Samarra in February 2006 served as a major catalyst, sparking retaliatory attacks and escalating the violence. Sunni groups like al-Qaeda in Iraq and various insurgent groups clashed with Shia militias, including the Mahdi Army led by Muqtada al-Sadr, for control of neighborhoods and influence.

The Iraqi government, backed by U.S. forces, struggled to maintain order and quell the violence. Several military operations were launched to disarm militias and restore security, including Operation Law and Order, also known as the Baghdad Security Plan, which began in 2007. This operation involved a surge of U.S. troops into Baghdad, aimed at establishing a greater presence and disrupting militia activities.

While the surge initially showed some success in reducing the overall level of violence, it did not eliminate the underlying sectarian tensions or fully disarm the militias. The fighting continued, albeit at a lower intensity, through 2008.

The consequences of the Battle of Baghdad were profound and long-lasting. The city suffered extensive damage, and hundreds of thousands of people were displaced from their homes. Sectarian divisions deepened, and trust between communities eroded. The battle also contributed to the overall instability and violence in Iraq, hindering the country's recovery and reconstruction efforts. While violence decreased significantly after 2008, the legacy of the sectarian conflict continues to shape Baghdad and Iraq to this day.