Battle of Baqubah
The Battle of Baqubah II (March–August 2007) took place during the Iraq War in the capital of the Iraqi province Diyala, to the north-east of Baghdad. It began in early March 2007, when U.S. and Iraqi forces commenced preliminary operations to "establish a presence in Diyala beyond their Forward Operating Base".[17]
In June 2007 as part of a larger country wide offensive, Operation Arrowhead Ripper was launched to gain control of Baqubah and its surrounding areas from the insurgents.[18] Baqubah was largely pacified as a result of this operation although insurgent presence still remained in the capital and throughout the province.
In August 2007, Operation Phantom Strike was launched throughout northern Iraq in order to capitalize on the gains made during Operation Phantom Thunder. As part of this offensive, Operation Lightning Hammer was launched to the northeast of Baqubah.[17]
Background[edit]
In mid-October 2006, al-Qaeda announced the creation of Islamic state of Iraq (ISI),[19] replacing the Mujahideen Shura Council (MSC) and its al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI).
In late 2006, al-Qaeda in Iraq forces began a quiet troop build-up in Baqubah, naming it the capital of their "Islamic State of Iraq". As a result of the Baghdad Security Plan, in early 2007 al-Qaeda in Iraq forces withdrew from Baghdad in large numbers and began furthering operations in Diyala province.[20] Emma Sky describes it as, at that time, the most violent part of Iraq.[21] The insurgents fortified the province with observation posts, fighting positions, mines, and booby-trapped houses, as well as establishing supply bases and training camps. The large majority of these forces were positioned in the city of Baqubah, which was of great importance to al-Qaeda forces, having been declared the Capital of the Islamic State of Iraq. Military Intelligence templated the al-Qaeda forces within the city at 2,500 fighters, and an additional 500 support forces.