List of Coalition Military Operations of The Iraq War - 2003

2003

See also: 2003 and 2003 in Iraq

Though the initial war lasted for only 21 days the coalition soon found themselves fighting insurgent forces more and more often. Additionally, with the increasing use of guerilla tactics, suicide bombings and improvised explosive devices, just walking down the street became extremely dangerous. Upon completion of the initial conflict the coalition troops began counterinsurgency, humanitarian, security and various other types of operations in order to stabilize the country and make it safe for the Iraqi people. From the end of the initial war until the present day, these are the types of operations that coalition troops continue to complete in efforts to eliminate the insurgency and anti-coalition forces.

Surrender of Monafiqeen-e-Khalq
For more details on this topic, see Surrender of Monafiqeen-e-Khalq (2003).
Battle/Operation Name From Date To Date Location Purpose/Result
Operation Iraqi Liberation 20030319 20100831 Iraq U.S. invasion/war on terror in Iraq. Planned to end with the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops, and succeeded by Operation New Dawn (see 2010 below).
Operation Option North 2003???? 2003???? Kirkuk Counterinsurgency: Objective was to seize the city, the northern oil fields and several military airfields in the area
Operation Bastille 200209?? 200303?? Throughout Iraq Forward Presence: Was the code name for the operation to deploy force elements and prepare for possible combat operations in Iraq
Objective Buford 200303?? 200303?? Bashur, near the city of Security: Set up a perimeter and traffic checkpoints around an airfield, which has a runway 6,700 feet (2,000 m).
Operation Falconer 20030318 200306?? throughout Iraq Contingency: Australian operations during the invasion of Iraq
Operation Antica Babilonia 20030715 20061201 Nasiriyah Contingency: Italian peacekeeping mission in Nasiriyah
Battle of Umm Qasr 20030321 20030325 Umm Qasr Battle: Was the first military confrontation in the Second Iraq War.
Battle of Nasiriyah 20030323 20030329 Nasiriyah Battle: During the fighting 18 Marines and 11 soldiers were killed and about 50 were wounded, while the Iraqi resistance was crushed fairly rapidly thereafter.
Operation Northern Delay 20030326 20030326 Bashur Airfield Security: Forced the Iraqi Army to maintain approximately six divisions in the area to protect its northern flank, providing strategic relief for Coalition Forces advancing on Baghdad
Battle of Baghdad (2003) 20030403 20030412 Baghdad Battle: The invasion of the city commenced three days after Allied forces had secured the Baghdad airport
Battle of Debecka Pass 20030406 20030406 Debecka Pass Battle: To secure a major crossroads near the village of Debecka
Operation Airborne Dragon 2003040 20030407 Bashur Airfield, northern Iraq Contingency: Marked the beginning of the first expeditionary insertion of a U.S. armored force into combat by air.
Operation Planet X 20030515 20030515 A village near Ad Dawr and Al Dur, 11 mi (18 km) north of Tikrit Contingency: American raid to capture Ba'athists
Operation Peninsula Strike 20030609 20030613 Balad Contingency: American raid to capture Ba'athists.
Operation Desert Snowplough 20030612 20070803 Al-Qurna district North of Basra Contingency: Codename for Danish operations under British command.
Operation Desert Scorpion (Iraq 2003) 20030615 20030629 Fallujah, from Kirkuk in the north to Taji in the south Contingency: American raid to capture Ba'athists. (included a number of lesser operations such as Scorpion Sting, Spartan Scorpion and Rifles Scorpion)
Operation Spartan Scorpion 20030615 20030616 Throughout Iraq Contingency: Consisted of nationwide raids designed to remove all remaining Ba'ath Party, non-compliant forces and paramilitary forces
Operation Scorpion Sting 20030616 20030616 the Thawra neighborhood of Baghdad Contingency: Coalition soldiers found and confiscated three pistols, one rifle, two mortar rounds and detained 31 suspected criminals
Operation Sidewinder 20030629 20030707 a city about 20 kilometers east of al Taji Contingency: Raids against suspected Hussein supporters. Was designed in support of Operation Desert Scorpion. It involved the 4th Infantry Division, who were tasked with securing highways.
Operation Iron Bullet 200307?? 200307?? Baghdad Security: Was designed to collect dangerous ordnance and transport it out of the city where it can be safely handled or destroyed
Operation Tyr 200307?? 200307?? Tikrit Security: Destroyed a series of stationary targets without risk of civilian casualties but with high visibility. Was an assault conducted by the 4th Infantry Brigade in Tikrit, primarily as a show of force to deter terrorist and anti-coalition forces. The 1st Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment destroyed a series of stationary targets without risk of civilian casualties but with high visibility. Troops also destroyed Iraqi tanks using high explosive munitions. No one was reported injured in the operation.
Operation Telic 20030711 Ongoing throughout Iraq Contingency: The codename under which all British operations of the 2003 Invasion of Iraq and after are being conducted
Operation Ivy Serpent 20030712 20030721 a region along Highway 1 between the cities of Bayji, Huwayiah and Samarra Counterinsurgency: Was a preemptive strike focused aggressively on non-compliant forces and former regime leaders who are planning attacks against coalition forces in an attempt to hinder coalition and Iraqi efforts in building a new Iraq. Was an American anti-insurgent sweep in Sallahadin and Diala provinces. It was conducted concurrently with Operation Soda Mountain. The operation was centered on a section of Highway 1 north of Baghdad near the towns of Bayji, Huwayiah, and Samarra. The American action was based on the Fourth Infantry Division whose insignia is ivy. This is a play on the Roman numeral "IV".
Operation Soda Mountain 20030712 20030717 throughout Iraq Counterinsurgency: To increase reconnaissance and presence throughout the whole of Iraq to deter, disrupt and rapidly defeat attacks on coalition forces. Was a nationwide sweep by American and Coalition Forces against insurgents and remnants of the former regime conducted from June 12–17, 2003. As a result of this series of almost 150 raids, 62 Ba'athist leaders were captured and a large number of weapons seized. Simultaneously, humanitarian missions such as repairing and rebuilding public buildings were conducted. Conducted roughly concurrently with Operation Ivy Serpent.
Operation Catalyst 20030716 Ongoing throughout Iraq Humanitarian: Australian rehabilitation and reconstruction
Operation White House 20030716 20030716 Baghdad Counterinsurgency: Troops of the 101st Airborne Division stormed the residence of Samir Abd Al-Aziz Al-Najim, the central Baath Party chairman for Baghdad
Operation Tapeworm 20030722 20030722 Mosul Security and counterinsurgency: killing of Uday and Qusay Hussein, Saddam Hussein's sons
Operation Ivy Lightning 20030812 20030812 Baghdad, Ain Lalin and Quara Tapa along the Jabal Hamrin Ridge north of the city Counterinsurgency: A number of small weapons stores were uncovered. Was a raid conducted by elements of the U.S. 4th Infantry Division. A number of small weapons stores were uncovered. The names of many operations of the 4th Infantry Division took the name "Ivy", a pun on the Roman numeral "IV."
Operation Silverado 20030816 20030816 Subak Sur Counterinsurgency: To capture suspected insurgents and seize weapons stockpiles. Was a small operation conducted by the 39th Infantry Brigade (Light) (Separate/Enhanced) of the Arkansas National Guard in Subak Sur.
Operation Ivy Needle 20030826 20030826 Khalis, in and near; 70 kilometers north of Baghdad Counterinsurgency: Was a raid conducted by elements of the 4th Infantry Division in and near Khalis, seventy kilometers north of Baghdad, on August 26, 2003. The operation disrupted a criminal gang active in the area.
Operation Longstreet 200309?? 200309?? between Baghdad and Fallujah Counterinsurgency: Numerous weapons stores were destroyed and enemy personnel taken into custody without the loss of a single American life. Was a two-week series of raids and cordon operations conducted by elements of the First Armored Division and the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment. Numerous weapons stores were destroyed and enemy personnel taken into custody without the loss of a single American life. The operation was named after a Confederate General James Longstreet.
Operation Desert Thrust 200310?? 200310?? throughout Iraq Counterinsurgency: Was the name given by 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division to their operations in Iraq beginning on their arrival in October 2003
Operation Chamberlain 200310?? 200310?? Sinjar, the border southwest of Security and Surveillance: Was an American border-security operation mentioned in press releases on October 15, 2003. It involved ground surveillance Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) aircraft to feed information to ground elements of the 101st Airborne Division in near–real time. The Ukrainian 5th Detached Mechanized Brigade was also involved in the operation. This operation was named after US general Joshua Chamberlain (US Civil War).
Operation Industrial Sweep 200310?? 200310?? Samarra Counterinsurgency: Was a search of parts of the city of Samarra by elements of the 4th Infantry Division during Post-invasion Iraq.
Operation Tiger Clean Sweep 20031007 20031007 Security and Counterinsurgency: : Was a border security operation conducted by the "Tiger" Squadron of the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment announced on September 7, 2003 near Al Qa'im. The town was cordoned off and searched, yielding a number of small arms and fourteen persons suspected of being insurgents.
Operation Sweeny 20031015 20031015 southern Iraq Law enforcement: Anti-smuggling operation by the Marines. Elements of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable(SOC)completed humanitarian assistance, anti-smuggling and security and stabilization operations, October 25 in southern Iraq as part of Operation Sweeney. The MEU SOC, a component of Expeditionary Strike Group One(ESG), composed mostly of Marines stationed with the 1st Marine Division of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, provided medical and dental capability and produced more than 3,000 US gallons (11,000 L) of water for citizens in the region.
Operation O.K. Corral 20031019 200310?? Ar Ramadi Counterinsurgency: Over ninety people were detained, including four senior officers of the former Iraqi Army. Was a sweep operation conducted by elements of the 82nd Airborne Division in Ar Ramadi beginning on October 19, 2003. Over ninety people were detained, including four senior officers of the former Iraqi Army.
Operation Eagle Curtain 200311?? 200311?? northern Iraq Security and Counterinsurgency: Troops participated in 311 patrols, four cordon and knock operations, and eventually detained eight individuals. Was a series of raids and roadblocks conducted by the 101st Airborne Division. Eight persons were detained as suspected insurgents associated with the former government. The name is derived from the "Screaming Eagles" nickname for the 101st Airborne Division.
Operation All American Tiger 20031106 2003???? Counterinsurgency: Was an operation with an objective of capturing insurgents associated with the old regime. At least a dozen prisoners were taken, several of whom were on the American "Most Wanted" list. The first phase was launched by the 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and the 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. This operation was designed to target those who suspected of attacking Coalition forces. At least 12 men were detained and some were targeted suspects including Abd Hamad Salah, Huri Mukhlif, Al Ani, Ahmed Kadar Hamad, Faleeh Mahessn, Thair Muklaf Hamadi, and Mohamed Hinde Saeel. The name of the operation is derived from the nickname ("All American") for the 82nd Airborne Division.
Operation Rifle Sweep 20031106 20031106 the Iraq-Syria border Counterinsurgency: Focused on the search and seizure of weapons and munitions
Operation Ivy Cyclone 20031107 200311?? Tikrit Counterinsurgency: Was designed to locate and detain or eliminate persons seeking to harm coalition forces or Iraqi civilians. The operation was executed by the 4th Infantry Division. On November 7, an American helicopter was forced down near the city, and the next day heavy air and artillery strikes supported a number of military operations in the area.
Operation Boothill 20031110 20031110 Ar Ramadi Counterinsurgency: Was designed to clear and secure the roads outside the city and to seize any contraband weapons.
Operation Iron Hammer(Matraqa Hadidia) 20031112 2003???? Baghdad Security and Counterinsurgency: Was a joint operation between the US Army, US Air Force and Iraqi Civil Defense Corps with the objective of preventing the staging of weapons by anti-coalition forces, and preemptively destroy enemy operating bases and fighters in Baghdad
Operation Ivy Cyclone II 20031117 2003???? Tikrit, near Counterinsurgency: American operation near Tikrit
Operation Rifles Blitz 20031120 2003???? Al Qaim Security: Was a house-to-house search of the Iraqi Syria-frontier border region close to Syria, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, led by the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment. Involved troops from the 82nd Airborne Division and the 101st Airborne Division. (US News, 12 August 2003, Iraq Hack: A Reporter's Blog, 11 December 2003)
Operation Rifle Sweep 20031126 20031126 along the Iraq-Syria border Counterinsurgency: Focused on the search and seizure of weapons and munitions
Operation Bayonet Lightning 20031202 20031202 Al Hawija and the village of Rashad, 60 km (37 mi) to the south of Kirkuk Counterinsurgency: Designed to capture weapons, materials, and people that posed a threat against Coalition Forces
Operation Bulldog Mammoth 20031204 20031204 Baghdad, northwest of Security: American search of an apartment complex.
Operation Clear Area 20031206 20031206 Central Iraq, between Ar Rifa`i and Qal`at Sukkar Counterinsurgency: Was a search and seizure operation utilizing vehicle check points
Operation Abilene 20031208 20031208 Al Anbar province Counterinsurgency: Soldiers initiated 12 raids that resulted in the capture of 12 individuals and a number of various weapons. Was conducted by the US Army’s 1st Infantry Division, 1st Brigade. The operation consisted of twelve raids to capture or eliminate individuals responsible for attacking coalition forces. The operation was successful and resulted in the capture of 12 personnel and the confiscation of various weapons.
Operation Panther Squeeze 20031210 20031210 Latifiya Counterinsurgency: Was a series of 18 night-time raids by elements of the 82nd Airborne Division. These raids seem to have been in response to an ambush that killed seven Spanish intelligence officers in November. About forty enemy personnel were captured.
Operation Red Dawn 20031213 20031213 ad-Dawr Security and counterinsurgency: American capture of Saddam Hussein.
Operation Panther Backroads 20031215 20031215 Ar Ramadi Law enforcement and counterinsurgency: Was an attempt to stop insurgent smuggling. Was launched by the 82nd Airborne Division in the Sunni Triangle in an attempt to stop insurgent smuggling.
Operation Arrowhead Blizzard 20031217 20031217 Samarra Counterinsurgency: Seven targets classified as high-value were captured by the 4th Infantry Division and the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division in the Sunni Triangle.
Operation Ivy Blizzard 20031217 20031217 Samarra Counterinsurgency: Counterinsurgency sweep by US forces
Operation Iron Justice 20031218 20031218 Baghdad, southern portion Law enforcement: Captured 28 fuel trucks and nine propane trucks illegally dispensing fuel as part of black market activity. Was a U.S. Army operation aimed at ending insurgent run Black Market fueling activities south of the city. It involved the 1st Armored Division and 82nd Airborne Division.
Operation Rifles Fury 20031221 200312?? Fallujah Counterinsurgency: Seizure of weapons caches including 204 RPGs. Was a coalition strike at insurgent training camps in the Rawah area. Led by the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment along with soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division and 4th Infantry Division. The operation was nicknamed by the soldiers involved as Operation Santa's Claws.
Operation Devil Siphon 20031223 20031223 Ar Ramadi Law enforcement: Was aimed at curtailing the growing black market of fuel and propane and restoring Iraq's fuel infrastructure. Like Operation Rifles Fury, this operation was a coalition strike aimed at ending Black Market fuel and propane operations run by insurgent marketeers. The operation involved the U.S. 1st Infantry Division and Iraqi Police.
Operation Overcoat 20031223 20031223 Mosul Humanitarian: Delivered more than 500 pounds of coats, clothes, shoes, and toys
Operation Salm 20031223 20031223 Fallujah Operation Salm was designed to give a higher profile to coalition forces in Fallujah and more exposure to residents. The second objective was to paralyze anti-coalition forces by flooding the streets with soldiers and checkpoints. This operation took place on December 23, 2003 and lasted from 5:30 am to 3:00 pm. Members of the 10th Mountain Division and 82nd Airborne Division participated and reported they detained 12 enemy personnel.
Operation Santa Strike 20031223 20031223 Mosul Humanitarian: Delivered more than 500 pounds of coats, clothes, shoes, and toys
Operation Iron Force 20031224 2003???? Baghdad Counterinsurgency: The objective was to capture or eliminate any rebel forces seeking to capitalize on the holiday season to attack coalition forces
Operation Iron Grip 20031224 20031231, at least Baghdad Counterinsurgency: Was designed to intensify the pressure on Saddam loyalists
Operation Choke Hold 20031230 20031230 Baghdad Counterinsurgency: To stop the influx of bomb making materials into the city

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