The killing of six Royal Military Policemen by a mob in Majar al-Kabir became one of the most controversial British incidents of the 2003 Iraq Campaign.
Key Facts
- Date
- 24 June 2003
- British RMP killed
- 6 soldiers
- Iraqi civilians killed
- 4 people
- Iraqi civilians injured
- at least 11 people
- British troops injured
- 8 soldiers
- Mob size (approx.)
- up to 600 people
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Tensions escalated between British forces and residents of Majar al-Kabir over house searches and confiscation of personal weapons. A signed agreement prohibited British entry into the town, but the 1st Battalion, Parachute Regiment began patrolling there the day after signing, leading locals to believe the agreement had been violated.
On 24 June 2003, angry residents stoned British Parachute Regiment soldiers, who responded with rubber bullets, sparking street battles and rifle fire. Six Royal Military Policemen were cornered in the local police station and killed by a mob of up to 600 people. A Quick Reaction Force attempted to respond, but its Chinook helicopter sustained airframe damage and was forced to turn back.
The death of the six RMP became one of the most debated incidents involving British forces during the Iraq Campaign, prompting ongoing discussion in political and military circles about the breakdown of local agreements and the handling of post-invasion security operations in southern Iraq.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent