Iraqi forces retook Ramadi from ISIL in early 2016, with US-led airstrikes credited for 80% of the recapture, though the city suffered up to 90% destruction.
Key Facts
- Duration of fighting
- Approximately two and a half months
- Allied airstrikes conducted
- Over 850 airstrikes
- Airstrike credit for recapture
- 80%
- Estimated city destruction
- Up to 90% of the city
- Min. time to clear Tamim District
- At least 9 months
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
ISIL captured Ramadi in mid-2015, seizing control of the capital of Anbar Province. This prompted Iraqi government forces, backed by a US-led coalition providing air support, to plan a campaign to retake the strategically important city.
Beginning in late 2015, Iraqi forces launched a ground offensive to recapture Ramadi, supported by over 850 coalition airstrikes conducted from July 2015 to late February 2016. After approximately two and a half months of intense urban combat, Iraqi forces successfully retook the city by February 2016.
Ramadi was recaptured from ISIL, but the city emerged as the most heavily damaged in Iraq, with estimates suggesting up to 90% destruction. Clearing ISIL-planted bombs was projected to take many months, with the Tamim District alone requiring at least nine months of demining operations.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
2 belligerents
Side B
1 belligerent