Key Facts
- Start date
- 30 November 2005
- End date
- 3 January 2006
- Coalition casualties
- 0
- Civilian casualties
- 0 reported
- Area of operations
- East of Hīt, Euphrates River region
Strategic Narrative Overview
Operation Iron Hammer, also designated Operation Matraqa Hadidia, was executed from 30 November 2005 to 3 January 2006 east of Hīt. U.S. and New Iraqi Army forces conducted joint operations in the region, targeting insurgent networks along the eastern bank of the Euphrates River. The combined effort was carried out without reported combat losses for either coalition partner and with no recorded civilian casualties throughout its duration.
01 / The Origins
During the Iraq War, the U.S.-led coalition faced a persistent insurgency across the Anbar province and surrounding regions. The area east of Hīt, along the Euphrates River, was subject to insurgent activity that threatened local villages and undermined stability. To address this, U.S. Armed Forces coordinated with the newly formed New Iraqi Army to conduct a targeted joint operation aimed at suppressing insurgent presence in the area.
03 / The Outcome
The operation concluded on 3 January 2006 and was assessed as having increased security and stability for villages on the eastern side of the Euphrates River. Neither U.S. forces nor the New Iraqi Army sustained losses. The operation represented part of the broader coalition strategy of building Iraqi military capacity while conducting counterinsurgency operations in western Iraq.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
2 belligerents
Side B
1 belligerent