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OIF: The Fight for Baghdad

Army University Press・36 minutes read

President George W. Bush initiated Operation Iraqi Freedom with the goal to disarm Iraq and liberate its people, leading to U.S.-led coalition forces moving towards Baghdad and capturing key objectives like Saddam International Airport amidst resistance and significant sacrifices.

Insights

  • The Karbala Gap was a crucial strategic corridor for advancing towards Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom, with Lieutenant General David D. McKiernan directing the Third Infantry Division to swiftly move north through it to maintain operational momentum.
  • Mission Command principles guided successful operations, enabling decentralized decision-making, seizing opportunities, and sustaining momentum towards key objectives like securing the Baghdad International Airport, showcasing effective leadership and strategic planning during the conflict.

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Recent questions

  • What was Operation Iraqi Freedom?

    Operation Iraqi Freedom was initiated by President George W. Bush on March 19, 2003, with the goal of disarming Iraq, liberating its people, and ensuring global security. The operation involved U.S.-led coalition forces advancing into Iraq to achieve key objectives and isolate Baghdad.

  • Who led the Third Infantry Division during the operation?

    Lieutenant General David D. McKiernan directed the Third Infantry Division to swiftly move north through the Karbala Gap towards Baghdad to maintain operational momentum and seize strategic objectives.

  • What were the key objectives for Fifth Corps in Iraq?

    Fifth Corps aimed to breach the Iraqi border, secure Tallil Air Base, seize the Karbala Gap, and capture key objectives like the Al-Qaid Bridge and Saddam International Airport to isolate Baghdad and advance towards the city.

  • What obstacles did Task Force 369 face during the operation?

    Task Force 369 encountered enemy resistance while executing a hasty gap crossing at Objective Peach to secure the Al-Qaid Bridge, a crucial point for advancing towards Baghdad, amidst the ongoing conflict.

  • How did Colonel Perkins plan the Thunder Run operation?

    Colonel Perkins planned the Thunder Run operation, a reconnaissance in force into Baghdad, with tank battalions moving into the city without stopping, abandoning disabled tanks immediately, and conducting preparatory fire before reaching each objective, ultimately aiming to capture the center of the city known as Objective Diane.

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Summary

00:00

"Operation Iraqi Freedom: Advancing Towards Baghdad"

  • President George W. Bush initiated Operation Iraqi Freedom on March 19, 2003, aiming to disarm Iraq, liberate its people, and safeguard the world.
  • The U.S.-led coalition forces, including the Seaflick land component command, advanced into Iraq, with the First Marine Expeditionary Force approaching Baghdad from the southeast and the US Army's Fifth Corps from the southwest.
  • To maintain operational momentum, Lieutenant General David D. McKiernan directed the Third Infantry Division to swiftly move north through the Karbala Gap towards Baghdad.
  • The Karbala Gap, a strategic corridor, was crucial for advancing towards Baghdad, with the Third Brigade Combat Team leading the attack and isolating different parts of the city.
  • Intermediate objectives included seizing the Al-Qaid Bridge, Saddam International Airport, and the intersection of highways one and eight.
  • Fifth Corps' line of operations involved breaching the Iraqi border, securing Tallil Air Base, seizing the Karbala Gap, and capturing key objectives to isolate Baghdad.
  • Iraqi forces, mainly east of the Euphrates River, were expected to defend Baghdad, with the Special Republican Guard and paramilitary fighters playing significant roles.
  • The Euphrates River posed a natural obstacle, with the Al-Qaid Bridge being crucial for Fifth Corps' ground forces to advance towards Baghdad.
  • Task Force 369 executed a hasty gap crossing at Objective Peach, securing the bridge and expanding the bridgehead amidst enemy resistance.
  • Mission Command principles guided Third ID's successful operations, enabling decentralized decision-making, seizing opportunities, and sustaining momentum towards key objectives like Objective Saints and Saddam International Airport.

17:58

"Battle for Baghdad Airport: Task Force Triumph"

  • Task Force 369 was assigned to breach the airport wall from the southwest.
  • Task Force 2-7's mission was to establish a blocking position at the four corners intersection on Highway 8.
  • BCT's third battalion, Task Force 37, would exploit the breach at the airport and conduct clearing operations on the west side.
  • First BCT advanced at 1500 on 3 April and initiated preparatory fires onto the airport from a highway interchange three kilometers southwest.
  • Task Force 369 breached the airport wall at 2300 and attacked through the breach.
  • Task Force 2-7 established a blocking position northeast of the airport and faced a counter-attack by Iraqi forces.
  • Sergeant First Class Paul Smith played a critical role in defending the airport from the counter-attack, ultimately sacrificing his life.
  • First BCT fought off special Republican Guard and paramilitary forces to secure the Baghdad International Airport.
  • Third ID advanced to secure intersections, an Iraqi airfield, and bridges over the Tigris River.
  • Colonel Perkins planned a reconnaissance in force, known as the Thunder Run, into Baghdad to gather intelligence on the city's defenses.

34:26

Thunder Run: Colonel Perkins' Baghdad Maneuver Scheme

  • Colonel Perkins briefed a maneuver scheme for the brigade to support Major General Blunt's intent during the Thunder Run operation.
  • The Thunder Run operation was led by Colonel Perkins with Task Force 164 and Task Force 464 in the lead, aiming to move into Baghdad.
  • The main objectives were three large highway interchanges named Curly, Larry, and Mo.
  • Colonel Perkins planned for the tank battalions to move into downtown Baghdad without stopping, abandoning disabled tanks immediately.
  • Preparatory fire was conducted by the brigade's artillery battalion before reaching each objective.
  • A covert breach was conducted to clear a minefield north of Objective Saints, allowing Second BCT to proceed towards Baghdad.
  • The engineers cleared the route through the minefield swiftly, enabling Second BCT to move through the breach towards Baghdad.
  • Colonel Perkins decided to capture the center of the city, known as Objective Diane, after reaching Objective Mo successfully.
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