Battle for An Najaf

Battle for An Najaf. Airborne. The Battle for An Najaf, Iraq, was fought from 30 March 2003 to 2 April 2003. The actions in An Najaf were a historic step for US forces in the war against Saddam Hussein. "Bastogne" Soldiers utilized a full range of precision combat power including armor, army aviation, and coalition air force assets. 1st Brigade synchronized conventional, special operations, and Iraqi forces to gain a foothold, clear the city, and initiate civil military operations. Enemy forces in An Najaf were destroyed. Critical religious and infrastructure sites were protected. Humanitarian aid for the people of Iraq began., 1st Brigade and 2nd Brigade isolated An Najaf on 29 March 2003. The Battle for An Najaf began on 30 March. B/1-327 attacked a University complex on the east side of the city to disrupt forward observers from communicating with the militant headquarters. 1st Brigade and 2nd Brigade conducted coordinated attacks throughout the city, advancing further into the city each day. Coalition forces eliminated the enemy threat in the city., On 1 April, Thunder Run, a movement to contact mission, was conducted to flush out any remaining enemy. The mission was successful. On 2 April, A/1-327 conducted a show of force to convey the strength, power, and presence of American Soldiers inside the city. Grateful civilians flooded the streets. The city was officially liberated on 2 April 2003. , The Battle for An Najaf was a battle of many firsts. An Najaf was the first city that fell to Coalition Forces, the first city in which its citizens openly welcomed Americans as liberators; the first city to receive humanitarian aid and other life support; and it was the first city in which the citizens destroyed all monuments of Saddam Hussein. , An Najaf had a population of 550,000 people. It was located in south-central Iraq. The city streets were narrow, two lane affairs with flat-roofed, two story concrete block dwellings crowding the streets., Photo caption: Saddam's support for Terrorism: the translation of the Arabic writing is "From Baghdad to Palestine". The gold dome represents the Dome of the Rock Mosque in Jerusalem.