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Changes: Battle of Abu Ghraib

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{{Multiple issues|
  
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{{cleanup-rewrite|date=July 2007}}
  
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{{expert-subject|date=January 2007}}
  
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{{no footnotes|date=May 2009}}
  
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{{synthesis|date=October 2007}}
  
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{{Infobox military conflict
  
{{Infobox military conflict
 
|conflict=Battle of Abu Ghraib
  
|conflict=Battle of Abu Ghraib
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|caption=Damage done to the [[Baghdad Central Prison|Abu Ghraib prison]] during the 2 April 2005 attack.
  
|caption=Damage done to the [[Baghdad Central Prison|Abu Ghraib prison]] during the 2 April 2005 attack.
 
|partof=[[Iraqi insurgency]]
  
|partof=[[Iraqi insurgency]]
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|place=[[Abu Ghraib]], [[Iraq]]
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|place=Abu Ghraib, Iraq
 
|date=April 2, 2005
  
|date=April 2, 2005
 
|result=Successful American defense of the Abu Ghraib facility
  
|result=Successful American defense of the Abu Ghraib facility
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|combatant1={{USA}}
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|combatant1=[[United States of America|United States]]
 
|combatant2=[[Al Qaeda in Iraq]], [[Iraqi insurgents]]
  
|combatant2=[[Al Qaeda in Iraq]], [[Iraqi insurgents]]
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|commander1=
 
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|commander2=
 
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|strength1=
 
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|strength2=
  
 
|casualties1=2 killed and over 40 [[wounded in action]]* Unable to find documentation on the KIA on this.
  
|casualties1=2 killed and over 40 [[wounded in action]]* Unable to find documentation on the KIA on this.
 
|casualties2=70 killed (American estimate)
  
|casualties2=70 killed (American estimate)
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==Chronology==
  
==Chronology==
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At approximately 7:06 p.m. (Baghdad Time) on April 2, 2005, an estimated 80–120 armed [[Iraqi insurgency|insurgents]] launched a massive coordinated assault on the U.S. [[military]] facility and [[internment camp]] at [[Abu Ghraib]], [[Iraq]]. Close air support was not available until approx 8:00 p.m. because the air fields in Fallujah and Camp Victory were being shelled. Main Supply Routes (MSR) Sword and Tampa were blocked to both the east and west of [[FOB Abu Ghraib|Forward Operating Base (FOB) Abu Ghraib]] by [[improvised explosive device]]s (IEDs) and small arms ambushes. These diversionary, well coordinated attacks isolated FOB Abu Ghraib for most of the encounter. <!-- (Contributor's note: suggest editors request Spot reports from MNC-I via the Freedom of Information Act){{Fact|date=February 2007}} -->
 +
At approximately 7:06&nbsp;p.m. (Baghdad Time) on April 2, 2005, an estimated 80–120 armed [[Iraqi insurgency|insurgents]] launched a massive coordinated assault on the U.S. military facility and [[internment camp]] at Abu Ghraib, Iraq. Close air support was not available until approx 8:00&nbsp;p.m. because the air fields in Fallujah and Camp Victory were being shelled. Main Supply Routes (MSR) Sword and Tampa were blocked to both the east and west of [[FOB Abu Ghraib|Forward Operating Base (FOB) Abu Ghraib]] by [[improvised explosive device]]s (IEDs) and small arms ambushes. These diversionary, well coordinated attacks isolated FOB Abu Ghraib for most of the encounter. <!-- (Contributor's note: suggest editors request Spot reports from MNC-I via the Freedom of Information Act){{Fact|date=February 2007}} -->
−  
⚫
The initial thrust of the attack consisted of multiple rockets and mortars aimed at every area of the FOB. These were quickly followed by a vehicle-borne IED (VBIED) attacking the northwest section of the outer wall [[perimeter]]. This VBIED detonated approximately 100 meters from the wall and was unsuccessful in creating a breach.
 
−  
⚫
The [[US Marine Corps]]' Echo Company [[2nd Battalion, 10th Marines]], was stationed at Abu Ghraib and tasked with perimeter [[defense (military)|defense]]. Engaging the enemy with a variety of weapons systems from the outer wall defensive platforms, the Marines managed to slow the [[momentum]] of the assault.
 
   
  ⚫
The initial thrust of the attack consisted of multiple rockets and mortars aimed at every area of the FOB. These were quickly followed by a vehicle-borne IED (VBIED) attacking the northwest section of the outer wall [[perimeter]]. This VBIED detonated approximately 100 meters from the wall and was unsuccessful in creating a breach.
  ⚫
The [[US Marine Corps]]' Echo Company [[2nd Battalion, 10th Marines]], was stationed at Abu Ghraib and tasked with perimeter [[defense (military)|defense]]. Engaging the enemy with a variety of weapons systems from the outer wall defensive platforms, the Marines managed to slow the momentum of the assault.
 
The main effort of the attack was directed at outer Tower 4, located at the southeast corner of the FOB. Several US Marines, based in Tower 4, were wounded when hand grenades were thrown by insurgents from the base of the tower. The tower defenders were then subjected to a concerted push by the insurgents. They took heavy small arms fire, multiple [[rocket propelled grenade]]s and [[Hand grenade|hand thrown grenades]]. The Marines held their position, evacuated their wounded, including a severely wounded [[US Navy|Navy]] [[Corpsman]], and reinforced the tower during a heated exchange. <!-- (Contributor's note: tag the insurgent video detailing the attack and or the tower 5 video showing the VBIED explosion) {{Fact|date=February 2007}} -->
  
The main effort of the attack was directed at outer Tower 4, located at the southeast corner of the FOB. Several US Marines, based in Tower 4, were wounded when hand grenades were thrown by insurgents from the base of the tower. The tower defenders were then subjected to a concerted push by the insurgents. They took heavy small arms fire, multiple [[rocket propelled grenade]]s and [[Hand grenade|hand thrown grenades]]. The Marines held their position, evacuated their wounded, including a severely wounded [[US Navy|Navy]] [[Corpsman]], and reinforced the tower during a heated exchange. <!-- (Contributor's note: tag the insurgent video detailing the attack and or the tower 5 video showing the VBIED explosion) {{Fact|date=February 2007}} -->
 
While official U.S. military reports state only 40-60 insurgents were involved in the attack, anecdotal evidence suggests differently. First, 58 bullet-riddled bodies were discovered in a neighborhood mosque two days after the battle. Second, 20 newly captured prisoners accused of participating in the attack were inprocessed into the detainee population within 10 days of the attack. Third, the official estimate of 40-60 does not take into account the associated diversionary actions against Falluja, Camp Victory and the IED ambushes emplaced along the access roads. Lastly, the first arriving helicopter pilot was heard to say that he estimated hundreds if not more muzzle flashes from around the entire FOB coming from the surrounding apartment buildings, villages and fields.
  
While official U.S. military reports state only 40-60 insurgents were involved in the attack, anecdotal evidence suggests differently. First, 58 bullet-riddled bodies were discovered in a neighborhood mosque two days after the battle. Second, 20 newly captured prisoners accused of participating in the attack were inprocessed into the detainee population within 10 days of the attack. Third, the official estimate of 40-60 does not take into account the associated diversionary actions against Falluja, Camp Victory and the IED ambushes emplaced along the access roads. Lastly, the first arriving helicopter pilot was heard to say that he estimated hundreds if not more muzzle flashes from around the entire FOB coming from the surrounding apartment buildings, villages and fields.
 
Inside the detention facility, the 306th Military Police Battalion scrambled to maintain effective security and control over the 5,000 detainees housed in [[Camp Redemption]]. Approximately 150 detainees breached one of the compound fencelines but were successfully contained and repelled by SPC McClellan of the B/2-111th Field Artillery Regiment of the Virginia National Guard. SPC McClellan was joined by members of the [[Initial Reaction Force]] (IRF) within 5 minutes of engaging the detainees at the fence breach. SPC McClellan was later awarded the [[Army Commendation Medal]] (ARCOM) with a "V" device for valor.
  
Inside the detention facility, the 306th Military Police Battalion scrambled to maintain effective security and control over the 5,000 detainees housed in [[Camp Redemption]]. Approximately 150 detainees breached one of the compound fencelines but were successfully contained and repelled by SPC McClellan of the B/2-111th Field Artillery Regiment of the Virginia National Guard. SPC McClellan was joined by members of the [[Initial Reaction Force]] (IRF) within 5 minutes of engaging the detainees at the fence breach. SPC McClellan was later awarded the [[Army Commendation Medal]] (ARCOM) with a "V" device for valor.
   
−
Units patrolling the surrounding area were also under attack. M1A1 Abrams tanks from Charlie Company 1st of the 256 Armor Battalion, [[Louisiana National Guard]], were under fire on Route Cardinals intersecting Swords, near the prison. Two tanks, C-24 and C-22, were diverted from supporting the prison by a fake improvised explosive device set on a checkpoint by insurgents. Once the tanks received confirmation that Abu Ghraib Prison and the surrounding area was under attack, they moved to support their own dismounted elements near the backside of the prison. On the way they were engaged by numerous IEDS and rocket propelled grenades. Supporting tank platoons in nearby sectors were hit by vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices and disabled during their push to support C-22 and C-24. None of the Charlie Company tanks were cleared to use their 120&nbsp;mm main guns during the fight, but both engaged targets with .50 cal and 7.62 machine guns.
+
Units patrolling the surrounding area were also under attack. M1A1 Abrams tanks from Charlie Company 1st of the 256 Armor Battalion, [[Louisiana National Guard]], were under fire on Route Cardinals intersecting Swords, near the prison. Two tanks, C-24 and C-22, were diverted from supporting the prison by a fake improvised explosive device set on a checkpoint by insurgents. Once the tanks received confirmation that Abu Ghraib Prison and the surrounding area was under attack, they moved to support their own dismounted elements near the backside of the prison. On the way they were engaged by numerous IEDS and rocket propelled grenades. Supporting tank platoons in nearby sectors were hit by vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices and disabled during their push to support C-22 and C-24. None of the Charlie Company tanks were cleared to use their 120&nbsp;mm main guns during the fight, but both engaged targets with .50 cal and 7.62 machine guns.
−  
 
The Marines were reinforced by elements of the 1-[[119th Field Artillery]], Michigan Army [[United States National Guard|National Guard]], the 1-[[623rd Field Artillery]] [[Kentucky National Guard|Kentucky Army National Guard]], the [[524th Military Intelligence Battalion]], the 2-[[111th Field Artillery]] of the [[Virginia National Guard]], the HHC, [[306th Military Police Battalion]], [[United States Army Reserve]], the [[732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, USAF]], and the [[115th Combat Support Hospital]]. These soldiers resupplied [[ammunition]], evacuated casualties for which one soldier, CSM Michael Donohue, 306th MP BN, was awarded an ARCOM with "V", resupplied water to entrenched soldiers and marines, and held various defensive positions throughout the base.
 
The Marines were reinforced by elements of the 1-[[119th Field Artillery]], Michigan Army [[United States National Guard|National Guard]], the 1-[[623rd Field Artillery]] [[Kentucky National Guard|Kentucky Army National Guard]], the [[524th Military Intelligence Battalion]], the 2-[[111th Field Artillery]] of the [[Virginia National Guard]], the HHC, [[306th Military Police Battalion]], [[United States Army Reserve]], the [[732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, USAF]], and the [[115th Combat Support Hospital]]. These soldiers resupplied [[ammunition]], evacuated casualties for which one soldier, CSM Michael Donohue, 306th MP BN, was awarded an ARCOM with "V", resupplied water to entrenched soldiers and marines, and held various defensive positions throughout the base.
 
e
  
e
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The heaviest action occurred during a 2½ hour period. The insurgents were suppressed and forced to retreat by the arrival of two Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopters at approximately 9:45 p.m., Baghdad time. However, sporadic lighter attacks occurred during the remainder of the night and these were repelled. The following day, a third VBIED disguised as an abandoned farm tractor detonated near the walls and two brief firefights ensued. Two of these bodies were placed next to the tractor and rigged with 120&nbsp;mm mortar cartridge. Iraqi National Police waved off US military personal from the tractor before moving the bodies.
+
The heaviest action occurred during a 2½ hour period. The insurgents were suppressed and forced to retreat by the arrival of two Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopters at approximately 9:45&nbsp;p.m., Baghdad time. However, sporadic lighter attacks occurred during the remainder of the night and these were repelled. The following day, a third VBIED disguised as an abandoned farm tractor detonated near the walls and two brief firefights ensued. Two of these bodies were placed next to the tractor and rigged with 120&nbsp;mm mortar cartridge. Iraqi National Police waved off US military personal from the tractor before moving the bodies.
−  
 
More than 100 mortars and rockets and tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition were fired at the U.S. personnel in FOB Abu Ghraib. There were numerous minor injuries and incidents and the destruction of several detainee housing facilities consisting of three tents; two in Level 1 C/D and one in Level 1 A/B, Camp Redemption when rioters set them ablaze with tent poles wrapped in burning rags. The only major structural or equipment damage was the loss of a refrigerator semi trailer. (damage documented in the insurgent video)
  
More than 100 mortars and rockets and tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition were fired at the U.S. personnel in FOB Abu Ghraib. There were numerous minor injuries and incidents and the destruction of several detainee housing facilities consisting of three tents; two in Level 1 C/D and one in Level 1 A/B, Camp Redemption when rioters set them ablaze with tent poles wrapped in burning rags. The only major structural or equipment damage was the loss of a refrigerator semi trailer. (damage documented in the insurgent video)
   
 
==Casualties==
  
==Casualties==
−
Approximately 44 U.S. personnel were injured during the fighting, several seriously enough to be helicoptered out.
+
Approximately 44 U.S. personnel were injured during the fighting, several seriously enough to be helicoptered out.
−  
 
An estimated 70 insurgents were believed killed in the engagement. Remains of the Tower 4 VBIED driver were recovered inside the FOB walls. Other remains were confirmed by the tankers that were hit by VBIEDs as well. [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7364844/]
  
An estimated 70 insurgents were believed killed in the engagement. Remains of the Tower 4 VBIED driver were recovered inside the FOB walls. Other remains were confirmed by the tankers that were hit by VBIEDs as well. [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7364844/]
 
Soldiers from the 128th Medical Company (GA) attached to the 115th Field Hospital assisted in the evacuation and treatment of the wounded.
  
Soldiers from the 128th Medical Company (GA) attached to the 115th Field Hospital assisted in the evacuation and treatment of the wounded.
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* Department Of Defense Security Forces, Tactical Response Team
  
* Department Of Defense Security Forces, Tactical Response Team
 
<!-- 1st Battalion 9th Marines -->
  
<!-- 1st Battalion 9th Marines -->
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{{Expand section|date=June 2008}}
  
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*[[Task Force Alcatraz]] [[67th Combat Support Hospital (United States)|67th Combat Support Hospital]]
  
   
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*[[Task Force Alcatraz]] [[67th Combat Support Hospital (United States)|67th Combat Support Hospital]]
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{{Portal|War|Military of the United States|United States Marine Corps}}
  
 
* 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, USAF
  
* 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, USAF
   
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|url=http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2005/08/24/bronze_star_awarded_to_2_massachusetts_national_guardsmen/
  
|url=http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2005/08/24/bronze_star_awarded_to_2_massachusetts_national_guardsmen/
 
|title=Bronze Star awarded to 2 Massachusetts National Guardsmen
  
|title=Bronze Star awarded to 2 Massachusetts National Guardsmen
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|author= Adrienne P. Samuels |date=2005-08-24 |publisher=[[Boston Globe]] |accessdate=2007-06-03}}
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|author= Adrienne P. Samuels |date=2005-08-24 |publisher=Boston Globe |accessdate=2007-06-03}}
 
*{{cite web
  
*{{cite web
 
|url=http://www.sitemason.com/newspub/dtWzug?id=25392&mode=print
  
|url=http://www.sitemason.com/newspub/dtWzug?id=25392&mode=print
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|url=http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=31513
  
|url=http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=31513
 
|title=Insurgents Launch Attacks on Abu Ghraib
  
|title=Insurgents Launch Attacks on Abu Ghraib
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|date=2005-04-02 |publisher=American Forces Press Service |accessdate=2007-06-03| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20070616190036/http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=31513| archivedate= 16 June 2007 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}
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|date=2005-04-02 |publisher=American Forces Press Service |accessdate=2007-06-03| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20070616190036/http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=31513| archivedate= 16 June 2007 | deadurl= no}}
 
*{{cite web
  
*{{cite web
 
|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7364844/
  
|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7364844/
 
|title=Al-Qaida group claims attack on Abu Ghraib
  
|title=Al-Qaida group claims attack on Abu Ghraib
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|date=2005-04-03 |publisher=MSNBC |accessdate=2007-06-03| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20070625104359/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7364844/| archivedate= 25 June 2007 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}
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|date=2005-04-03 |publisher=MSNBC |accessdate=2007-06-03| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20070625104359/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7364844/| archivedate= 25 June 2007 | deadurl= no}}
 
*{{cite web
  
*{{cite web
 
|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7419507/
  
|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7419507/
 
|title=Zarqawi posts Abu Ghraib attack video on web
  
|title=Zarqawi posts Abu Ghraib attack video on web
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|author= [[Lisa Myers]] |date=2005-04-07 |publisher=[[MSNBC]] |accessdate=2007-06-03}}
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|author= [[Lisa Myers]] |date=2005-04-07 |publisher=MSNBC |accessdate=2007-06-03}}
 
*{{cite web
  
*{{cite web
 
|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A24808-2005Apr4.html
  
|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A24808-2005Apr4.html
 
|title=Zarqawi Said to Be Behind Iraq Raid
  
|title=Zarqawi Said to Be Behind Iraq Raid
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|author= Ellen Knickmeyer |date=2005-04-05 |publisher=[[Washington Post]] |accessdate=2007-06-03}}
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|author= Ellen Knickmeyer |date=2005-04-05 |publisher=Washington Post |accessdate=2007-06-03}}
 
*{{cite web
  
*{{cite web
 
|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200504/s1337134.htm
  
|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200504/s1337134.htm
 
|title=Abu Ghraib attack wounds 44 US troops
  
|title=Abu Ghraib attack wounds 44 US troops
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|date=2005-04-03 |publisher=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |accessdate=2007-06-03}}
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|date=2005-04-03 |publisher=ABC News |accessdate=2007-06-03|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20050411035946/http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200504/s1337134.htm|archivedate=2005-04-11}}
 
*{{cite web
  
*{{cite web
 
|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/04/02/iraq.main/
  
|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/04/02/iraq.main/
 
|title=Insurgents attack Abu Ghraib prison
  
|title=Insurgents attack Abu Ghraib prison
−
|author= Enes Dulami, Kevin Flower, Ayman Mohyeldin and Mohammed Tawfeeq |date=2005-04-03 |publisher=[[CNN]] |accessdate=2007-06-03}}
 +
|author= Enes Dulami, Kevin Flower, Ayman Mohyeldin and Mohammed Tawfeeq |date=2005-04-03 |publisher=CNN |accessdate=2007-06-03}}
 
*{{cite web
  
*{{cite web
 
|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/English/archive/archive?ArchiveId=10964
  
|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/English/archive/archive?ArchiveId=10964
 
|title=US troops hit in Abu Ghraib attack
  
|title=US troops hit in Abu Ghraib attack
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|date=2005-04-04 |publisher=[[Al Jazeera]] |accessdate=2007-06-03}}
 +
|date=2005-04-04 |publisher=Al Jazeera |accessdate=2007-06-03}}
 
*{{cite web
  
*{{cite web
 
|url=http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3872&Itemid=128
  
|url=http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3872&Itemid=128
 
|title=Victories during May
  
|title=Victories during May
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|date=2005-06-10 |publisher=[[Multinational Force Iraq|MNFI]] Press Release |accessdate=2007-06-03| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20070617052008/http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3872&Itemid=128| archivedate= 17 June 2007 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}
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|date=2005-06-10 |publisher=[[Multinational Force Iraq|MNFI]] Press Release |accessdate=2007-06-03| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20070617052008/http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3872&Itemid=128| archivedate= 17 June 2007 | deadurl= no}}
 
*{{cite web
  
*{{cite web
 
|url=http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2005/04/05/4_iraqi_civilians_hurt_in_suicide_blast_near_abu_ghraib_prison/
  
|url=http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2005/04/05/4_iraqi_civilians_hurt_in_suicide_blast_near_abu_ghraib_prison/
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|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4405337.stm
  
|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4405337.stm
 
|title=Militants attack Abu Ghraib jail
  
|title=Militants attack Abu Ghraib jail
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|date=2005-04-03 |publisher=[[BBC]] News |accessdate=2007-06-03}}
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|date=2005-04-03 |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=2007-06-03}}
 
{{WoTPrisoners|state=collapsed}}
  
{{WoTPrisoners|state=collapsed}}
   
 
{{coord missing|Iraq}}
  
{{coord missing|Iraq}}
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{{Wikipedia|Battle of Abu Ghraib}}
   
 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Abu Ghraib}}
  
{{DEFAULTSORT:Abu Ghraib}}

Latest revision as of 14:01, 19 November 2018

Battle of Abu Ghraib
Part of Iraqi insurgency
Guard Tower at Abu Ghraib Prison
Damage done to the Abu Ghraib prison during the 2 April 2005 attack.
DateApril 2, 2005
LocationAbu Ghraib, Iraq
Result Successful American defense of the Abu Ghraib facility
Belligerents
United States Al Qaeda in Iraq, Iraqi insurgents
Casualties and losses
2 killed and over 40 wounded in action* Unable to find documentation on the KIA on this. 70 killed (American estimate)
Battles and operations of the Iraq War in Anbar Province


The Battle of Abu Ghraib refers to an April 2, 2005 attack on United States forces at Abu Ghraib prison, which consisted of heavy mortar and rocket fire, under which armed insurgents attacked with grenades, small arms, and two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIED). The U.S. Military's munitions ran so low that orders to fix bayonets were given in preparation for hand-to-hand fighting.

Chronology

At approximately 7:06 p.m. (Baghdad Time) on April 2, 2005, an estimated 80–120 armed insurgents launched a massive coordinated assault on the U.S. military facility and internment camp at Abu Ghraib, Iraq. Close air support was not available until approx 8:00 p.m. because the air fields in Fallujah and Camp Victory were being shelled. Main Supply Routes (MSR) Sword and Tampa were blocked to both the east and west of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Abu Ghraib by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and small arms ambushes. These diversionary, well coordinated attacks isolated FOB Abu Ghraib for most of the encounter.

The initial thrust of the attack consisted of multiple rockets and mortars aimed at every area of the FOB. These were quickly followed by a vehicle-borne IED (VBIED) attacking the northwest section of the outer wall perimeter. This VBIED detonated approximately 100 meters from the wall and was unsuccessful in creating a breach. The US Marine Corps' Echo Company 2nd Battalion, 10th Marines, was stationed at Abu Ghraib and tasked with perimeter defense. Engaging the enemy with a variety of weapons systems from the outer wall defensive platforms, the Marines managed to slow the momentum of the assault. The main effort of the attack was directed at outer Tower 4, located at the southeast corner of the FOB. Several US Marines, based in Tower 4, were wounded when hand grenades were thrown by insurgents from the base of the tower. The tower defenders were then subjected to a concerted push by the insurgents. They took heavy small arms fire, multiple rocket propelled grenades and hand thrown grenades. The Marines held their position, evacuated their wounded, including a severely wounded Navy Corpsman, and reinforced the tower during a heated exchange. While official U.S. military reports state only 40-60 insurgents were involved in the attack, anecdotal evidence suggests differently. First, 58 bullet-riddled bodies were discovered in a neighborhood mosque two days after the battle. Second, 20 newly captured prisoners accused of participating in the attack were inprocessed into the detainee population within 10 days of the attack. Third, the official estimate of 40-60 does not take into account the associated diversionary actions against Falluja, Camp Victory and the IED ambushes emplaced along the access roads. Lastly, the first arriving helicopter pilot was heard to say that he estimated hundreds if not more muzzle flashes from around the entire FOB coming from the surrounding apartment buildings, villages and fields. Inside the detention facility, the 306th Military Police Battalion scrambled to maintain effective security and control over the 5,000 detainees housed in Camp Redemption. Approximately 150 detainees breached one of the compound fencelines but were successfully contained and repelled by SPC McClellan of the B/2-111th Field Artillery Regiment of the Virginia National Guard. SPC McClellan was joined by members of the Initial Reaction Force (IRF) within 5 minutes of engaging the detainees at the fence breach. SPC McClellan was later awarded the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) with a "V" device for valor.

Units patrolling the surrounding area were also under attack. M1A1 Abrams tanks from Charlie Company 1st of the 256 Armor Battalion, Louisiana National Guard, were under fire on Route Cardinals intersecting Swords, near the prison. Two tanks, C-24 and C-22, were diverted from supporting the prison by a fake improvised explosive device set on a checkpoint by insurgents. Once the tanks received confirmation that Abu Ghraib Prison and the surrounding area was under attack, they moved to support their own dismounted elements near the backside of the prison. On the way they were engaged by numerous IEDS and rocket propelled grenades. Supporting tank platoons in nearby sectors were hit by vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices and disabled during their push to support C-22 and C-24. None of the Charlie Company tanks were cleared to use their 120 mm main guns during the fight, but both engaged targets with .50 cal and 7.62 machine guns. The Marines were reinforced by elements of the 1-119th Field Artillery, Michigan Army National Guard, the 1-623rd Field Artillery Kentucky Army National Guard, the 524th Military Intelligence Battalion, the 2-111th Field Artillery of the Virginia National Guard, the HHC, 306th Military Police Battalion, United States Army Reserve, the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, USAF, and the 115th Combat Support Hospital. These soldiers resupplied ammunition, evacuated casualties for which one soldier, CSM Michael Donohue, 306th MP BN, was awarded an ARCOM with "V", resupplied water to entrenched soldiers and marines, and held various defensive positions throughout the base. e The heaviest action occurred during a 2½ hour period. The insurgents were suppressed and forced to retreat by the arrival of two Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopters at approximately 9:45 p.m., Baghdad time. However, sporadic lighter attacks occurred during the remainder of the night and these were repelled. The following day, a third VBIED disguised as an abandoned farm tractor detonated near the walls and two brief firefights ensued. Two of these bodies were placed next to the tractor and rigged with 120 mm mortar cartridge. Iraqi National Police waved off US military personal from the tractor before moving the bodies. More than 100 mortars and rockets and tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition were fired at the U.S. personnel in FOB Abu Ghraib. There were numerous minor injuries and incidents and the destruction of several detainee housing facilities consisting of three tents; two in Level 1 C/D and one in Level 1 A/B, Camp Redemption when rioters set them ablaze with tent poles wrapped in burning rags. The only major structural or equipment damage was the loss of a refrigerator semi trailer. (damage documented in the insurgent video)

Casualties

Approximately 44 U.S. personnel were injured during the fighting, several seriously enough to be helicoptered out. An estimated 70 insurgents were believed killed in the engagement. Remains of the Tower 4 VBIED driver were recovered inside the FOB walls. Other remains were confirmed by the tankers that were hit by VBIEDs as well. [1] Soldiers from the 128th Medical Company (GA) attached to the 115th Field Hospital assisted in the evacuation and treatment of the wounded.

Units involved

References

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