The OIF GenerationA field guide to the Iraq War and the generation that fought it
Battles and Operations

Basra and Sadr City, 2008

A British Challenger 2 tank of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards fires during a training exercise in Basra, November 2008.
A British Challenger 2 tank of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards fires during a training exercise in Basra, November 2008. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Gustavo Olgiati (public domain)

Basra: Charge of the Knights

Dates: March 25 – April 24, 2008. Led by: Iraqi army and police. Support: U.S. and British air power, advisers, special operations forces, and artillery. Opponent: Mahdi Army.

The Iraqi government launched Operation Charge of the Knights to retake Basra from militias. The early fighting went badly for Iraqi forces, and U.S. and British support proved essential. The militia ultimately withdrew from the city, and the operation is widely regarded as a strategic success for the Iraqi government.

Sadr City

Spring fighting: March – May 2008. Barrier: construction along al-Quds Street began April 15. Ceasefire: May 11, 2008; agreement signed May 12.

As fighting broke out in Basra, militia fighters in Baghdad's Sadr City launched rockets at the Green Zone. U.S. and Iraqi forces pushed into the southern districts and built a concrete barrier along al-Quds Street to deny rocket teams access. A ceasefire took effect on May 11, and the following day an agreement allowed Iraqi forces to enter Sadr City.

Significance

The 2008 battles marked a turning point in which Iraqi forces led major operations, with Americans in support.