Battle of Abu Ghraib

Date	April 2, 2005
Location	Abu Ghraib, Iraq
Result	Successful American defense of the Abu Ghraib facility

Battle of Abu Ghraib
	Part of Iraqi insurgency
	; Abu Ghraib prison
Date	April 2, 2005
Location	Abu Ghraib, Iraq
Result	Successful American defense of the Abu Ghraib facility
Belligerents
United States Military	Al Qaeda in Iraq, Iraqi insurgents
Casualties and losses
2 killed and over 40 wounded in action	Unknown and unverifiable

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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.

[edit] Chronology

At approximately 7:06 p.m. (Baghdad Time) on April 2, 2005, an estimated 40-60 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, commanded by Captain Andrew Bone, 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 southest 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.

Elsewhere, numerous rockets and mortars slammed into the various Logistics Support Areas (LSA) throughout the facility, and small arms fire poured in from all directions. Much of the heavier fire originated from the mosque tower located in Khan Dhari village to the northwest of the outer FOB wall. This fire was later identified as 50 calibre anti-aircraft rounds. Inside the detention facility, U.S. forces 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 FA. 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. LTC John Hussey, Commander of the 306th MP BN ran for cover and coward inside while his soldiers fought bravely.

Units patrolling the surrounding area were also under attack. M1A1 Abrams tanks from Charlie Company 1st of the 156 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 near-by 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. SFC Tim McKnight, tank commnder on Charlie 24, approximated that as many as 9 rocket-propelled grenades were fired at C-22 and C-24 during a calculated diversion by insurgents. CPL Jon Michael Mulkey, driver of C-22, confimed at least one of the RPGS as it slammed into 24's left track. By the time the tanks made it to the prison, the battle was winding down and they were running low on ammo and fuel.

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, and the 115th Combat Support Hospital. These soldiers resupplied ammunition, evacuated casualties for which one soldier, CSM 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 heaviest action occurred during a 2 1/2 hour period. The insurgents were suppressed and forced to retreat by the arrival of a Marine Cobra helicopter gunship 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. The QRF was tasked to gather the bodies and remains of the dead. Two of these bodies were placed next to the tractor and rigged with 120 mm mortar cartridge. Iraqi National Police waived 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)

[edit] Casualties

Approximately 44 U.S. personnel were injured during the fighting, several seriously enough to be helicoptered out. After the battle's conclusion, one Charlie Company, 1st of the 156th tank was hit by a VBIED wounding tank commander Staff Sergeant Michael McCrary as he attempted to direct traffic.

An estimated 40 insurgents were believed killed in the engagement, but only one body was recovered at the base of Tower 4. 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]