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Battle of Al Kut (2003)

Battle of Al Kut (2003)
Part of 2003 Invasion of Iraq
Date April 3–4, 2003
Location Al Kut, Iraq
Result U.S tactical victory
Belligerents

Iraq Iraq

 United States
Commanders and leaders

Iraq Saleh Hammadi Salmani

Iraq Mohammad Ibrahim Sulaiman
United States Col. Joe W. Dowdy
Units involved
Numerous elements of the Medina division and the Baghdad Division Part of the 1st Marine Division
Strength
2500-3000 men unspecified
Casualties and losses

Heavy. Many T-62 tanks, APC's, and Mk83's destroyed.

At least 150–250 killed.
2000–2500 captured.
1 soldier killed
~12 wounded
At least 1 ACE truck destroyed

Iraq Iraq

Iraq Saleh Hammadi Salmani

Heavy. Many T-62 tanks, APC's, and Mk83's destroyed.

The Battle of Al Kut was an armed confrontation between elements of the United States military and Iraqi forces during the 2003 Invasion of Iraq.

Before the 2003 invasion, Al Kut was home to an Iraqi airfield and suspected chemical weapons plant, thus making it an important target during the invasion. Al Kut lay in the way of the planned Coalition advanced into Baghdad.

On April 3, 2003, the 1st Marine Division reached the outskirts of Al Kut, and broadcast a warning to the Iraqi defenders there, ordering them to surrender by 0700 GMT. The deadline passed with no response, and the US launched their assault on Al Kut.

On April 3, several US military units advanced into Al Kut, meeting little resistance until they closed in within 1,000 yards of their objectives. At that point, Iraqi soldiers and irregulars opened fire with small arms and RPG's. Fearing a close-quartered urban battle, the US forces remained on the outskirts of the city, returning fire and killing many defenders. Numerous air strikes, including a B-52 strike, were launched on the Iraqi defenses. Numerous GBU-16 missiles were fired from US warplanes, destroying many Iraqi T-62 tanks, BMPs, and support vehicles.


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