Battle of Basra

The Battle of Basra, occurring in March 2008, was a significant military conflict in Iraq during the Iraq War. It involved Iraqi government forces, supported by U.S. and coalition troops, fighting against Shiite militia groups, particularly the Mahdi Army led by Moqtada al-Sadr. The conflict aimed to re-establish control over Basra, Iraq's second-largest city, which had become a stronghold for militias involved in crime and drug trafficking. The battle resulted in heavy fighting, significant casualties, and ultimately led to the stabilization of Basra under government control, marking a pivotal moment in Iraq's struggle for security.