Battle of Fallujah
In April 2004 the U.S. was unsuccessful in trying to capture the city of Fallujah. Led by the US Marine Corp against the Iraqi combatants, the first battle of Fallujah, known as Operation Vigilant Resolve, came shortly after the victory of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). The 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, was sent into the city of Fallujah to save troops of the 82nd Airborne Division. On 31 March 2004, four U.S. contractors were ambushed and killed by Iraqi insurgents. Months after the loss of the first battle of Fallujah, the U.S. fought in another battle of Fallujah. This battle took place on November 7th, 2004 and lasted until December 23rd, 2004. Code named Operation Al-Fajr, which in Arabic translates to “the dawn,” or more commonly known as Operation Phantom Fury, the second battle of Fallujah was caused when it was believed that the leader of the insurgents Abu- Musab Al Zarqawi was operating with the mission of retaking Fallujah. It was recorded that approximately 4,000-5,000 insurgents remained in the city of Fallujah. On November 6, Regimental Combat Team 1, consisting of the 3rd Battalion/1st Marines, 3rd Battalion/5th Marines, and the US Army's 2nd Battalion/7th Cavalry, were in position to assault the western part of Fallujah; attacking from the north. Later that day, they were joined by Regimental Combat Team 7, made up of 1st Battalion/3rd Marines, the 1st Battalion/8th Marines, and the U.S. Army's 2nd Battalion/2nd Infantry whom would quarantine the eastern part of the city. With the city surrounded, Fallujah stood no chance. LT GEN John Sattler and MAJ GEN Richard Natonski were the commanders of this operation. They were in charge of approximately 15,000 men. Going to war with another country is extremely dangerous. It’s even more dangerous when the people of the other countries have no regard for their own life. Meaning if they have to sacrifice themselves they will do that, with pleasure. Following the first battle, it was said that men