The United States begins the invasion of Iraq, codenamed Operation Iraqi Freedom, with the goal of removing Saddam Hussein from power and eliminating Iraq's alleged weapons of mass destruction.
Fall of Baghdad
April 10, 2003
Coalition forces move into Baghdad, leading to the collapse of Saddam Hussein's government. The rapid advance of the coalition forces symbolically ends the 24-year reign of the Iraqi President.
End of Major Combat Operations
May 1, 2003
U.S. President George W. Bush declares major combat operations in Iraq over while speaking aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. Although major combat was declared over, insurgency and sectarian violence would continue for years.
Operation Planet X
May 15, 2003
U.S. forces launch Operation Planet X in northern Iraq, targeting members of the Iraqi intelligence service and paramilitary forces. The operation results in the capture of approximately 260 people.
Dissolution of Iraqi Army
May 23, 2003
L. Paul Bremer, the top civilian administrator in Iraq, issues Coalition Provisional Authority Order Number 2, dissolving the Iraqi Army and other entities of the former Ba'athist state. This decision contributes to increased unrest and the formation of insurgent groups.
Operation Desert Scorpion
June 15, 2003
The U.S. military begins Operation Desert Scorpion, a series of raids across Iraq intended to find Iraqi resistance and heavy weapons. The operation involves thousands of troops and results in the capture of numerous weapons caches and insurgents.
British Soldiers Killed in Majar al-Kabir
June 24, 2003
Six soldiers from the British Royal Military Police are killed by a mob in Majar al-Kabir in Southern Iraq, marking one of the deadliest incidents for British forces during the conflict.
Establishment of Iraqi Governing Council
July 13, 2003
The Iraqi Governing Council is established under the authority of the Coalition Provisional Authority. The council consists of 25 prominent Iraqi leaders from various ethnic and religious backgrounds.
Death of Uday and Qusay Hussein
July 22, 2003
Uday and Qusay Hussein, Saddam Hussein's sons, are killed in Mosul during a raid by Task Force 20. The deaths of the two high-ranking members of the former regime are considered a significant victory for coalition forces.
Bus Bombing at Jordanian Embassy
August 7, 2003
The Jordanian embassy in Baghdad is targeted by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED), marking the first such bombing of the occupation. The attack kills 17 people and injures dozens more.
Canal Hotel Bombing
August 19, 2003
A truck bomb detonates at the United Nations headquarters in the Canal Hotel, killing the top UN envoy, Sergio Vieira de Mello, and 21 others. The attack marks a significant escalation in violence and highlights the growing insurgency in Iraq.
Assassination of Ayatollah Mohammed Baqr al-Hakim
August 29, 2003
Influential Shiite cleric Ayatollah Mohammed Baqr al-Hakim is killed in a car bombing as he leaves his mosque after Friday prayers in Najaf. At least 84 others are killed in the attack, which further heightens sectarian tensions.
First Post-Saddam Government
September 3, 2003
The Iraqi Governing Council forms the first post-Saddam government, appointing a new cabinet and taking a crucial step toward self-governance.
UN Security Council Resolution 1511
October 16, 2003
The UN Security Council issues Resolution 1511, which envisions a multinational force in Iraq and preserves Washington's quasi-absolute control over the country.
Ramadan Offensive Begins
October 27, 2003
The Ramadan Offensive begins with a series of bombings in Baghdad, marking a new phase of increased violence and insurgency during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
Chinook Helicopter Crash
November 2, 2003
Two US Chinook helicopters are fired upon by surface-to-air missiles near Fallujah while en route to Baghdad airport. One helicopter crashes, resulting in the deaths of 16 soldiers and 20 wounded.
Nasiriyah Bombing
November 12, 2003
A suicide truck bomb detonates at the Italian headquarters in Nasiriyah, killing 19 Italians (17 of them soldiers) and 14 Iraqis. The attack is one of the deadliest against coalition forces in Iraq.
Accelerated Timetable for Iraqi Control
November 15, 2003
The Iraqi Governing Council unveils an accelerated timetable for transferring the country to Iraqi control, aiming to speed up the process of self-governance.
Capture of Saddam Hussein
December 13, 2003
Saddam Hussein is captured in Operation Red Dawn near his hometown of Tikrit. His capture is announced the following day, marking a significant milestone in the US-led invasion of Iraq.
Operation Ivy Blizzard
December 17, 2003
The US 4th Infantry Division launches Operation Ivy Blizzard, arresting 12 insurgents during the operation, which lasts from dawn until mid-morning.
Karbala Bombings
December 27, 2003
A series of bombings occur in the city of Karbala, further destabilizing the security situation in Iraq.
Erbil Suicide Bombings
February 1, 2004
Two suicide bombers strike Kurdish political offices in the northern city of Erbil, killing 117 people and injuring 133 others.
Aashurah Bombings
March 2, 2004
Multiple bombings in Baghdad and Karbala at the climax of the Shia festival of Aashurah result in nearly 200 deaths, marking the deadliest attacks up to that time.
Provisional Iraqi Constitution Signed
March 8, 2004
The interim Iraqi government signs a provisional constitution, laying the groundwork for a new political system.
Fallujah Ambush
March 31, 2004
Four Blackwater contractors are ambushed and killed in Fallujah, leading to the First Battle of Fallujah.
Clashes with Muqtada al-Sadr Followers
April 4, 2004
Violent clashes between the coalition forces and followers of Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr begin, lasting until the end of August 2004.
Foreign Civilians Kidnapped
April 8, 2004
The kidnapping of foreign civilians in Iraq begins with the abduction of several Japanese nationals.
New Iraqi Flag
April 26, 2004
The Iraq Interim Governing Council announces a new flag for post-Saddam Iraq.
Ezzedine Salim Assassination
May 17, 2004
Ezzedine Salim, head of the Iraqi Governing Council, is killed in a suicide attack.
Mukaradeeb Killings
May 19, 2004
US forces bomb a wedding party, resulting in the deaths of 42 people.
Iraqi Interim Government Assumes Functions
June 1, 2004
The Iraqi Interim Government, led by Prime Minister Iyad Allawi, assumes its functions, with Ghazi al-Yawer as the head of the Iraqi state.
UN Security Council Resolution 1546
June 8, 2004
The UN Security Council passes Resolution 1546, transferring sovereignty from the Coalition Provisional Authority to the Iraqi Interim Government.
Iranian Seizure of Royal Navy Personnel
June 21, 2004
Iran seizes British Royal Navy personnel, leading to a diplomatic incident between Iran and the United Kingdom.
Transfer of Sovereignty
June 28, 2004
The US-led Coalition Provisional Authority formally transfers sovereignty of Iraqi territory to the Iraqi interim government, two days ahead of schedule.
Transfer of Saddam Hussein
June 30, 2004
Saddam Hussein and eleven high-ranking ex-government figures are put under the Iraqi Interim Government's authority.
Najaf Conflict
August 5-27, 2004
Forces loyal to Muqtada al-Sadr resist government authority in Najaf. The fighting ends with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani's intervention.
Haifa Street Helicopter Incident
September 14, 2004
A helicopter incident on Haifa Street results in the deaths of 13 Iraqis and is televised worldwide.
Car Attack
September 30, 2004
A car strikes an American officer handing out candy to children, killing up to 35 children in a tragic incident.
Battle of Samarra
October 1, 2004
Intense fighting takes place between coalition forces and insurgents in the city of Samarra.
Al-Zarqawi Pledges Allegiance to Al-Qaeda
October 17, 2004
Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, a prominent insurgent leader in Iraq, pledges allegiance to the al-Qaeda network, further highlighting the growing influence of extremist groups within the country.
Second Battle of Fallujah
November 7, 2004
Coalition forces launch a major offensive against insurgents in the city of Fallujah.
Battle of Mosul
November 8, 2004
Insurgents regroup and initiate a large-scale battle in the city of Mosul.
Forward Operating Base Marez Bombing
December 21, 2004
A suicide bombing kills 22 people, including 18 Americans, at the Forward Operating Base Marez in Mosul.
Deadliest Day for US Military
January 26, 2005
A helicopter crash results in the deaths of 31 US soldiers, marking the deadliest day for the US military in the entire postwar period.
Iraqi Legislative Election
January 30, 2005
The Shia United Iraqi Alliance wins a majority in the legislative election, followed by the Kurdish Alliance, while Sunnis largely boycott the election.
Al Hillah Bombing
February 28, 2005
A car bomb in Al Hillah kills 127 people in the deadliest single blast up to that time.
First Meeting of Transitional National Assembly
March 16, 2005
Iraq's transitional National Assembly convenes for the first time.
Battle of Abu Ghraib
April 2, 2005
Coalition forces and insurgents engage in a fierce battle near the Abu Ghraib prison.
Election of Jalal Talabani
April 6, 2005
Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani is elected as the President of Iraq.
Ibrahim al-Jaafari Nominated as Prime Minister
April 7, 2005
Ibrahim al-Jaafari is nominated as the Prime Minister of Iraq.
Parliament Votes Trust in New Government
April 28, 2005
The Iraqi Parliament votes to approve the new government.
Battle of Al Qaim
May 8, 2005
US forces launch an offensive in Al Qaim to stop the flow of foreign fighters into Iraq.
Formation of Parliamentary Commission
May 15, 2005
A parliamentary commission is formed to draft the new Iraqi Constitution.
Musayyib Bombing
July 19, 2005
A suicide bombing in Musayyib kills nearly 100 Shia individuals.
Battle of Haditha
August 1-4, 2005
Coalition forces engage in a battle against insurgents in the city of Haditha.
Constitution Presented to Parliament
August 28, 2005
Iraq's new constitution is presented to the parliament for approval.
Battle of Tal Afar
September 1, 2005
US troops launch an offensive in the city of Tal Afar, which would later become a "model" for American forces.
Baghdad Bombings
September 14, 2005
A series of bombings in Baghdad kills 160 people and injures more than 500, marking the deadliest day of the insurgency in the capital.
Basra Prison Incident
September 19, 2005
British troops storm a police station in Basra to free two soldiers being held there.
Balad Bombings
September 29, 2005
A series of bombings in the city of Balad kills at least 95 people.
Iraqi Constitutional Referendum
October 15, 2005
Iraqi voters approve the country's new constitution in a nationwide referendum.
Start of Saddam Hussein’s Trial
October 19, 2005
The trial of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein begins.
Baghdad Hotel Bombings
October 24, 2005
The Palestine Hotel and the Sheraton Ishtar hotel in Baghdad are targeted by truck bombs.
Operation Steel Curtain
November 5, 2005
Coalition forces launch Operation Steel Curtain to root out foreign fighters and disrupt insurgent activity near the Iraq-Syria border. The operation involves a series of military offensives aimed at clearing insurgents from key towns and villages in the region.
Khanaqin Bombings
November 18, 2005
At least 74 people are killed in bombings in Khanaqin, a city in the Diyala Governorate of Iraq. The attacks are part of the ongoing sectarian violence in the country.
Haditha Killings
November 19, 2005
American soldiers kill 24 people, including 15 noncombatants, in Haditha, after an insurgent attack. The incident leads to investigations and charges against several U.S. military personnel.
Al-Askari Mosque Bombing
February 22, 2006
The Shi'ite Al Askari Mosque is bombed by Sunni militants, sparking a sectarian civil war. Shi'ite, Sunni, and other militant groups also start advancing within Baghdad.
Mahmudiyah Killings
March 12, 2006
Five American soldiers are involved in the rape and murder of a 14-year-old Iraqi girl, and the murder of her family in Mahmudiyah.
The new Iraqi government begins
May 20, 2006
The new Iraqi government begins its functions, with Nouri al-Maliki becoming Prime Minister.
Abu Musab al-Zarqawi
June 7, 2006
Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the leader of Al-Qaeda in Iraq, is killed in a U.S. airstrike.
Operation Together Forward begins
June 14, 2006
Operation Together Forward begins, an effort to secure Baghdad from escalating violence.
The Battle of Ramadi begins
June 17, 2006
as part of the ongoing Anbar campaign against insurgents. US forces and Iraqi security forces work together to clear out insurgent strongholds in the city, attempting to establish control and security in the area. The battle, marked by intense urban warfare, results in significant casualties on both sides and among civilians.
Hay al Jihad Massacre occurs
2006, July 9
In Baghdad's Hay al Jihad neighborhood, where Shia militias kill 40 Sunnis. This brutal attack highlights the growing sectarian violence in the country and contributes to further tensions between the two groups.
Two powerful bombs detonate in Baghdad’s Sadr City neighborhood
2006, July 23
Two powerful bombs detonated in Baghdad's Sadr City neighborhood, killing at least 66 people and injuring many more. Sadr City is a predominantly Shia area, and the attack serves to intensify the sectarian strife in Iraq.
Operation River Falcon begins
2006, July 25
Aiming to secure the southern Baghdad belts from insurgents. US and Iraqi forces launch a series of coordinated offensives to drive out insurgents and establish control over key infrastructure and population centers. This operation is designed to improve security in the capital and to disrupt insurgent networks in the area.
The Battle of Amarah erupts
2006, October 19
The Battle of Amarah erupts between the Mahdi Army and the Badr Organization, two rival Shia militias. The fighting results in dozens of deaths and highlights the deep divisions within the Shia community, further complicating the security situation in Iraq.
Chlorine bombings in Iraq
2006, October 28
The first of the Chlorine bombings in Iraq occurs, marking a new tactic by insurgents. They use truck bombs filled with chlorine gas, resulting in not only immediate deaths from the explosion but also injuries and fatalities from the toxic gas. This new method demonstrates the insurgents' adaptability and their willingness to employ unconventional weapons.
Ammar al-Saffar
2006, November 19
Ammar al-Saffar, Deputy Health Minister, becomes the highest-ranking Iraqi to be kidnapped. His abduction underscores the security challenges facing the Iraqi government and the ongoing threats to high-ranking officials.
The Iraq War troop surge of 2007
2007, January 10
The Iraq War troop surge of 2007 is announced by U.S. President George W. Bush, increasing the number of American troops in Iraq. The surge aims to improve security, stabilize the country, and create conditions for political reconciliation.
US raid on Iranian Liaison Office in Arbil
2007, January 11
US raid on Iranian Liaison Office in Arbil, further straining U.S.-Iran relations. The raid results in the detention of several Iranians, whom the U.S. accuses of supporting insurgent groups in Iraq.
The Karbala provincial headquarters raid
2007, January 20
The Karbala provincial headquarters raid results in the kidnapping and killing of five American soldiers. The U.S. blames Iran for supporting the attackers, increasing tensions between the two nations.
Battle of Najaf
2007, January 28
Followers of the Shia cult Soldiers of Heaven initiate the Battle of Najaf, an armed confrontation between Iraqi security forces and a Shia religious group. The battle highlights the complex web of sectarian and religious tensions in Iraq.
Baghdad’s Sadriya market kills 135 people
2007, February 3
A bomb in Baghdad's Sadriya market kills 135 people, one of the deadliest single bombings in the Iraq War. The attack devastates the bustling marketplace and further undermines the fragile security situation in the capital.
Siege of U.K. bases in Basra begins
February 27, 2007
Siege of U.K. bases in Basra begins, with UK forces coming under sustained mortar and rocket attacks from local militias.
Al Hillah bombings
March 6, 2007
Al Hillah bombings kill 120 Shias, marking another devastating attack on the Shia population in Iraq.
Iranian seizure of Royal Navy personnel
March 23, 2007
Iran seizes 15 British Royal Navy personnel patrolling near Iraq. The personnel are released on April 4.
A bombing in Tal Afar
March 27, 2007
A bombing in Tal Afar kills 152 people, setting off Shia retaliation, which leaves 70 Sunnis dead.
Suicide bombings in Baghdad
March 29, 2007
Suicide bombings in Baghdad kill 82 Shias, adding to the ongoing sectarian violence in Iraq.
Operation Black Eagle
April 6, 2007
Fighting occurs between Coalition forces and the Mahdi Army, an Iraqi Shia paramilitary group.
Bombings across Baghdad
April 18, 2007
Bombings across Baghdad kill nearly 200 people, resulting in one of the deadliest days in the conflict.
Al-Askari Mosque bombing
June 13, 2007
Al-Askari Mosque bombing destroys two of the mosque's minarets, further escalating sectarian tensions.
Operation Phantom Thunder
June 16, 2007
Operation Phantom Thunder begins a large-scale effort by Coalition forces to secure the Baghdad Belts.
Kirkuk bombings
July 16, 2007
Kirkuk bombings kill 86 people in a coordinated attack targeting the ethnically diverse city.
Truck bomb in Amirli
July 17, 2007
Truck bomb in Amirli kills 156, marking another devastating attack in the ongoing conflict.
A Baghdad market is bombed
July 26, 2007
A Baghdad market is bombed, killing 92 people.
Operation Phantom Strike
August 2007
Operation Phantom Strike begins, aiming to clear out remaining insurgent strongholds.
Yazidi communities bombings
August 14, 2007
Yazidi communities bombings result in the deaths of over 500 people, making it one of the deadliest attacks of the Iraq War.
Operation Phantom Phoenix
January 8, 2008
Operation Phantom Phoenix begins, a joint operation by Coalition forces and the Iraqi military to target remaining insurgents.
Iraqi Day of Ashura fighting
January 18, 2008
Iraqi Day of Ashura fighting results in multiple bombings and sectarian violence.
Ninawa campaign
January 23, 2008
Ninawa campaign begins, targeting insurgent activity in the northern province.