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The Invasion of Iraq
The U.S. and allies begin the invasion of Iraq in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks. -
Defeat of Iraqi Armed Forces
The U.S. and allies defeated the Iraqi Army, the second largest in the world during a five week span. The end of the war begins the occupation phase. -
Occupation Phase Begins
From May 1, 2003 to December 18, 2011, the U.S. and allies occupied Iraq to promote regional stability and combat the Al-Qaeda and Taliban insurgency. -
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Occupation Phase
U.S. Forces and allies occupy Iraq from May of 2003 until December of 2011. -
Withdraw of U.S. Forces
The U.S., on December 18, 2011, withdrew the last remaining U.S. troops remaining in Iraq. This leaves Iraq to fend for itself against internal and external threats. -
ISIS Invades Iraq
In June of 2014, ISIS began its invasion of Iraq. They quickly conquered extensive tracts of land, routing Iraqi forces along the way. -
Fall of Mosul
On June 10, 2014, the Iraqi City of Mosul fell to ISIS fighters. This battle was an embarrassment to the Iraqi military and government. -
U.S. Begins Bombing Campaign
The United States begins its air campaign against ISIS and is soon followed by a coalition of 14 countries. The results of this bombing campaign are stunning, as it allows Iraqi forces to actually hold their ground. -
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Bombing Campaign
U.S. led bombing campaign of ISIS that grew to include 14 countries -
U.S. Bombing Campaign Continues
The Coalition bombing campaign is awe inspiring. The coalition dropped 1,064 munitions in a week beginning on February 17, 2017. The extent of the bombing campaign allows the Iraq and Peshmerga forces to recapture much of the lost territory. -
Liberation of Mosul
In July of 2017, the Iraqi forces have recaptured and liberated the city of Mosul. This is significant as the loss of Mosul was an embarrassment for the Iraq forces back in 2014. The Liberation of Mosul signifies that ISIS is losing the war at a rapid pace. -
ISIS is Nearly Defeated
By December of 2017, ISIS controlled only 3% of Iraq and 4% of Syria. ISIS is barely holding on, about to be completely defeated. -
Defeat of ISIS in Iraq
In March of 2019, the last ISIS holding in Iraq was defeated. ISIS now has no holdings in Iraq of Syria and are defeated militarily. They still remain a threat to the West.
