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

United States

Commanders and leaders

Saleh Hammadi Salmani

Mohammad Ibrahim Sulaiman

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

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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Wikipedia