Hunting in Mosul: The Three Lion Hunts of 2006

The Lions Begin to Hunt

A Summer of Pursuit in a City at War

In the spring and early summer of 2006, the streets of Mosul, Iraq’s third-largest city, echoed with the footfalls of patrol boots and the grinding of Stryker wheels. Over the span of three key operations—each escalating in complexity—Coalition and Iraqi forces launched a series of offensives designed to dismantle insurgent networks, reestablish government presence, and restore civil order in one of Iraq’s most volatile cities.

The operations unfolded as follows:

• Lion Hunt I — April 28, 2006
• Lion Hunt II — May 25–27, 2006
• Lion Hunt III — June 22–23, 2006

Though distinct in execution, these missions formed a unified campaign—a sharpened and sustained effort to regain control of a city teetering between insurgency and collapse.

Staff Sgt. Felix Perez, squad leader of 1st Platoon, 511th Military Police Company, discusses plans for Operation Lion Hunt III with the Iraqi Police Chief at Al Karama station in Mosul, Iraq

Why ‘Lion Hunt’? A Name with Meaning

The name “Lion Hunt” wasn’t mere metaphor—it carried both symbolic weight and cultural resonance. In Iraqi tradition, the lion (أسد, “asad”) is an emblem of strength, leadership, and protection. The codename served a dual purpose: to project aggression against enemy forces, and to honor the growing role of Iraqi Police, many of whom led from the front despite facing assassination attempts, limited equipment, and public skepticism.

The hunt, in this case, was not only for insurgents—it was a pursuit of security, legitimacy, and control in a city unraveling at the seams.

Mosul: A Battleground That Refused to Quiet

Perched near the Syrian border and long divided by ethnic and sectarian lines, Mosul was a natural magnet for militants. Insurgent groups fleeing pressure in Fallujah and Ramadi found safe haven in the city’s sprawling slums, sympathetic neighborhoods, and corrupt local networks. Despite numerous operations since the 2003 invasion, Mosul remained restive—a center of resistance cloaked in urban complexity.

By early 2006, attacks on police stations, roadside bombings, and targeted killings had surged. For Iraqi and Coalition commanders, the Lion Hunt operations became a calculated response—part precision strike, part psychological warfare—to prevent the city from slipping entirely out of reach.

A Soldier stands guard during Operation Lion Hunt In Mosul on May 11, 2006

One Campaign, Three Movements

Each of the Lion Hunt operations laid the groundwork for the next:

• Lion Hunt I was a tightly focused raid aimed at specific insurgent cells in southeast Mosul.
• Lion Hunt II widened the net, introducing broader sweeps and greater Iraqi Police engagement.
• Lion Hunt III shifted momentum further—placing Iraqi Security Forces in the lead while U.S. units supported and advised.

The Lion Hunts weren’t standalone missions—they were milestones in a longer fight, a campaign designed to build Iraqi capacity while applying sustained pressure on al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI), Sunni insurgents, and local criminal militias.

Strategic Context — Mosul on the Brink

A City Inherited by Insurgents

By early 2006, Mosul had become the last urban redoubt for many of Iraq’s most dangerous factions. As Coalition forces cracked down in places like Fallujah and Tal Afar, insurgents melted north, regrouping in Mosul’s dense neighborhoods and crumbling infrastructure. The city—long divided along ethnic and sectarian lines—offered the perfect environment for covert operations, safe houses, and command centers.

Iraqi Police and Soldiers from the 2nd Battery, 150th Field Artillery prepare for a pre-dawn cordon-and-search operation in Mosul during Operation Lion Hunt III.

A Convergence of Enemies

Mosul wasn’t held by a single insurgent group—it was crowded with them. Sunni Arab nationalists, former Ba’ath Party loyalists, foreign jihadists aligned with al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI), and local criminal syndicates all competed for influence. Some cooperated; others clashed. But they shared one goal: undermining the fragile Iraqi state and driving out U.S. forces. Attacks on convoys, police stations, and government officials became a daily reality.

A Broken Security Apparatus

The situation was made worse by the inconsistent performance of Iraqi security forces. Many units, especially within the Iraqi Police (IP), were undertrained, under-equipped, or infiltrated by insurgent sympathizers. In some cases, police officers looked the other way—or worse, passed information to enemy elements. The result was a local population that largely feared or distrusted their own protectors.

Iraqi Police and Soldiers from the 2nd Battery, 150th Field Artillery prepare to conduct a cordon-and-search operation in Mosul during Operation Lion Hunt III.

U.S. Forces at a Crossroads

For American commanders, the writing was on the wall. With the summer fighting season approaching and national political transitions underway in Baghdad, Mosul couldn’t be left to fester. The 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT) and elements of the 101st Airborne Division faced mounting pressure to reverse the tide. Failure in Mosul wouldn’t just be a local setback—it risked unraveling Coalition gains across the entire northern sector.

The Lion Hunt campaign was conceived in this crucible. It would be aggressive, targeted, and sustained—not just another patrol cycle, but a calculated offensive to root out insurgent infrastructure and restore state authority in a city teetering on the edge.

Operation Lion Hunt I — Reasserting Control (April 28, 2006)

Targeting the Southeast: A Tactical Reintroduction

On April 28, 2006, Coalition forces launched the first in a series of aggressive offensives under the codename “Lion Hunt.” The operation unfolded in southeast Mosul, a part of the city known for its entrenched insurgent presence and weakened state authority. The immediate goal: reestablish control through a show of force, focused sweeps, and local engagement.

The mission served as a litmus test for future operations. If combined Iraqi and U.S. forces could penetrate this hostile area, they could begin to roll back the insurgent grip on the city sector by sector.

Operation Lion Hunt was a joint effort between the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police, developed to seek out insurgents and illegal weapons in Mosul, Iraq.

Combined Arms: U.S. and Iraqi Forces Move as One

Operation Lion Hunt I was executed by a joint task force composed of U.S. units—likely from the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team—and elements of the Iraqi Police (IP) and Iraqi Army (IA). U.S. units provided armored mobility, intelligence assets, and overwatch, while Iraqi forces took point on arrests and local interface.

This structure wasn’t just tactical—it was symbolic. The intent was to visibly put Iraqi forces back in charge, restoring public trust and demonstrating that the state was returning to neighborhoods long written off.

Focused Objectives: Precision Over Presence

Rather than broad sweeps, the mission honed in on three priorities:

• Capturing high-value targets known to be coordinating attacks and supplying weapons.
• Conducting precision raids to detain suspected insurgents without causing collateral damage.
• Reinforcing Iraqi Police stations to restore a permanent security footprint in contested districts.

Soldiers moved house to house, backed by armored Strykers and aerial surveillance. Informants and human intelligence (HUMINT) helped shape targets and routes.

The Soldiers of the 549th MP Company pressed on during Operation Lion Hunt, undeterred by harsh conditions and relentless elements.

Measured Success: Foundations for the Campaign

By day’s end, the operation yielded dozens of detainees, multiple weapons caches, and the reoccupation of key police outposts. No major firefights occurred—an indicator that insurgents had either withdrawn or chosen to blend into the population.

Still, the mission sent a clear message: Mosul would not be abandoned to the enemy. Operation Lion Hunt I laid the groundwork for a broader campaign by shaking insurgent confidence and giving Iraqi forces their first meaningful foothold in weeks.

Operation Lion Hunt II — Building Momentum (May 25–27, 2006)

Expanding the Fight: From Foothold to Forward Motion

Between May 25–27, 2006, Coalition forces launched Operation Lion Hunt II, scaling up efforts to reassert control over Mosul. This second phase was not merely a repeat of April’s operation—it was an expansion, designed to leverage the initial gains and push deeper into contested neighborhoods. This time, operations were conducted in tighter coordination with Mosul Police leadership, signaling a growing emphasis on transitioning control to Iraqi forces.

The offensive aimed to build momentum while testing whether the Iraqi Police could stand on their own as the face of security.

Iraqi Police, working alongside the Iraqi Army, took part in Operation Lion Hunt II in Mosul, Iraq—an operation that concluded with clear tactical success.

Multi-Pronged Approach: From Intel to Action

Unlike the first operation’s primarily U.S.-driven structure, Lion Hunt II placed greater operational responsibility in Iraqi hands. The operation was built on a foundation of local intelligence, often sourced through newly established informant networks and community outreach efforts.

Tactics included:

• Precision raids targeting insurgent cells and safe houses.
• Night-time cordon-and-search missions, aimed at preserving the element of surprise.
• Re-clearing of neighborhoods where insurgents had re-infiltrated since the April push.

U.S. units provided quick-reaction support and overwatch but held back deliberately to let Iraqi Police take the lead, both tactically and symbolically.

Shifting the Optics: Iraqi Police in the Forefront

What distinguished Lion Hunt II was its increased reliance on Iraqi Police visibility. Rather than rolling in behind American armor, Iraqi officers walked the streets, set up new checkpoints, and began registering civilian complaints—an old-school, face-to-face approach to rebuilding trust.

This was more than counterinsurgency—it was political theater, and every checkpoint or uniformed patrol sent a message: Mosul is under Iraqi control.

Iraqi Security Forces conducted Operation Lion Hunt in western Nineveh Province—one of their largest operations to date, aimed at rooting out insurgents and restoring control.

Civilian Response: Fear, but Flickers of Trust

For residents, the sight of Iraqi officers returning to neighborhoods long dominated by insurgents evoked a mix of reactions. Some viewed the renewed presence with suspicion or fear, wary of both insurgent reprisals and lingering mistrust of government forces.

Others responded with cautious cooperation, providing tips, nods of support, or at the very least, silence in place of hostility. It wasn’t a turning point—but it was progress. The streets were quieter. Informants were talking. The second lion hunt had left its mark.

Operation Lion Hunt III — Iraqis Take the Lead (June 22–23, 2006)

A New Phase: Iraqi Police at the Helm

On June 22–23, 2006, Operation Lion Hunt III marked a crucial transition in the battle for Mosul. For the first time, the operation was planned, led, and executed primarily by the Iraqi Police, with U.S. forces serving in advisory and overwatch roles. The shift was both tactical and symbolic—a deliberate effort to show the city, and the insurgents within it, that Iraqi security forces were no longer passive participants. They were hunting on their own terms.

Staff Sgt. Felix Perez, squad leader with 1st Platoon, 511th Military Police Company, meets with the Iraqi Police Chief at Al Karama Station in Mosul to discuss the results of Operation Lion Hunt III

Dual Focus: Security and Governance

Lion Hunt III prioritized more than just battlefield objectives. Its core mission was twofold:

• Restore basic rule-of-law infrastructure, including police stations and local courts in key sectors of western Mosul.
• Continue targeting insurgent safe houses, weapons caches, and bomb-making facilities in neighborhoods still under threat.

Reopened police substations in areas like Yarmouk and Hay al-Amal served as visible milestones. In some cases, judges returned under guard to inspect court buildings, sending a powerful message: law and order was being reestablished, block by block.

Combat Continues: Engagements and Arrests

While the operation was law enforcement-led, it was far from bloodless. Iraqi Police units—bolstered by intelligence gathered during previous operations—conducted targeted raids in the city’s western quarters. In one instance, an overnight cordon operation netted a mid-level insurgent leader linked to IED attacks on Coalition convoys.

Another unit engaged in a brief firefight near the al-Zuhour district, repelling a small cell attempting to ambush a police convoy with small arms and grenades. The attackers were driven off, and two were detained after fleeing into a nearby compound.

These actions weren’t massive battles—but they demonstrated the growing competence and initiative of Iraqi forces operating with minimal U.S. involvement.

Iraqi Police and Soldiers from 2nd Battery, 150th Field Artillery prepare for a pre-dawn cordon search in Mosul during Operation Lion Hunt III

Symbolism in Action: “The Lions” Lead the Hunt

By now, the name “Lion Hunt” had taken on deeper meaning. No longer just an operation title, it became a banner under which the Iraqi Police reclaimed their city. Officers wore lion insignias on their uniforms, and commanders referenced the “hunt” in local press briefings.

For a population weary of occupation and insurgency alike, this Iraqi-led mission offered a glimpse of what post-occupation stability might look like. The lions weren’t just being trained—they were out hunting on their own.

Tactics and Terrain — Fighting in the Northern Urban Labyrinth

The City as a Battlefield

Fighting in Mosul meant navigating one of the most complex urban environments in Iraq. The city’s northern districts were a tangled web of narrow alleys, bustling markets, mixed residential zones, and dense, low-rise housing. Streets rarely followed a grid, and rooftops often connected across homes, giving insurgents freedom of movement—and firing positions—above ground level.

Unlike the deserts of Anbar or the open farmland around Tikrit, Mosul’s urban core was close-quarters, chaotic, and unforgiving. Every doorway was a potential ambush site. Every intersection could be rigged with an IED.

This mosque is over 100 years old and still stands, surrounded by buildings in ruins from VBIEDs and IEDs in Mosul, Iraq

Foot Patrols and House Searches

Coalition and Iraqi forces relied heavily on dismounted patrols to move safely and deliberately through contested sectors. Armored vehicles provided overwatch, but boots on the ground were the only way to build trust, gather intelligence, or detect subtle shifts in local behavior.

House-to-house searches were routine, but never routine in execution. Soldiers and police approached each building cautiously—knocking when possible, breaching when necessary. Suspected insurgent hideouts were often rigged with booby traps or prepped for ambush, requiring methodical clearing and room-by-room discipline.

Interpreters and Intelligence Networks

In a city as ethnically and linguistically diverse as Mosul, interpreters and Iraqi Police liaisons were indispensable. They helped navigate both dialects and local politics, ensuring Coalition forces didn’t inadvertently alienate friendly civilians or miss critical nuances in tribal dynamics.

Perhaps most vital of all was human intelligence (HUMINT). Trusted informants—often cultivated over weeks or months—provided tips that led to weapons caches, safe house raids, or the identification of bomb makers. Without this network, Lion Hunt’s success would have been impossible.

This is what most streets in the Al Dawasa neighborhood look like in the aftermath of a VBIED attack in Mosul, Iraq

Threats from the Shadows

Urban combat in Mosul carried its own breed of hazards. Sniper attacks were common, especially from rooftops or minarets, where insurgents could fire and disappear in seconds. IEDs—both roadside and vehicle-borne—were omnipresent, with routes constantly shifting to avoid predictable patterns.

A particularly insidious tactic emerged in the form of fake checkpoints, where insurgents impersonated police or military to stop vehicles, search for collaborators, or stage attacks. Recognizing and disrupting these setups became a priority, especially as Iraqi forces began leading their own patrols.

Operating in Mosul was less about overwhelming firepower and more about precision, patience, and people—the ability to navigate not only the terrain, but the layered loyalties of a city at war with itself.

Faces of the Fight — The Soldiers and Policemen Who Carried the Mission

Coalition Warriors Embedded with Mosul Police

At the heart of Operation Lion Hunt were the U.S. infantry and cavalry units operating alongside Iraqi Police forces. Units like the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team and elements of the 101st Airborne Division played critical roles not just as combat forces, but as advisors and partners in a complex, joint counterinsurgency mission.

These Soldiers didn’t just lead raids; they lived in the same forward patrol bases, shared intelligence, and trained side-by-side with their Iraqi counterparts, helping build confidence and capability from the ground up.

Iraqi Police and Soldiers from the 2nd Battery, 150th Field Artillery conduct a cordon search in Mosul during Operation Lion Hunt III

Iraqi Police Reformers and Leaders

The success of Lion Hunt rested heavily on a core of brave Iraqi Police officers and reformers determined to reclaim their city. Despite facing threats of intimidation, infiltration, and outright violence from insurgents and militias, these officers stepped forward to lead patrols, run checkpoints, and engage their communities.

Their presence on the streets—“The Lions,” as they were known—became a symbol of hope and resilience. Many risked their lives daily, knowing that failure meant both personal danger and the erosion of local security.

Stories from the Front Lines

One memorable joint raid saw an Iraqi Police team, guided by a U.S. squad, sweep through a suspected bomb-making safe house after receiving a tip from a local shopkeeper. The combined force moved swiftly, detaining several suspects and seizing explosives before any attack could be carried out.

Training sessions offered another glimpse into the partnership’s depth. U.S. Soldiers worked patiently with new Iraqi recruits, drilling communication skills, room-clearing techniques, and cultural sensitivity—critical components for effective counterinsurgency.

Occasionally, civilians approached coalition interpreters discreetly, sharing whispered warnings about suspicious activity in their neighborhoods. These human intelligence nuggets often turned the tide, leading to successful interdictions and building fragile trust between forces and the community.

These two Iraqi Police officers are part of the team conducting Operation Lion Hunt alongside Soldiers from the 2nd Battery, 150th Field Artillery. Together, they patrolled the streets of Mosul, establishing effective cordons to help accomplish the mission

The Human Side of Counterinsurgency

Operation Lion Hunt was far more than a series of tactical moves; it was a story of trust and tension, cooperation and conflict. The daily grind of patrols, checkpoints, and raids forged bonds between U.S. Soldiers and Iraqi Policemen, bridging cultural divides in pursuit of a shared goal.

Yet, the mission also carried moments of doubt and fear—trust had to be earned constantly amid a population wary of both insurgents and foreign troops. This delicate dance between force and diplomacy defined the human face of the campaign, underscoring that in counterinsurgency warfare, people were both the battleground and the prize.

Results and Repercussions — What Did the Hunts Achieve?

Tactical Wins: Disrupting the Insurgent Network

The Lion Hunt operations yielded tangible battlefield successes. Over the course of the three missions, coalition and Iraqi forces:

• Captured dozens of suspected insurgents, many linked to bomb-making cells and attacks on security forces.
• Seized significant weapons caches, including explosives, small arms, and components used for improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

• Pacified several key neighborhoods in southeastern and western Mosul, restoring a measure of security and police presence where insurgents once operated openly.

These tactical wins showcased the effectiveness of coordinated raids, intelligence-driven operations, and the growing capacity of the Iraqi Police.

Staff Sgt. Buchanan of 2nd Battalion, 150th Field Artillery, greets a young boy with a handshake before buying some of the sweet bread he’s selling. Known to Soldiers of HHSB 2-150th as a hardworking local, the boy is a familiar face in the streets of Mosul, Iraq

Strategic Challenges: The Limits of Temporary Gains

Despite these successes, the operations underscored the difficulty of holding gains in a complex insurgency environment. When U.S. forces rotated out or shifted focus, insurgent elements frequently re-infiltrated cleared areas.

Mosul’s deeply entrenched ethnic and political divisions—between Sunni Arabs, Kurds, and other groups—remained a persistent obstacle to lasting peace and stability.

While the hunts provided a short-term morale boost for Iraqi Police, inspiring pride and a sense of accomplishment, their long-term effectiveness was hampered by:

• Inconsistent governance at the local level
• Limited resources and training for police
• Ongoing infiltration by insurgents and militias within security forces

A Stepping Stone in a Long Campaign

In sum, the Lion Hunt operations were a critical phase in Mosul’s broader counterinsurgency campaign. They delivered immediate blows to insurgent capabilities and symbolized the Iraqi Police’s growing role in security.

Yet, these missions also highlighted that tactical victories needed to be coupled with political reconciliation, institution-building, and sustained commitment to overcome the underlying fractures fueling the insurgency. The hunts were part of a larger, difficult path toward stability—one that would continue well beyond the summer of 2006.

Iraqi Security Forces engage in Operation Lion Hunt, one of the largest coordinated missions conducted in western Nineveh Province

Legacy — The Lion Hunts and the Road to the Surge

Foreshadowing Core Counterinsurgency Doctrine

The Lion Hunt operations in Mosul anticipated many principles that would later define the 2007 Iraq Surge’s counterinsurgency approach. Key elements included the concept of “Clear, Hold, Build,” which emphasized aggressively clearing insurgents, holding areas with security forces, and building governance and services. These operations also focused on partnering with local security forces, especially the Iraqi Police, to shift responsibility and legitimacy to Iraqis themselves.

Critical Lessons Learned

The Hunts revealed important lessons about the challenges of COIN warfare. Local ownership proved essential to long-term success, but it remained fragile and vulnerable to infiltration and political manipulation. Additionally, a persistent U.S. presence was necessary to consolidate gains, provide support, and deter insurgent resurgence.

Iraqi Security Forces conduct Operation Lion Hunt, one of the largest coordinated operations in western Nineveh Province

A Template for Future Efforts

While Mosul remained a fiercely contested battleground for over a decade, only fully secured by Iraqi forces in 2017, the Lion Hunts established an operational blueprint. Their combination of joint raids, intelligence integration, and Iraqi Police empowerment influenced subsequent campaigns and shaped how Coalition forces approached urban counterinsurgency across Iraq.