Operation Liberty Express II: Safeguarding Iraq’s Democratic Gamble

Strategic Context: A Milestone Under Fire

From Transition to Constitutional Governance

The December 15, 2005, parliamentary election marked Iraq’s transition from a U.S.-administered interim government to a fully constitutional democracy. Earlier votes in January 2005 had elected a transitional assembly tasked with drafting Iraq’s new constitution. By October 2005, that constitution was ratified through a national referendum, laying the legal groundwork for Iraq’s first permanent government in decades. The December election was not just about political leadership—it was about legitimizing Iraq’s post-Saddam governance structure under the rule of law.

Iraqi voters line up at a polling center during the parliamentary election. Marines from the 2nd Marine Division provided security as part of Operation Liberty Express II, supporting Iraqi forces, counterinsurgency efforts, and the broader mission to stabilize Iraq and enable democratic governance.

Fragile Peace, Persistent Threats

Despite the constitutional progress, Iraq in late 2005 remained a battlefield. Sunni insurgent groups, foreign jihadists linked to al-Qaeda in Iraq, and remnants of Saddam’s loyalists sought to derail political stability through terror. Baghdad, Mosul, and Anbar province were particularly volatile. Assassinations, suicide bombings, and sectarian killings occurred daily in the weeks leading up to the vote.

For insurgents, the election symbolized the consolidation of a Western-backed government. For millions of Iraqis, however, it represented their first chance to influence their future under a constitution they had approved. The stakes could not have been higher.

U.S. Strategic Objectives: Stabilize, Support, Secure

U.S. commanders viewed the December election as a strategic inflection point. Military leaders in Multi-National Force–Iraq understood that protecting the legitimacy of the electoral process was as important as securing territory. Success required stabilizing volatile regions to prevent large-scale insurgent operations, supporting Iraqi Security Forces so they could take the lead in securing polling sites, and safeguarding the ballot itself—ensuring that ballots, poll workers, and voting infrastructure reached both rural and urban centers without sabotage.

This multi-layered strategy was embodied in Operation Liberty Express II, the coalition’s election security campaign. Months of planning and weeks of intensified patrols, cordon-and-search missions, and convoy escorts preceded the vote.

Iraqi Police officers place concertina wire around Baghdad polling sites on Dec. 14, 2005, preparing for the next day’s election. U.S. Soldiers from B Battery, 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery, delivered the wire.

Operation Liberty Express II: Military–Civic Integration

Unlike purely kinetic operations, Liberty Express II focused on proactive protection and deterrence. U.S. and Iraqi forces worked side by side to establish buffer zones around polling stations, position quick reaction forces in urban flashpoints, secure ballot convoys, and conduct community engagement patrols to reassure voters and deter intimidation.

The operation’s success rested not only on firepower but on cooperation with local leaders, civil society groups, and international election observers.

Democracy Under Fire

Ultimately, the December 2005 parliamentary election was a test of Iraq’s ability to chart its own political destiny—and of America’s capacity to safeguard that process without controlling it outright. Voters turned out by the millions, defying fear. But the ballot was protected by thousands of troops, Iraqi and American, standing guard against a chaos that threatened to consume the process entirely.

Iraqi voters are searched by Iraqi Army soldiers outside a polling center during the parliamentary election. 2nd Marine Division supported the operation as part of efforts to secure the vote and stabilize Iraq.

Operation Liberty Express II: Military Backbone of the Vote

Securing the Democratic Process

Operation Liberty Express II served as the coalition’s comprehensive security plan for Iraq’s parliamentary election. Across Baghdad and western Iraq, U.S. Marines and Soldiers worked closely with Iraqi security forces to guard polling stations and disrupt insurgent networks intent on derailing the vote. Their efforts reflected the deep integration of military power and democratic institution-building.

Marine Security on the Ground

In the river towns of Barwana and Baghdadi, Marines from the 2nd Marine Division provided the visible shield around polling stations. As voters lined up outside the gates, Marines secured the perimeters, patrolled nearby streets, and watched for signs of coordinated attacks. Images from the day show Marines standing vigil while Iraqi men and women waited patiently to cast their ballots, a scene of fragile hope protected by steady resolve.

Cpl. Jason Rodriguez, 1/10th Mountain Division, prepares for a reconnaissance patrol on election day, Dec. 15. As a gunner with the brigade’s personal security detachment, he supported senior leaders assessing the day’s security.

Airlift and Surveillance Support

Beyond the front gates of polling centers, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing ensured that the vote could happen even in Iraq’s most isolated corners. Helicopters and transport aircraft ferried ballots, election officials, and security teams to rural polling sites otherwise inaccessible by ground convoy. At the same time, aerial surveillance platforms monitored insurgent activity, providing commanders with real-time intelligence to adjust troop deployments and prevent coordinated strikes on election day.

Army Sweeps and Cordons

Elsewhere in Iraq, the U.S. Army took a proactive approach. Among the key units involved were companies from the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry (10th Mountain Division); the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry (3rd Infantry Division); and Battery B, 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery, working alongside Iraqi Police and Army units. These forces executed cordon-and-search operations in western Baghdad and the Rasheed district, delivered concertina wire and other barrier materials to polling stations, and supported Iraqi forces at security checkpoints. Their missions uncovered weapons caches, detained suspected insurgents, and disrupted planned attacks against election infrastructure.

Together, these layered security measures formed the backbone of Iraq’s first constitutional election. Though violence remained a constant threat, the coordinated efforts of U.S. and Iraqi forces gave millions of Iraqis the confidence to vote for their future.

Col. Joseph DiSalvo, commander of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, shares a handshake with a young Iraqi boy while touring voting sites in east Baghdad on Dec. 15.

Civic Guardians: Securing Voters and Communities

Guardians at the Gates

As the sun rose over polling stations across Iraq, U.S. Army soldiers and Marines took up positions at checkpoints and perimeter posts. Their mission extended far beyond combat readiness. On December 15, 2005, these troops became the visible guardians of a fragile democratic process, ensuring that voters could pass safely through crowded streets and into polling centers. They monitored vehicle traffic, screened pedestrians for explosives, and watched nearby rooftops for threats, all while offering a reassuring presence to the civilians they protected.

Protecting the Innocent

Amid the day’s tension, moments of compassion stood out. In western Baghdad, soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment came upon a young Iraqi boy injured near their patrol route. Setting aside the day’s dangers, they quickly treated his wounds with a field bandage. It was a simple act of care, yet emblematic of the soldiers' broader mission: not just to fight insurgents, but to shield ordinary Iraqis from harm and hardship.

Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry treat an injured Iraqi boy with a bandage on Dec. 15 while conducting security operations during election day in western Baghdad

Emergency Aid and Medevac

Elsewhere across Baghdad and Anbar, coalition forces prepared for the worst. Medics and evacuation teams stood ready to respond to bombings or attacks near polling sites. Medevac helicopters remained on standby, ready to airlift wounded civilians or soldiers to safety. These preparations reflected the harsh reality of voting in a war zone, where every peaceful vote cast required constant vigilance and rapid emergency response capabilities.

Bridging Security and Humanity

For the Marines and soldiers on the ground, the December 15 election was not only a military operation—it was a human one. In every checkpoint search and every watchful patrol, they sought to balance caution with respect, firmness with kindness. Their dual role—as protectors of democracy and as servants of a war-weary population—defined the spirit of Operation Liberty Express II.

A child waves an Iraqi flag as citizens vote in Rashadiya, Iraq, on Dec. 15. Thousands turned out northwest of Baghdad to participate in election day

Challenges, Tensions, and Turnout

Violence Lingers at the Margins

Despite extensive security preparations, election day was not without violence. Insurgents launched sporadic attacks, including bombings near polling stations and scattered protests meant to intimidate voters. Yet the anticipated wave of mass-casualty attacks failed to materialize. For many Iraqis, these incidents were grim reminders of the dangers they faced, but they did not break the country’s determination to vote.

A Nation Votes

In spite of threats and insecurity, voter turnout surpassed expectations. Approximately 8 million Iraqis made their way to the polls, casting ballots at nearly 6,000 polling stations scattered from Baghdad’s dense neighborhoods to isolated rural towns. Across sectarian and ethnic lines, Iraqis stood in long lines, purple fingers raised in defiance of fear.

Iraqi voters gather at a polling site in Barwana to vote for Iraq’s first fully constitutional Parliament. The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing supported security and counterinsurgency efforts to help ensure a safe election environment

Disputes Over Legitimacy

As ballots were counted, political tensions reemerged. Sunni leaders, having encouraged broader participation this time, voiced sharp concerns about potential fraud and irregularities in Shiite-majority regions. Secular parties also questioned the transparency of the process, fueling calls for independent audits and international monitoring of the vote results.

Security's Crucial Role

What prevented the day from descending into chaos was the layered security structure. U.S. forces—working hand-in-hand with Iraqi troops and police—maintained a constant presence at major polling hubs, intercepting threats before they reached their targets. Their efforts helped prevent election-day violence from spiraling out of control, ensuring the vote could proceed under a semblance of peace.

Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment captured three suspected terrorists and a weapons cache during a cordon and search in western Rasheed on December 9. The cache included six AK-47 rifles, 13 magazines, a hand grenade, money, and a ski mask

Diplomacy in Motion: U.S. Political Influence

A White House Victory Speech

In Washington, President George W. Bush hailed the December 15 vote as a “milestone for freedom.” The administration framed the election as proof that American sacrifices were yielding a democratic Iraq, reinforcing the broader narrative of liberation and stabilization. Behind the scenes, the White House saw the election as critical to demonstrating political progress ahead of mid-2006 troop assessments.

Ambassador Khalilzad’s Balancing Act

On the ground in Baghdad, U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad played a more nuanced role. While publicly supporting Iraq’s constitutional process, Khalilzad worked tirelessly behind closed doors to bridge divides between Sunni, Shiite, and Kurdish factions. His diplomacy was essential in encouraging Sunni participation after their near-total boycott of the January 2005 elections.

Zalmay Khalilzad an American diplomat and foreign policy expert. He served as U.S. special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation (2018–2021) and was appointed by President George W. Bush as ambassador to the UN (2007–2009). Khalilzad also served as ambassador to Afghanistan (2004–2005) and Iraq (2005–2007), and was the highest-ranking Muslim-American in government when he left the UN post

Legitimizing Sovereignty Through Security

For U.S. military leaders, the election’s success validated months of counterinsurgency efforts. Protecting polling stations, securing transportation routes, and neutralizing terrorist cells were not only tactical victories—they were steps toward creating an environment where Iraqi sovereignty could take root. The message was clear: democracy in Iraq would not survive without the parallel projection of security.

Aftermath and Political Legacy

Sectarian Tensions Surface

While the December 2005 parliamentary election was a significant achievement, it also starkly revealed Iraq’s deep sectarian fissures. Sunni Arab parties and some Shiite minority factions rejected the results, alleging widespread fraud and manipulation. Protests erupted in Baghdad and Mosul, with tens of thousands taking to the streets to voice their grievances. These tensions underscored the fragile nature of Iraq’s post-invasion political landscape.

An Iraqi Army soldier provides security during the parliamentary elections on December 15, 2005, in Mosul, Iraq

Protests and Political Unrest

The unrest challenged the legitimacy of the newly elected government and threatened to derail the fragile progress made. Calls for electoral transparency and accountability grew louder from domestic and international observers alike. At the same time, insurgent groups sought to exploit the instability, further complicating efforts to establish lasting peace.

Toward a Fragile Unity Government

After months of intense negotiations and political maneuvering, Iraq’s major factions agreed on forming a unity government. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki emerged as the leader of this coalition—a delicate balance aimed at bridging sectarian divides and fostering cooperation. Though tenuous, this government represented a vital step toward national reconciliation and the slow process of state-building.

Legacy of the 2005 Vote

The December election remains a landmark moment in Iraq’s journey toward democracy. It demonstrated the potential for political participation under extreme conditions but also highlighted the enormous challenges ahead. The electoral process set precedents for future votes, underscored the importance of inclusive governance, and revealed the critical need for ongoing security and political dialogue.

Enduring Lessons: Military Support as a Political Pillar

Military Support Beyond Combat

Operation Liberty Express II showed that military involvement in Iraq went far beyond traditional combat roles. The operation highlighted how a well-coordinated military presence could directly support political objectives by providing critical logistics, security coordination, and fostering partnerships with Iraqi security forces. This joint effort not only enhanced operational effectiveness but also built trust among local communities, helping to stabilize fragile regions during a pivotal democratic exercise.

Iraqi citizens watch a 1/10th Mountain Division security patrol in Ghazaliyah on election day, Dec. 15

Building Trust Through Cooperation

U.S. forces worked hand-in-hand with Iraqi counterparts, demonstrating that security efforts could underpin the legitimacy of Iraq’s nascent democratic institutions. By securing polling sites and disrupting insurgent threats, coalition forces helped create an environment where voters felt safer to participate. This cooperation was essential to counteracting insurgent attempts to undermine the electoral process through violence and intimidation.

Setting a Precedent for Election Security

While the December 2005 parliamentary election was not without its flaws, it established important benchmarks for how future elections could be conducted amid conflict. The integration of military security, political oversight, and civilian participation during Operation Liberty Express II became a foundational model for election protection in Iraq and other conflict zones.

An Iraqi policeman secures roads as a coalition convoy, including Iraqi police and army, prepares to escort ballots, supplies, and workers to polling sites in South Baghdad ahead of election day

Legacy for Iraq’s Political Infrastructure

The election’s relative success, supported by sustained military and diplomatic efforts, contributed to shaping Iraq’s political evolution over the following years. It underscored the vital role that coordinated civilian-military approaches play in supporting democratic governance—lessons that continue to influence election security strategies in unstable regions worldwide.