The Tactical Times

In the turbulent streets of Mosul during 2006, insurgents tightened their grip, turning the city into one of Iraq’s most dangerous battlegrounds. Operation Medusa marked a critical turning point—a coordinated effort by Iraqi and U.S. forces to reclaim control, disrupt terror networks, and restore hope to a fractured community. This joint operation was more than a tactical strike; it was a bold statement that Iraqi security forces were stepping up to defend their city and their future.

In May 2005, Operation Squeeze Play marked a crucial step in Iraq’s fight against insurgents in the deadly Triangle of Death. Discover how Iraqi and U.S. forces teamed up to flush out militants, seize weapons, and push toward lasting security in one of the war’s toughest battlegrounds.

In June 2005, amidst the heat and irrigation canals of Bayji, Iraq, Task Force Dragoon launched Operation Hürtgen Forest—a critical but often overlooked counterinsurgency mission. This micro-battle tested joint U.S. and Iraqi forces’ ability to clear insurgents, build local trust, and set the stage for the larger fight to stabilize Iraq. Dive into the operation that quietly shaped the course of the war in Salah ad-Din Province

Deep in the heart of Iraq’s volatile Jabouri Peninsula, Coalition and Iraqi forces faced a daunting challenge in 2006. Operation Cowpens wasn’t just a fight for territory—it was a test of Iraqi resolve, Coalition partnership, and the delicate battle to reclaim a community under siege. Discover how this critical operation carved a foothold against insurgency and laid groundwork for Iraq’s long road to stability.

In the spring and early summer of 2006, Mosul stood at a critical crossroads—its streets teeming with insurgents, and its future uncertain. Through three bold, coordinated offensives known as the Lion Hunts, U.S. and Iraqi forces embarked on a fierce campaign to wrest control from insurgent hands and restore order to Iraq’s third-largest city. This is the story of those operations: a gripping tale of urban combat, shifting alliances, and the relentless pursuit of stability in a city caught between chaos and hope.

In the heat of Iraq’s sectarian surge, 1-33 Cavalry Regiment launched a fierce nine-day sweep through Salah ad Din’s contested villages. Operation Starlite showcased relentless patrols, intense firefights, and vital counterinsurgency efforts—quietly shaping the battlefield in a war fought one village at a time.

In January 2005, just weeks before Iraq’s first democratic elections, Task Force 1-27 Infantry launched Operation Wolfhound Fury II — a decisive 72-hour mission blending aggressive counterinsurgency raids with vital humanitarian aid. In the contested town of Sudayera, soldiers struck at insurgent networks while delivering relief to wary civilians, exemplifying the dual nature of modern warfare in Iraq. This operation not only disrupted terror cells but also helped build fragile trust, offering a glimpse into the evolving strategy to secure Iraq’s future

Beneath the scorching Iraqi desert, insurgents hid deadly weapons caches that fueled a deadly wave of IED attacks. In January 2005, U.S. and Iraqi forces launched bold, covert missions—Operations River Walk and Big Dig—to unearth and destroy these hidden arsenals. This story reveals the grit, tactics, and teamwork behind the grueling efforts to deny insurgents the tools of terror, safeguarding a nation on the brink of democracy.

In May 2006, a bold U.S. Army raid aimed to crush an al-Qaeda stronghold near Samarra. Instead, Operation Iron Triangle became a symbol of moral failure. This is the story of how battlefield aggression, leadership breakdowns, and deadly choices turned a military victory into an ethical crisis that still haunts the 101st Airborne Division today.