The Tactical Times

The Mahmudiyah rape and killings stand as one of the darkest chapters of the Iraq War—five U.S. soldiers betrayed their duty in a brutal crime that shocked the world. Beyond the horrific act itself, the incident exposed deep flaws in military oversight and dealt a devastating blow to America’s mission in Iraq. This article unpacks the story of the perpetrators, the pursuit of justice, and the lasting impact on U.S. military ethics and the war effort

December 2005 marked a critical turning point in Iraq’s fragile journey toward democracy. Amid ongoing violence and insurgent threats, U.S. military forces played a crucial role in securing the country’s first parliamentary election under a fully ratified constitution. This article explores how Operation Liberty Express II became the backbone of election security, highlighting the vital partnership between American troops and Iraqi forces in protecting the vote—and shaping Iraq’s political future.

On October 24, 2005, Baghdad’s iconic Palestine and Sheraton hotels became targets of devastating truck bomb attacks. Captured on live video, the blasts shook the city’s heart, challenging coalition forces and journalists alike. This is the story of the attack, the swift military response, and the lasting impact on Iraq’s media and security landscape.

In October 2005, Iraq stood at a historic crossroads as millions prepared to vote on a new constitution—a pivotal step toward democracy amid relentless insurgent threats. Behind the scenes, U.S. and Iraqi forces forged an unprecedented partnership, coordinating complex security operations to protect voters, secure polling stations, and ensure the integrity of the referendum. This article explores the crucial military role in safeguarding Iraq’s democratic future during one of its most fragile moments.

In October 2005, Coalition forces launched Operation River Gate to disrupt insurgent networks in Iraq’s strategically vital Euphrates Valley. Facing fierce resistance, Marines, Army units, and Iraqi forces worked together to secure key towns and cut off insurgent supply lines before a crucial political milestone.

On March 20, 2005, a small squad of Army National Guard Military Police faced down a fierce ambush by nearly 50 insurgents in Iraq’s deadly “Triangle of Death.” Against overwhelming odds, they launched a daring counterattack that changed the course of the battle—and made history. Discover how Sergeant Leigh Ann Hester became the first woman awarded the Silver Star for direct combat action in one of the Iraq War’s most intense firefights

Operation Swarmer, launched in March 2006, marked a critical moment in the Iraq War as one of the largest joint air-assault missions involving Iraqi and U.S. forces. Designed to disrupt insurgent strongholds northeast of Samarra, the operation showcased growing Iraqi military capability and the evolving tactics of coalition counterinsurgency efforts amid escalating sectarian violence.

Operation Steel Curtain: The daring Marine campaign that sealed Iraq’s northern border and struck a decisive blow against al-Qaeda insurgents. Discover how urban combat, joint partnerships, and strategic grit reshaped the fight for Anbar Province in one of the Iraq War’s most pivotal battles.

Nestled near the Syrian border, Tal Afar was a city on the edge—riven by sectarian strife and under insurgent control. In 2005, a bold coalition operation aimed not just to clear the city, but to hold and rebuild it, setting a new standard for counterinsurgency warfare. This article explores the intense urban battle, the diverse forces involved, and the lasting lessons that shaped the future of the Iraq War.