Ramadi (and the entire Anbar Province) was at the center of brutal conflicts during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and continued to be caught in the middle of the subsequent vacuum following the United States’ withdrawal. Its location along the Euphrates River and the tri-border area that includes Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Syria makes it of great strategic importance, and its conquest represented a major victory for ISIS when they took control of the city in mid-May of this year, Iraqi government forces retreating in disgrace. This gave ISIS a waypoint city/hub where recruits and supplies could slip in from Syria and then move to their de-facto Iraqi capital of Mosul, which ISIS captured in June of 2014.
Today, news reports from both sides of the political aisle are stating that U.S.-led Iraqi military forces have declared a major victory by reclaiming Ramadi. A colleague of mine at Ft. Meade (NSA/CSS) tells me that there may be an official Iraqi flag-raising ceremony on December 28 at the city’s central administration building. These appear to be positive steps and a credit to the SF trainers and Iraqi combatants. War is cyclical, and there is much work to be done.
A flag-raising ceremony over an admin building is not a blowout success. I strongly believe that as the sun rises in the morning, ISIS suicide bombers and IED booby traps could take much of the shine off of the celebration as pockets of ISIS resistance will not simply surrender. In a bit of irony, the few U.S. airstrikes where our pilots were permitted weapons release hit vital infrastructure—power, water, and other services. (Not blaming the pilots, just questioning target selection.)
An aerial view of the Euphrates River in Ramadi, Iraq.
This complicates an important task in a victory: How do you encourage the citizens to return to their blown-out homes with little to no public infrastructure? A ghost town does not represent “success” or victory. Another significant concern (though not PC to discuss in certain circles) is that Ramadi is known as the center of the “Sunni Triangle.” ISIS is Sunni, 80 percent of all Muslims are Sunni. Syrians and Saudis close to the border area are also Sunni. The U.S.-trained Iraqi forces are primarily Shi’a (Shiite). Iran, who has partnered with Russia, is also Shi’a. With all these factors playing into the strategic picture, is retaking Ramadi a major success?
Victory in Ramadi will be measured by time. More importantly, did this tactical action display a proven template for future missions and successes? The Special Forces clearly did a superb job in the training and motivation of these newly disciplined Iraqi forces in Ramadi, yet can this be sustained when preparing for the next logical target—Mosul? Mosul must be the next objective on the actions list, but not at the expense of forfeiting Ramadi, which would halt momentum and destroy morale (casualty numbers from Ramadi are still not confirmed). Mosul is Iraqi’s second largest city and the conquest of the ISIS stronghold (since June 2014) would likely require coordination and direct actions with the Peshmerga. Whether the result in Ramadi is a measurable success or a template for future Iraqi operations, the next step will undoubtedly necessitate a greater commitment from the U.S.
Ramadi (and the entire Anbar Province) was at the center of brutal conflicts during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and continued to be caught in the middle of the subsequent vacuum following the United States’ withdrawal. Its location along the Euphrates River and the tri-border area that includes Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Syria makes it of great strategic importance, and its conquest represented a major victory for ISIS when they took control of the city in mid-May of this year, Iraqi government forces retreating in disgrace. This gave ISIS a waypoint city/hub where recruits and supplies could slip in from Syria and then move to their de-facto Iraqi capital of Mosul, which ISIS captured in June of 2014.
Today, news reports from both sides of the political aisle are stating that U.S.-led Iraqi military forces have declared a major victory by reclaiming Ramadi. A colleague of mine at Ft. Meade (NSA/CSS) tells me that there may be an official Iraqi flag-raising ceremony on December 28 at the city’s central administration building. These appear to be positive steps and a credit to the SF trainers and Iraqi combatants. War is cyclical, and there is much work to be done.
A flag-raising ceremony over an admin building is not a blowout success. I strongly believe that as the sun rises in the morning, ISIS suicide bombers and IED booby traps could take much of the shine off of the celebration as pockets of ISIS resistance will not simply surrender. In a bit of irony, the few U.S. airstrikes where our pilots were permitted weapons release hit vital infrastructure—power, water, and other services. (Not blaming the pilots, just questioning target selection.)
An aerial view of the Euphrates River in Ramadi, Iraq.
This complicates an important task in a victory: How do you encourage the citizens to return to their blown-out homes with little to no public infrastructure? A ghost town does not represent “success” or victory. Another significant concern (though not PC to discuss in certain circles) is that Ramadi is known as the center of the “Sunni Triangle.” ISIS is Sunni, 80 percent of all Muslims are Sunni. Syrians and Saudis close to the border area are also Sunni. The U.S.-trained Iraqi forces are primarily Shi’a (Shiite). Iran, who has partnered with Russia, is also Shi’a. With all these factors playing into the strategic picture, is retaking Ramadi a major success?
Victory in Ramadi will be measured by time. More importantly, did this tactical action display a proven template for future missions and successes? The Special Forces clearly did a superb job in the training and motivation of these newly disciplined Iraqi forces in Ramadi, yet can this be sustained when preparing for the next logical target—Mosul? Mosul must be the next objective on the actions list, but not at the expense of forfeiting Ramadi, which would halt momentum and destroy morale (casualty numbers from Ramadi are still not confirmed). Mosul is Iraqi’s second largest city and the conquest of the ISIS stronghold (since June 2014) would likely require coordination and direct actions with the Peshmerga. Whether the result in Ramadi is a measurable success or a template for future Iraqi operations, the next step will undoubtedly necessitate a greater commitment from the U.S.
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world.
PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States
Scrubba Wash Bag
Our ultra-portable washing machine makes your journey easier. This convenient, pocket-sized travel companion allows you to travel lighter while helping you save money, time and water.
Our roots in shooting sports started off back in 1996 with our founder and CEO, Josh Ungier. His love of airguns took hold of our company from day one and we became the first e-commerce retailer dedicated to airguns, optics, ammo, and accessories. Over the next 25 years, customers turned to us for our unmatched product selection, great advice, education, and continued support of the sport and airgun industry.
COMMENTS
There are on this article.
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.