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Battle of Abu Ghraib
Part of Iraqi insurgency
Abu Ghraib prison
Date April 2, 2005 Location Abu Ghraib, Iraq Result Indecisive
Combatants
United States Military	Al Qaeda in Iraq, Iraqi insurgents
Casualties
2 killed and over 40 wounded in action	Unknown and unverifiable

The attack on United States forces at Abu Ghraib, which has been called "...the largest coordinated assault on a U.S. base since the Vietnam War" consisted of heavy mortar and rocket fire, under which armed insurgents attacked with grenades, small arms, and two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIED). The U.S. Military's munitions ran so low that orders to fix bayonets were given in preparation for hand-to-hand fighting.

At approximately 7:06 p.m. (Baghdad Time) on April 2, 2005, an estimated 40-60 armed insurgents launched a massive coordinated assault on the U.S. military facility and internment camp at Abu Ghraib, Iraq. Close air support was not avaiable because the air fields in Falluja and Camp Victory were being shelled. Main Supply Routes (MSR) Sword and Tampa were blocked to both the east and west of the Abu Ghraib Forward Operating Base (FOB) by IEDs and small arms ambushes. These diversionary, well coordinated attacks isolated FOB Abu Ghraib for most of the encounter.

The initial thrust of the attack consisted of multiple rockets and mortars aimed at every area of the FOB. These were quickly followed by a VBIED attacking the northwest section of the outer wall perimeter. This VBIED detonated approximately 100 meters from the wall and was unsuccessful in creating a breach.

The US Marine Corps', Echo Company 2nd Battalion, 10th Marines, commanded by Captain Andrew Bone, was stationed at Abu Ghraib and tasked with perimeter defense. Engaging the enemy with a variety of weapons systems from the outer wall defensive platforms, the Marines managed to slow the momentum of the assault.

The main effort of the attack was directed at outer Tower 4, located at the southest corner of the FOB. Several Marines, based in Tower 4, were wounded when another VBIED exploded approximately 50 meters from the base of the tower. The tower defenders were then subjected to a concerted push by the insurgents. They took heavy small arms fire, multiple rocket propelled grenades and hand thrown grenades. The Marines held their position, evacuated their wounded, including a severely wounded Navy Corpsman, and reinforced the tower during a heated and bloody exchange.

Elsewhere, numerous rockets and mortars slammed into the various logistical support areas (LSA) throughout the facility, and small arms fire poured in from all directions. Much of the heavier fire originated from the mosque tower located in Khan Dhari village to the northwest of the outer FOB wall. This fire was later identified as 50 calibre anti-aircraft rounds. Inside the detention facility, U.S. forces scrambled to maintain effective security and control over the 5,000 detainees housed in Camp Redemption. Approximately 150 detainees breached one of the compound fencelines but were successfully contained and repelled by SPC McClellan of the 1-119th FA. SPC McClellan was joined by members of the Initial Reaction Force (IRF) within 5 minutes of engaging the detainees at the fence breach. SPC McClellan was later awarded the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) with a "V" device for valor.

The Marines were reinforced by elements of the 1-119th Field Artillery, Michigan Army National Guard, the 1-623rd Field Artillery Kentucky Army National Guard, the 1-111th Field Artillery of the Virginia National Guard and the HHC, 306th Military Police Battalion, United States Army Reserve. These soldiers resupplied ammunition, evacuated casualties for which one soldier, CSM Donohue, 306th MP BN, was awarded an ARCOM with "V", resupplied water to entrenched soldiers and marines, and held various defensive positions throughout the base.

Several U.S. Army personnel from these units, as well as several individuals from the Navy and Air Force, joined the fight on the walls of Abu Ghraib. They engaged and killed several of the attackers and took heavy fire from rockets, mortars, and small arms.

The heaviest action occurred during a 2 1/2 hour period. The insurgents were suppressed and forced to retreat by the arrival of a Marine Cobra helicoptor gunship at approximately 9:45 p.m., Baghdad time. However, sporatic lighter attacks occurred during the remainder of the night and these were repelled. The following day, a third VBIED disguised as an abandoned farm tractor detonated near the walls and two brief firefights ensued.

More than 100 mortars and rockets and tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition were fired at the U.S. personnel in FOB Abu Ghraib. Likewise, disturbances by detainees trying to aid the attackers led to numerous minor injuries and incidents and the destruction of several detainee housing facilities consisting of three tents; two in Level 1 C/D and one in Level 1 A/B, Camp Redemption when rioters set them ablaze with tent poles wrapped in burning rags. The only major structural or equipment damage was the loss of a refrigerator semi trailer. (damage documented in the insurgent video)

While official U.S. military reports state only 40-60 insurgents were involved in the attack, anecdotal evidence suggests differently. First, 58 bullet riddled bodies were discovered in a neighborhood mosque two days after the battle. Second, 20 newly captured prisoners accused of participating in the attack were inprocessed into the detainee population within 10 days of the attack. Third, the official estimate of 40-60 does not take into account the associated diversionary actions against Falluja, Camp Victory and the IED ambushes emplaced along the access roads. Lastly, the first arriving helicopter pilot was heard to say that he estimated hundreds if not more muzzle flashes from around the entire FOB coming from the surrounding apartment buildings, villages and fields.

Approximately 44 U.S. personnel were injured during the fighting, several seriously enough to be helicoptered out. Two of these marines died en route to further medical aid. Twelve detainees were taken to the 115th Field Hospital and treated for wounds incurred by a mortar impact in Level 1 C/D.^{[citation needed]}

An estimated 40 insurgents were believed killed in the engagement, but only one body was recovered at the base of Tower 4. Remains of the Tower 4 VBIED driver were recovered inside the FOB walls. [1]

• Echo Battery, 2nd Battalion 10th Marines
• HHB 1-102nd Field Artillery Forward - Rear Area Operations Center (RAOC)
• 1-119th Field Artillery
• 1-111th Field Artillery
• 1-623rd Field Artillery
• HHC, 306th Military Police Battalion
• 115th Field Hospital