Ramadan Offensive (2003)

During the Iraq War, the so-called Ramadan Offensive of the Iraqi insurgency marked a sharp increase in the number of violent attacks against the American-led military coalition in Iraq and also against the new Iraqi government, beginning in the end of October 2003 and persisting for most of November 2003.

Ramadan Offensive (2003)
Part of the Iraqi insurgency (2003–2011)
Date26 October 2003 – 24 November 2003
(4 weeks and 1 day)
Location
Republic of Iraq
Result Insurgent victory
  • Higher-than-average casualties inflicted on civilians, government personnel, and coalition soldiers
Belligerents
 United States
Iraq (CPA)
 Italy
 United Kingdom
 Poland		 Iraqi insurgents
Commanders and leaders
Gen. John Abizaid Various
Casualties and losses
  • 75 killed
  • 50+ killed
  • 17 killed
  • 1 killed
  • 1 killed
 100+ killed

The heightened series of attacks coincided with Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, during which Muslims fast from sunrise until sunset in commemoration of Muhammad's first revelation in 610 CE. The number of insurgent attacks increased during this period mainly because of the popular belief among insurgents that engaging in jihad during the holy month of Ramadan would bring them spiritually closer to Allah, especially so if they were killed by the occupying powers.

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