Operation Murfreesboro

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Operation Murfreesboro was a U.S.-led offensive in East Ramadi, Iraq, from February 20 to March 2, 2007, during the Battle of Ramadi. The goal was to isolate and clear the Ma’Laab district of Al Qaeda in Iraq and its allies by surrounding the area with a cordon and building permanent barriers, backed by tanks, helicopters, and long‑range artillery.

Forces and support: Task Force 1-9 Infantry (1-9 IN) with armored support, along with Iraqi Army units and local police. A local sheikh in the Sofia district had formed a militia with U.S. backing to counter insurgents, helping gather intelligence on enemy movements and tactics.

What happened: The operation began with a full cordon around Ma’Laab and the construction of a concrete barrier along Easy Street on the western edge of the district. Able Company, 1-9 IN, provided security as the barrier and outposts were established. On February 24, Able Company’s 3rd Platoon encountered heavy enemy fire and an IED sequence while clearing houses along the route to Easy Street, suffering multiple casualties. Despite the losses, the barrier was completed in about 25 hours, and Ma’Laab was largely pacified by mid‑March with new Iraqi police and Iraqi Army patrols taking over the area, reducing coalition support over time.

Engagements and results: Throughout February there were more than 40 engagements with Al Qaeda forces, the discovery of eight large weapons caches, and the location and disposal of dozens of IEDs. In total, insurgent forces suffered heavy losses: 69 killed, 9 wounded, and 32 captured. U.S. forces suffered 5 killed and 25 wounded, and Iraqi Army personnel also incurred injuries.

Impact: Operation Murfreesboro is credited with breaking the back of the insurgency in Anbar Province and fueling the Anbar Awakening, which helped shift support toward the Iraqi government in Baghdad. The success reduced the need for heavy coalition presence in the area, allowing forces to redirect to other missions later in 2007.