# Battle for Haditha Dam

The Battle for Haditha Dam was a battle between the Islamic State and Iraqi forces, supported by U.S. airstrikes, in Anbar Province, Iraq. The battle took place between August and September 2014, as ISIS attempted to seize the strategically vital Haditha Dam on the Euphrates River.

## Background

The Haditha Dam, located on the Euphrates River in Anbar Province, Iraq, is the second-largest dam in the country and a crucial source of hydroelectric power and water control. It plays a vital role in regulating water flow to cities downstream, including Baghdad. During the Iraqi Civil War (2014–2017), the dam became a strategic target for the Islamic State (ISIS), which sought to seize it for both tactical and economic advantages.
In early 2014, ISIS launched a major offensive in Anbar Province, capturing Fallujah and Ramadi and rapidly expanding its control across western Iraq. The group had previously seized the Mosul Dam in August 2014, raising fears that the group would attempt to use Haditha Dam as a weapon by either flooding areas downstream or cutting off water supplies. The potential destruction or sabotage of the dam could have caused widespread devastation, further strengthening ISIS's hold over Iraq.
To prevent this, Iraqi government forces, supported by Sunni tribal fighters from the Albu Nimr tribe, set up defensive positions around Haditha Dam. In early September 2014, ISIS launched an offensive to capture the dam, prompting U.S. airstrikes to aid the Iraqi defenders. The battle marked one of the first major instances of direct U.S. military intervention in western Iraq against ISIS.

## Timeline of Events

* August 2014 (Early) ISIS launched offensives across Anbar Province, including attempts to capture the Haditha Dam.
* 6 September 2014 U.S. airstrikes targeted ISIS positions near the Haditha Dam, including their artillery and armored vehicles.
* 7 September 2014 Firefights broke out between Iraqi government forces and ISIS militants as ISIS advanced toward the dam.
* 8 September 2014 U.S. airstrikes continued, hitting ISIS positions near the dam and disrupting their movements.
* 9 September 2014 Iraqi forces and local Sunni tribal fighters clashed with ISIS militants around the dam's perimeter. Airstrikes were conducted to support the defenders.
* 10 September 2014 Iraqi forces and Sunni tribal militias launched counterattacks around the Haditha Dam, engaging in firefights with ISIS.
* 11 September 2014 U.S. airstrikes targeted key ISIS positions, including artillery and vehicles, to support Iraqi defense forces.
* 12 September 2014 Iraqi forces pushed back against ISIS militants, engaging in clashes near the dam with air and artillery support. U.S. airstrikes hit ISIS positions.
* 13 September 2014 Heavy fighting occurred near the Haditha Dam as ISIS attempted to regroup. Airstrikes were carried out by U.S. and Iraqi air forces to counter ISIS advances.
* 14 September 2014 ISIS militants continued to be engaged by Iraqi forces around the dam, with U.S. airstrikes providing ongoing support.
* September 2014 (Mid) The battle ended with Iraqi government forces and Sunni tribal fighters successfully holding the dam against ISIS.