Battle of Al Rumaythah The Battle of Al Rumaythah ( 26 September 2006 ) was fought during the morning in the Iraqi town of Al Rumaythah in Al Muthanna province between Australian forces of the Overwatch Battle Group ( West ) and unidentified Iraqi insurgents . The Australians had entered the town to hold discussions at the Iraqi Army barracks when they were engaged by a large number of insurgents in an intense exchange of fire during which a number of insurgents were killed . The incident lasted almost an hour and although a number of insurgents were killed it was considered to have been a well coordinated attack . The Australians then withdrew in good order without loss of life , injury or serious damage to equipment . Although a small incident with few tactical — and no strategic — consequences , it was significant as being a rare contact involving Australian forces in Iraq after the end of major combat operations in 2003 . The incident was also the first time that the Australians were directly targeted by anti - Iraqi insurgents . Prelude . At 09 : 00 on 26 September 2006 an Australian force consisting of a 60 - man element from OBG ( W ) arrived at the Iraqi Army barracks in Al Rumaythah to conduct a meeting with local stakeholders and to co - ordinate the training of Iraqi police and the reconstruction of the barracks itself . The group comprised infantry from 2RAR mounted in Bushmaster PMVs and cavalry from 2 / 14 LHR ( QMI ) mounted in ASLAV s , and was under the command of Major Andrew Stevens . In 2006 Al Rumaythah was a city of 75 , 000 people and had a reputation for violence and given the threat the Australians deployed snipers in over - watch positions around the barracks , as well as an infantry platoon . Nearby two cavalry ready - reaction groups were on standby . Battle . As the meeting commenced small groups of armed men were observed conducting surveillance of the Australian positions . During the next hour insurgents gathered throughout the town and soon after 1100 a rocket - propelled grenade was fired . The insurgents were moving in small groups through the town and appeared to be trying to encircle the barracks in order to conduct a deliberate assault and destroy the Australian force . For the next hour the barracks were attacked with grenades and small arms fire from ranges between to . In response the Australian snipers engaged the insurgents whilst the platoon to the west of the barracks held its ground . Support from USAF F - 16 s was requested and they were used to fly low and fast over the insurgents in an attempt to distract them . Covered by the infantry Major Steven ' s party subsequently left the barracks in Bushmasters , still under heavy fire . Although attempting to prevent the Australian withdrawal the insurgents failed to flank the barracks to the north and south and by 12 : 15 the Australians had successfully broken contact and left Al Rumaythah . During the fighting the Australians used their standard suite of infantry weapons including the F - 88 Austeyr and F - 89 Minimi LSW , well as MAG - 58 MGs and sniper rifles . The ASLAV and Bushmaster vehicles played a crucial role in protecting the soldiers and allowing them to break contact safely . Indirect fires and Close Air Support had been available during the contact , however the decision was made not to escalate the situation due to the proximity of civilians . Following the incident Australian commanders claimed that their soldiers had withdrawn in a disciplined manner and had put themselves at considerable risk to ensure the safety of civilians , whilst applying their fire in a careful and controlled manner . Aftermath . The Australians suffered no casualties , while insurgent casualties were difficult to determine . A number of insurgents were observed to have been hit by Australian fire , and at least one source claims that five were killed . Up to 30 insurgents were believed to have been involved in the battle , however their identity — for example whether they were Sunnis or Shia religious groups , or al - Qaida — was unable to be determined . The balaclava - clad insurgents were dressed mainly in black and armed with AK - 47 s and grenade launchers . Regardless they were said to have fought in a well coordinated manner and had used considerable firepower against the Australians . After the battle it was claimed that the insurgents had used civilians as a shield from Australian fire . Despite this there were no reports of civilian casualties after the incident .