Battle of Karbala (2007)
Iraqi and allied victory Gen. Hadi Al-Amiri Col. Peter Mansoor[2] Gen. Mieczysław Bieniek[3] Ali Sharia (POW) Invasion (2003) Post-invasion insurgency (2003–2006) Civil war (2006–2008) Insurgency (2008–2011) The Battle of Karbala began on the night of 27 August 2007 and involved fighting between the Mahdi Army, who provided security for the pilgrims,[4] and police (who were largely members of the Badr Organization) in Karbala, Iraq.It was sparked by the decision of the Iraqi government to launch a crackdown on Shiite militias in the city, which had been accused of engaging in kidnappings, assassinations, and other violent acts.The militias, led by the Mahdi Army of the radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, resisted the government's efforts to disarm them, and the situation escalated into a full-blown battle that lasted for several days.The battle resulted in the deaths of more than 50 people and demonstrated the continued challenges faced by the Iraqi government in maintaining security and stability in the country.During the battle, a fight over Karbala city hall erupted between entrenched platoons of Polish and Bulgarian forces and Mahdi Army rebels.