2003 attack on Karbala

The 2003 attack on Karbala was an unsuccessful strike on the Iraqi Republican Guard's Medina Division by the U.S. 3rd Infantry Division during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The Medina Division was mostly deployed along the Karbala gap, west of the city of Karbala itself. The Iraqi Division was targeted as it was the best equipped Iraqi unit, and its destruction would negatively affect Iraqi military morale. The Medina Division sustained only limited damage during the engagement.

Not to be confused with Battle of Karbala (2003).
2003 attack on Karbala
Part of the invasion phase of the Iraq War
DateMarch 24, 2003
Location
Karbala, Iraq
32.616667°N 44.033333°E / 32.616667; 44.033333
Result Iraqi victory
Belligerents

 United States

 United Kingdom

  • Air support provided by British Royal Air Force

Iraq

  • 2nd Armored Brigade, Medina Division, Republican Guard
Commanders and leaders
Tommy Franks Saddam Hussein
Ali Hassan al-Majid
Ra'ad al-Hamdani
Strength
31 AH-64 Apaches 90 tanks
Several hundred vehicles
Casualties and losses
1 Apache crashed after takeoff
1 Apache shot down
29 Apaches damaged
At least 1 wounded
2 pilots captured		 12 tanks
6 S-60 AA guns
Location of Karbala within Iraq.
Lion of Babylon tank
AH-64 Apache

The defeat for the Americans resulted in one AH-64 Apache being shot down intact. The two pilots were captured and shown on television along with the helicopter. Pentagon officials stated the captured Apache was destroyed via airstrike the following day, Iraqi officials claimed a farmer with a Brno rifle shot down the Apache. After the invasion, the farmer denied any involvement.

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