March 25 – April 20, 2008 · Southern Iraq Theater
March 25 – April 20, 2008
Operation Charge of the Knights — Prime Minister Maliki personally flies to Basra to lead Iraqi Security Forces in a major assault on the Mahdi Army, which controls large parts of southern Iraq. The initial assault goes badly — ISF units mutiny or are badly mauled. US air strikes and Special Forces trainers are rushed in. After three weeks, the Mahdi Army accepts a ceasefire. Sadr stands down his forces, claiming victory.
Commanders