Second Battle of Fallujah

On November 7, 2004, the Marines launched the Second Battle of Fallujah, also known as Operation Phantom Fury. The

battle

was aimed at clearing Fallujah of insurgents and lasted just over a month and included some of the most intense fighting of the Iraq War, although Coalition forces had previously carried out operations in Fallujah in late 2004. was again under insurgent control more than three thousand insurgents from Al Qaeda and other groups had fortified the city with strongpoints, tunnels and improvised explosive devices, members of the Fallujah Brigade and the entire Iraqi force had previously formed to help stabilize the city as well. had joined the insurgent forces, the Marines we have here now could crush the city and put an end to business in four days, but that's not what we're going to do, Volusia, since sovereignty is an Iraqi issue.

For more than six weeks, the Marines fought alongside coalition partners to clear the city. The intense fighting was house to house, room to room. Casualties during the

battle

were the highest since the Vietnam War, with 95 Americans killed in action and more than 500 wounded. Meanwhile, almost 3,000 people were killed, wounded or captured. Operation Phantom Fury concluded on December 23 and residents began returning to their severely damaged city. Despite the success of the operation, periodic fighting would continue to break out in Fallujah for over three years. The battle is remembered for the intensity of the combat and for the courage of individual service members displayed, including Army Sergeant David Bellavia, who received the Medal of Honor, as well as nine Marines who received the Navy Cross.