View source for Iraqi insurgency (2011–2013)

{{Short description|2011–13 sectarian violence in Iraq following the US invasion and withdrawal}}
{{About|the insurgency in Iraq after the withdrawal of US troops|the ongoing insurgency in Iraq after the defeat of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant |ISIL insurgency in Iraq (2017–present)|the insurgency in Iraq after the US-led invasion in 2003|Iraqi insurgency (2003–2011)}}
{{Iraqi insurgency (2011–2013) infobox}}
{{Campaignbox Iraqi insurgency (2011–2014)}}
{{Campaignbox Persian Gulf Wars}}

The '''Iraqi insurgency''' was an [[insurgency]] that began in late 2011 after the end of the [[Iraq War]] and the [[Withdrawal of United States troops from Iraq (2007–2011)|withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq]], resulting in violent conflict with the central government, as well as low-level sectarian violence among [[Iraq]]'s religious groups.

The insurgency was a direct continuation of events following the [[2003 invasion of Iraq|U.S.-led invasion of Iraq]] in 2003. [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] militant groups stepped up attacks targeting the country's majority [[Shia Islam in Iraq|Shia]] population to undermine confidence in the Shia-led government and its efforts to protect people without coalition assistance.<ref name=latimes2701 /> Many Sunni factions stood against the Syrian government, which Shia groups moved to support, and numerous members of both sects also crossed the border to fight in Syria.<ref name=Kurd-Shiite-Sunni-Split>{{cite web|last=Salem|first=Paul|title=INSIGHT: Iraq's Tensions Heightened by Syria Conflict|url=http://middleeastvoices.voanews.com/2012/11/insight-iraqs-tensions-heightened-by-syria-conflict-96791/|publisher=Middle East Voices ([[Voice of America]])|access-date=3 November 2012|date=29 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619200757/http://middleeastvoices.voanews.com/2012/11/insight-iraqs-tensions-heightened-by-syria-conflict-96791/|archive-date=19 June 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

In 2014, the insurgency [[Northern Iraq offensive (June 2014)|escalated dramatically]] following the conquest of [[Mosul]] and major areas in [[Disputed territories of Northern Iraq|northern Iraq]] by the [[Islamic State in Iraq and Syria]] (ISIS), a [[Salafi jihadism|Salafi jihadist]] militant group and  [[diplomatic recognition|unrecognised]] [[proto-state]] that follows a [[Islamic fundamentalism|fundamentalist]], [[Qutbism|Qutbi]]-[[Wahhabism|Wahhabi]] doctrine of [[Sunni Islam]].<ref name=Wahhabism>{{cite news |author=Fouad al-Ibrahim |title=Why ISIS is a threat to Saudi Arabia: Wahhabism's deferred promise |work=Al Akhbar English |url=http://english.al-akhbar.com/node/21234 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140824121659/http://english.al-akhbar.com/node/21234 |date=22 August 2014 |archive-date=24 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://orientalreview.org/2014/09/23/islamic-state-and-the-policy-of-the-west/|title=Islamic State and the policy of the West|last1=Dolgov|first1=Boris|work=Oriental Review|date=23 September 2014|access-date=22 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009215113/http://orientalreview.org/2014/09/23/islamic-state-and-the-policy-of-the-west/|archive-date=9 October 2017|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}<p>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ejgkDQAAQBAJ&q=islamic+unrecognised+state+isis&pg=PA178|title=Islam and Economic Policy|first=Rodney|last=Wilson|date=15 May 2015|publisher=Edinburgh University Press|isbn=9780748683895|via=Google Books|access-date=22 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010042035/https://books.google.com/books?id=ejgkDQAAQBAJ&pg=PA178&lpg=PA178&dq=islamic%20unrecognised%20state%20isis&source=bl&ots=FxgFQd586j&sig=fnjh0lbWavoYJVIhGsD_L_XQ6E0&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi2gsC11q3QAhXHCMAKHSzHD1cQ6AEITTAJ#v=onepage&q=islamic%20unrecognised%20state%20isis&f=false|archive-date=10 October 2017|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</p><p>{{cite journal|url=http://www.lrb.co.uk/v38/n05/patrick-cockburn/end-times-for-the-caliphate|title=End Times for the Caliphate?|first=Patrick|last=Cockburn|date=3 March 2016|issue=5 |pages=29–30|journal=London Review of Books|volume=38 |access-date=22 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009214728/https://www.lrb.co.uk/v38/n05/patrick-cockburn/end-times-for-the-caliphate|archive-date=9 October 2017|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</p><p>{{cite web |title=Does Islamic State have the economic and political institutions for future development? |first1=Dmitry |last1=Pastukhov |first2=Nathaniel |last2=Greenwold |url=https://www.ucl.ac.uk/economics/non-seminar/explore-econ16/accordian/greenwold_pastukhov-poster.pdf |access-date=2017-09-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171009215047/https://www.ucl.ac.uk/economics/non-seminar/explore-econ16/accordian/greenwold_pastukhov-poster.pdf |archive-date=2017-10-09 |url-status=dead }}</p><p>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A8nuBQAAQBAJ&q=islamic+unrecognised+state+isis&pg=PA99|title=A Word Before Leaving: A Former Diplomat's Weltanschauung|first=John|last=Pedler|date=28 April 2015|publisher=Troubador Publishing Ltd|isbn=9781784622237|via=Google Books|access-date=22 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010042045/https://books.google.com/books?id=A8nuBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA99&lpg=PA99&dq=islamic%20unrecognised%20state%20isis&source=bl&ots=JPF8tvGE6Z&sig=hCainZZmFnQfVW2i1fR75C1RtxY&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj8gurD1q3QAhXCFsAKHXtiCOg4ChDoAQg4MAY#v=onepage&q=islamic%20unrecognised%20state%20isis&f=false|archive-date=10 October 2017|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</p><p>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=koeMCwAAQBAJ&q=islamic+unrecognised+state+isis&pg=PA21|title=The Alawis of Syria: War, Faith and Politics in the Levant|first1=Michael|last1=Kerr|first2=Craig|last2=Larkin|date=1 January 2015|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=9780190458119|via=Google Books|access-date=22 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010042100/https://books.google.com/books?id=koeMCwAAQBAJ&pg=PA21&lpg=PA21&dq=islamic%20unrecognised%20state%20isis&source=bl&ots=RWKFjmQmIR&sig=07zTECZTRiIOfWKFrVdTBdi5GcU&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj8gurD1q3QAhXCFsAKHXtiCOg4ChDoAQg7MAc#v=onepage&q=islamic%20unrecognised%20state%20isis&f=false|archive-date=10 October 2017|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</p></ref> ISIL gained global prominence in early 2014 when it drove [[Iraqi security forces|Iraqi government forces]] out of key cities in its [[Anbar campaign (2013–14)|Western Iraq offensive]],<ref name=CNNanbar>{{cite news |title=John Kerry holds talks in Iraq as more cities fall to ISIS militants |url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/23/world/meast/iraq-crisis/ |publisher=CNN |date=23 June 2014 |access-date=10 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119055306/http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/23/world/meast/iraq-crisis/ |archive-date=19 January 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> followed by its [[Fall of Mosul|capture of Mosul]]<ref name=NYTmosul>{{cite news |author1=Suadad Al-Salhy |author2=Tim Arango |title=Sunni Militants Drive Iraqi Army Out of Mosul |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/11/world/middleeast/militants-in-mosul.html |date=10 June 2014 |access-date=10 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151217114732/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/11/world/middleeast/militants-in-mosul.html |archive-date=17 December 2015 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and the [[Sinjar massacre]],<ref name=CapturedSinjar>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/04/world/middleeast/iraq.html |title=Sunni Extremists in Iraq Seize 3 Towns From Kurds and Threaten Major Dam |work=The New York Times |last1=Arango |first1=Tim |date=3 August 2014 |access-date=20 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015200018/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/04/world/middleeast/iraq.html |archive-date=15 October 2014 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> thereby merging the new conflict with the Syrian Civil War, into a new, far deadlier conflict.

==Background==
{{main|Iraq War}}
The Iraq War<ref group="nb">The conflict is also known as the ''War in Iraq'', the ''Occupation of Iraq'', the ''Second Gulf War'', ''Gulf War II'', and ''Gulf War 2''. The period of the war lasting from 2003 to 2010 was referred to as '''Operation Iraqi Freedom''' by the United States military.</ref> was a protracted armed conflict that began with the [[2003 invasion of Iraq|U.S.-led invasion of Iraq]] in 2003, which toppled the government of [[Saddam Hussein]]. However, the war continued for much of the next decade as an insurgency emerged to oppose [[Multi-National Force&nbsp;– Iraq|the occupying forces]] and the post-invasion Iraqi government.<ref name=Britannica>{{cite encyclopedia|title=Iraq War|url=https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/870845/Iraq-War|encyclopedia=Britannica|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica|access-date=27 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016074755/https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/870845/Iraq-War|archive-date=16 October 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The United States officially [[Withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq (2007–2011)|withdrew its troops from Iraq]] in 2011, but the insurgency and various dimensions of the civil armed conflict continued.

The invasion began in 2003 when the United States, joined by the United Kingdom and several coalition allies, launched a "shock and awe" surprise attack without declaring war. Iraqi forces were quickly overwhelmed as U.S. forces swept throughout the country. The invasion led to the collapse of the [[Ba'athist Iraq|Ba'athist government]]; [[Capture of Saddam Hussein|Saddam was captured]], and he was [[Execution of Saddam Hussein|executed]] by a military court three years later. However, the power vacuum following Saddam's fall, the mismanagement of [[Coalition Provisional Authority|the occupation]] and the sectarian policies of various militias<ref>{{cite news|last=Beauchamp|first=Zack|title=The real roots of Iraq's Sunni-Shia conflict|url=https://www.vox.com/2014/6/20/5827046/who-are-sunnis-who-are-shias|date=20 June 2014|access-date=27 June 2014|agency=Vox|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625091318/http://www.vox.com/2014/6/20/5827046/who-are-sunnis-who-are-shias|archive-date=25 June 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> led to a [[Iraqi insurgency (2003–11)|lengthy insurgency]] against U.S., coalition forces and Iraqi government forces as well as widespread [[Civil war in Iraq (2006–07)|sectarian violence]] between [[Shia Islam|Shia]]s and [[Sunni Islam|Sunnis]]. The United States responded with a [[Iraq War troop surge of 2007|troop surge in 2007]]; the heavy American security presence and deals made between the occupying forces and [[Sons of Iraq|Sunni militias]] reduced the level of violence. The U.S. began withdrawing its troops in the winter of 2007–2008. The winding down of U.S. involvement in Iraq accelerated under [[President of the United States|President]] [[Barack Obama]]. The U.S. withdrew all combat troops from Iraq by 2011.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press |first=Ben |last=Feller |title=Obama sets firm withdrawal timetable for Iraq |date=27 February 2009 |url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090227/ap_on_go_pr_wh/obama_iraq |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302175610/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090227/ap_on_go_pr_wh/obama_iraq |archive-date=March 2, 2009 }}</ref>

The [[Presidency of George W. Bush|Bush administration]] based its [[Rationale for the Iraq War|rationale for war]] principally on the assertion that [[Iraq and weapons of mass destruction|Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction]] (WMDs) and that Saddam's government posed an immediate threat to the United States and its coalition allies.<ref>Center for American Progress (29 January 2004) [http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/kfiles/b24970.html "In Their Own Words: Iraq's 'Imminent' Threat"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625071155/http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/kfiles/b24970.html |date=2012-06-25 }} ''americanprogress.org''</ref><ref name=nelson>Senator [[Bill Nelson (politician)|Bill Nelson]] (28 January 2004) [https://fas.org/irp/congress/2004_cr/s012804b.html "New Information on Iraq's Possession of Weapons of Mass Destruction"], {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420112938/https://fas.org/irp/congress/2004_cr/s012804b.html |date=2016-04-20 }} ''Congressional Record''</ref> Some U.S.&nbsp;officials accused Saddam of harboring and supporting [[al-Qaeda]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/003/033jgqyi.asp|title=The Weekly Standard, Saddam's al Qaeda Connection|access-date=2015-01-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223072010/http://www.weeklystandard.com/Content/Public/Articles/000/000/003/033jgqyi.asp|archive-date=2014-12-23|url-status=dead}}</ref> while others cited the desire to end a repressive dictatorship and bring democracy to the people of Iraq.<ref>[https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2003/02/20030226-11.html "President Discusses the Future of Iraq"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801014545/http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2003/02/20030226-11.html |date=2016-08-01 }} The White House, 26 February 2003</ref><ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/01/09/60minutes/main592330.shtml "Bush Sought ‘Way’ To Invade Iraq?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008111954/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/01/09/60minutes/main592330.shtml |date=2013-10-08 }} ''60 Minutes''</ref> After the invasion, however, no evidence was found to verify the initial claims about WMDs. The rationale and misrepresentation of pre-war intelligence faced heavy [[Criticism of the Iraq War|criticism]] within the U.S. and internationally.

As a result of the war, Iraq held its [[January 2005 Iraqi parliamentary election|multi-party elections]] in 2005, and [[Nouri al-Maliki]] later became [[Prime Minister of Iraq|Prime Minister]] the following year. The Maliki government enacted policies that were widely seen as having the effect of alienating the country's Sunni minority, which worsened sectarian tensions. In 2014, ISIS launched a [[Northern Iraq offensive (June 2014)|military offensive in Northern Iraq]] and later declared a worldwide Islamic caliphate, eliciting another [[Military intervention against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|military response from the United States and its allies]]. The Iraq War caused hundreds of thousands of civilian and military casualties (see [[Iraq War#Casualty estimates|estimates]]). The majority of the casualties occurred as a result of the insurgency and civil conflicts between 2004 and 2007.

==Timeline==

===2011===

As previously planned, the last US combat troops were withdrawn from Iraq in 2011, with security responsibility in the hands of the [[Iraqi Armed Forces]]. On 15 December, martial closing ceremony was held in Baghdad putting a formal end to the U.S. mission in Iraq. This ceased direct U.S. combat involvement in the war.<ref name=BBC>{{cite news|title=US flag ceremony ends Iraq operation|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-16192105|publisher=BBC|access-date=15 December 2011|date=15 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111215075442/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-16192105|archive-date=15 December 2011|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/us-lowers-flag-to-end-iraq-war-6277340.html|title=US lowers flag to end Iraq war|date=15 December 2011|agency=Associated Press|access-date=15 December 2011|location=London|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120201041914/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/us-lowers-flag-to-end-iraq-war-6277340.html|archive-date=1 February 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1211/70480.html|title=Leon Panetta marks end of Iraq war|date=15 December 2011|work=POLITICO|first=Tim|last=Mak|access-date=15 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108235909/http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1211/70480.html|archive-date=8 January 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The last 500 soldiers left Iraq under cover of darkness and under strict secrecy early on the morning of 18 December 2011, ending the U.S. military presence in Iraq after nearly nine years.<ref>{{cite news|last=Santana|first=Rebecca|date=18 December 2011|title=Last U.S. troops leave Iraq, ending war|publisher=[[Minnesota Public Radio]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]|url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/12/18/last-us-troops-leave-iraq|url-status=live|access-date=13 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211013231246/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2011/12/18/last-us-troops-leave-iraq|archive-date=13 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-usa-pullout-idUSTRE7BH08E20111218|title=Timeline: Invasion, surge, withdrawal; U.S. forces in Iraq|date=18 December 2011|work=Reuters|access-date=18 December 2011|first=David|last=Cutler|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111219122246/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/18/us-iraq-usa-pullout-idUSTRE7BH08E20111218|archive-date=19 December 2011|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://world.myjoyonline.com/pages/news/201112/78464.php|title=Last US troops withdraw from Iraq|date=18 December 2011|work=BBC|access-date=18 December 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110090556/http://world.myjoyonline.com/pages/news/201112/78464.php|archive-date=10 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.neontommy.com/news/2011/12/final-us-convoy-withdraws-iraq|title=Final US Convoy Withdraws From Iraq|date=18 December 2011|work=neontommy|access-date=18 December 2011|first=Catherine|last=Green|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130531053228/http://www.neontommy.com/news/2011/12/final-us-convoy-withdraws-iraq|archive-date=31 May 2013|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/12/17/9528197-the-war-is-over-last-us-soldiers-leave-iraq |title='The war is over': Last US soldiers leave Iraq |date=18 December 2011 |work=NBC |access-date=18 December 2011 |first=Richard |last=Engel |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111218112907/http://worldnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/12/17/9528197-the-war-is-over-last-us-soldiers-leave-iraq |archive-date=December 18, 2011 }}</ref> On 22 December 2011 at least 72 civilians were killed and more than 170 wounded in a [[22 December 2011 Baghdad bombings|series of bombings]] across Baghdad, while nine others died in various attacks in [[Baqubah]], [[Mosul]] and [[Kirkuk]].

===2012===

A [[5 January 2012 Iraq bombings|number of bombings]] took place in [[Baghdad]] and [[Nasiriyah]], killing 73 and leaving 149 injured. The bombing in the southern Iraqi city was targeted at crowds of Shi'ite Muslims and killed at least 44, injuring more than 80 others. It was the first major attack in Nasiriyah since [[2003 Nasiriyah bombing|a suicide attack]] against an Italian army base killed 28 in November 2003, including 19 Italians. ISIS claimed responsibility.

A [[14 January 2012 Basra bombing|suicide bomber]] detonated his explosives amid a crowd of Shi'ite pilgrims in [[Basra]], killing 53 and injuring 141. This was the deadliest attack in the city since [[21 April 2004 Basra bombings|car bombs in April 2004]] killed at least 74.
On January 27 – A [[27 January 2012 Baghdad bombing|suicide bomber]] attacked a funeral procession in Baghdad's Zaafaraniyah district, killing 32 and injuring more than 70 others.<ref name=latimes2701>{{cite news|title=Suicide bomber kills 32 at Baghdad funeral march|url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/01/27/car-bombing-kills-26-in-baghdad/|agency=Associated Press|publisher=Fox News|access-date=22 April 2012|date=27 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306053129/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/01/27/car-bombing-kills-26-in-baghdad/|archive-date=6 March 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
On February 23 – A [[23 February 2012 Iraq attacks|series of attacks]] across 15 Iraqi cities left 83 killed and more than 250 injured. ISIS claimed responsibility two days later.
On March 5 – A gang of gunmen disguised in military-style uniforms and carrying forged arrest warrants killed 27 police and then hoisted the battle flag of [[al-Qaeda]] in a carefully planned early morning attack in [[Anbar Governorate]].<ref name=aa2603>{{cite web|last=Piven|first=Ben|title=Iraq violence continues after US withdrawal|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/inpictures/2012/03/201237933141115.html|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=8 March 2012|access-date=22 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419200118/http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/inpictures/2012/03/201237933141115.html|archive-date=19 April 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
On March 20 – A [[20 March 2012 Iraq attacks|wave of attacks]] centered on Baghdad and Kerbala killed at least 52 and left more than 250 injured. ISIS claimed responsibility.<ref name=aa2603/>
On April 19 – More than 20 bombs exploded across Iraq, killing at least 36 people and wounding almost 170.<ref name="aa2604">{{cite web|title=Fourteen people killed and 39 injured in bombings across Iraq|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/04/26/210534.html|publisher=Al Arabiya|access-date=28 April 2012|date=28 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120428084200/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/04/26/210534.html|archive-date=28 April 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> ISIS claimed responsibility.<ref name=aa2604/>
On June 4, A suicide bomber killed 26 people and wounded almost 200 at the offices of a Shiite foundation in Baghdad, sparking fears of sectarian strife at a time of political crisis. The attack in the center of the capital was followed later by an explosion near a Sunni religious foundation, causing no casualties.<ref name=aa0506>{{cite web|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/06/05/218685.html|title=Iraqi leaders call for calm after bombing kills 25 people|publisher=Al Arabiya|date=5 June 2012|access-date=26 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120621064103/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/06/05/218685.html|archive-date=21 June 2012|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
On June 13, At least 93 people were killed and over 300 wounded in a [[13 June 2012 Iraq attacks|series of highly coordinated attacks]] across Iraq. ISIS claimed responsibility.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite news|title=Iraq: wave of bomb attacks 'kill 84'|work=BBC|date=13 June 2012|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18420488|access-date=13 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120613074917/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18420488|archive-date=13 June 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
[[File:Baghdad Iraq during the post withdrawal insurgency soldiers.png|thumb|Iraqi soldiers in Baghdad, 26 December 2011|300px]]
On July 3, Explosions in [[Al Diwaniyah|Diwaniyah]], [[Karbala]], [[Taji]] and [[Tuz Khormato]] killed 40 and injured 122 others.<ref>{{cite web |author=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/jul/03/iraq-bombings-kill-dozens?newsfeed=true |title=Iraq bombings kill dozens |work=The Guardian |date=2012-07-03 |access-date=2012-07-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128065458/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/jul/03/iraq-bombings-kill-dozens?newsfeed=true |archive-date=2015-01-28 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On July 22, Car bombs killed 23 and wounded 74 in Baghdad, [[Mahmoudiyah, Iraq|Mahmoudiyah]] and [[Najaf]].<ref name="alarabiya1">{{cite web |url=http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/07/22/227807.html |title=Car bombs kill 20 and wound 80 across Iraq |agency=Reuters |publisher=Al Arabiya |date=2012-07-22 |access-date=2012-07-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120726110931/http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/07/22/227807.html |archive-date=2012-07-26 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
On July 23, [[23 July 2012 Iraq attacks|Coordinated attacks]] across Iraq killed 116 and left 299 injured. ISIS claimed responsibility.<ref name=reulate>{{cite news|title=Late night attacks take Iraq death toll to 116: police, medics|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-violence-idUSBRE86N0AF20120724|access-date=24 July 2012|newspaper=Reuters|date=24 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724115108/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/24/us-iraq-violence-idUSBRE86N0AF20120724|archive-date=24 July 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
On July 31, Attacks across Iraq killed 24 and injured 61, most of them in twin car bombings in Baghdad.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2012-07-31/iraq-bomb-karradah/56609198/1 |title=Bombs kill 21, underlining Iraq chaos |agency=Associated Press |date=July 31, 2012 |access-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415135011/http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2012-07-31/iraq-bomb-karradah/56609198/1 |archive-date=April 15, 2016 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
On August 13, at least 128 people were killed and more than 400 wounded in [[16 August 2012 Iraq attacks|coordinated attacks across Iraq]], making them the deadliest attacks in the country since [[25 October 2009 Baghdad bombings|October 2009]], when 155 were killed in twin bombings near the [[Justice Ministry]] in Baghdad.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://democratherald.com/news/world/middle-east/officials-attacks-kill-in-iraq/article_91bfc3d3-5be2-5d81-96bb-c152a4805beb.html|archive-url= https://archive.today/20130102130617/http://democratherald.com/news/world/middle-east/officials-attacks-kill-in-iraq/article_91bfc3d3-5be2-5d81-96bb-c152a4805beb.html|url-status= dead|archive-date= 2013-01-02|title=Bloody day of blasts in Iraq kills more than 70 |publisher=Reuters|date=2012-08-16|access-date=2012-08-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/17/world/middleeast/at-least-39-killed-in-wave-of-attacks-in-iraq.html|title=Wave of attacks kills dozens in Iraq|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=2012-08-16|access-date=2012-08-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120816222241/http://www.nytimes.com//2012/08/17/world/middleeast/at-least-39-killed-in-wave-of-attacks-in-iraq.html|archive-date=2012-08-16|url-status=live}}</ref>
On September 9, A [[9 September 2012 Iraq attacks|wave of attacks]] across the country killed at least 108 and left more than 370 others injured.<ref>{{cite web|title=Explosions kill 58 in Iraq, French consulate hit|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-blasts-idUSBRE88802Z20120909|publisher=Reuters|access-date=9 September 2012|author=Suadad al-Salhy and Raheem Salman|date=9 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910103923/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/09/09/us-iraq-blasts-idUSBRE88802Z20120909|archive-date=10 September 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Insurgents Carry Out Wave of Attacks Across Iraq|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/10/world/middleeast/insurgents-carry-out-wave-of-attacks-across-iraq.html?_r=2&ref=world|agency=Associated Press|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=9 September 2012|date=9 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129223537/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/10/world/middleeast/insurgents-carry-out-wave-of-attacks-across-iraq.html?_r=2&ref=world|archive-date=29 November 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Many dead in attacks on Iraqi security forces|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-19535086|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=9 September 2012|date=9 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120909133550/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-19535086|archive-date=9 September 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Attacks targeting Iraqi police, army leave dozens dead|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2012/09/09/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html?hpt=hp_t1|publisher=CNN News|access-date=9 September 2012|author=Mohammed Tawfeeq|date=9 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910044217/http://edition.cnn.com/2012/09/09/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html?hpt=hp_t1|archive-date=10 September 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Iraq VP Tariq al-Hashemi sentenced to death|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-19537301|publisher=BBC News Middle East|access-date=9 September 2012|date=9 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120909184640/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-19537301|archive-date=9 September 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
On September 30, A string of attacks occur in at least 10 Iraqi cities, killing 37 and injuring more than 90 others, most of them civilians.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/09/201293065456319209.html |title=Many killed in string of Iraq attacks |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=2012-09-30 |access-date=2012-09-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003054337/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/09/201293065456319209.html |archive-date=2012-10-03 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On October 27, a wave of attacks during the [[Eid al-Adha]] holiday across Iraq killed at least 46 and left 123 injured. Most incidents occurred in Baghdad, [[Taji]], [[Mosul]] and [[Muqdadiya]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2012/10/27/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html |title=Deadly attacks hit Iraq amid Eid festival |publisher=CNN |date=2012-10-27 |access-date=2012-10-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028103330/http://edition.cnn.com/2012/10/27/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html |archive-date=2012-10-28 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On October 28, a Car bombings during the last day of Eid left 15 people dead and 33 injured in Baghdad.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2012/10/28/world/meast/iraq-violence/|title=Iraq suffers violence on third day of Eid festival|publisher=CNN|date=2012-10-28|access-date=2012-10-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221011543/http://edition.cnn.com/2012/10/28/world/meast/iraq-violence/|archive-date=2013-12-21|url-status=live}}</ref>
On November 6, a car bombing outside an army base in [[Taji]] killed 31 people and injured at least 50 others, most of them soldiers. The blast struck as troops were leaving the base and potential recruits were lining up for job interviews.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/11/2012116103455677372.html|title=Dozens killed in Iraq car bombing|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=2012-11-06|access-date=2012-11-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108145830/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2012/11/2012116103455677372.html|archive-date=2012-11-08|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/suicide-bomber-kills-31-at-army-base-near-baghdad/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130416015246/http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/suicide-bomber-kills-31-at-army-base-near-baghdad/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-04-16|title=Suicide bomber kills 31 at army base near Baghdad|publisher=Trust.org|date=2012-11-06|access-date=2012-11-06}}</ref>
On November 14, Insurgents staged a number of attacks on the eve of the [[Islamic New Year]], killing 29 and injuring at least 194 others. The deadliest incidents took place in [[Kirkuk]] and [[Hilla]], where at least seven bombings killed 19 and left 129 wounded. Other attacks took place in Baghdad, [[Mosul]], [[Kut]], Fallujah and [[Baqubah]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2012/11/14/islamic-new-years-eve-carnage-29-killed-194-wounded-in-iraq/|title=Islamic New Year's Eve Carnage: 29 Killed, 194 Wounded in Iraq|publisher=Antiwar.com|date=2012-11-15|access-date=2012-11-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121118021553/http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2012/11/14/islamic-new-years-eve-carnage-29-killed-194-wounded-in-iraq/|archive-date=2012-11-18|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On November 27, At least 29 people are killed and 126 wounded in eight car bombings across Iraq.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/27/world/meast/iraq-violence/|title=29 killed, 126 wounded in Iraq car bombings|publisher=CNN|date=2012-11-27|access-date=2012-11-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130164324/http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/27/world/meast/iraq-violence|archive-date=2012-11-30|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Sunni protests (2012)====
{{Further|2012–14 Iraqi protests}}
After a period of calm, renewed political tension within Iraq led to renewed protests, this time mostly centered around the country's Sunni minority. The main cause for upheaval was the ongoing standoff between Vice President [[Tareq al-Hashemi]] and Prime Minister al-Maliki, but strained relationships with the Kurdish autonomous regions added to the scene. On December 23, 2012, several thousand Iraqis marched against al-Maliki, responding to his moves against al-Hashemi and other influential Sunni leaders.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?ID=250700 | title = Iraq crisis stirs protests in Sunni strongholds | agency = Reuters | date = 23 December 2011 | work = The Jerusalem Post | access-date = 26 January 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120227190948/http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=250700 | archive-date = 27 February 2012 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

===2013===
{{main|Timeline of the Iraqi insurgency (2013)}}
On 4 January, a car bombing in [[Musayyib]] killed 28 Shi'ite pilgrims and injured 60 others as they were returning from [[Karbala]].<ref>{{cite news |agency=Reuters |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/04/world/middleeast/attacks-in-iraq-kill-at-least-32-pilgrims.html?_r=0 |title=Attacks in Iraq Kill at Least 32 Pilgrims |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=2013-01-03 |access-date=2013-01-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128071345/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/04/world/middleeast/attacks-in-iraq-kill-at-least-32-pilgrims.html?_r=0 |archive-date=2015-01-28 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |agency=Reuters |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/01/201313151824519508.html |title=Deadly car blast shatters Iraqi town |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=2013-01-03 |access-date=2013-01-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130103191655/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/01/201313151824519508.html |archive-date=2013-01-03 |url-status=live }}</ref> In mid-January, a suicide bomber killed a prominent Sunni MP and six others in Fallujah, two days after [[Ministry of Finance (Iraq)|Finance Minister]] [[Rafi al-Issawi]] survived an assassination attempt in the same city. The parliamentarian, Ayfan Sadoun al-Essawi, was an important member of the [[Sons of Iraq]] committee in Fallujah and part of the opposition to Prime Minister [[Nouri al-Maliki]].<ref>{{cite web |agency=Reuters |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/01/2013115115748381903.html |title=Iraqi MP killed in suicide attack |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=2013-01-15 |access-date=2013-01-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117173714/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/01/2013115115748381903.html |archive-date=2013-01-17 |url-status=live }}</ref> A suicide truck-bomber also attacked the headquarters of the [[Kurdistan Democratic Party]] in [[Kirkuk]], killing 26 and leaving 204 injured. A similar attack against another Kurdish office in [[Tuz Khormato]] killed 5 and wounded 40.<ref>{{cite web|agency=Reuters |url= http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/bombers-kill-more-than-35-across-iraq/|archive-url= https://archive.today/20130416024333/http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/bombers-kill-more-than-35-across-iraq/|url-status= dead|archive-date= 2013-04-16|title=Bombers kill more than 35 across Iraq |publisher=Trust.org |date=2013-01-15 |access-date=2013-01-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Margaret Griffis |url=http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2013/01/16/iraq-slaughter-55-killed-288-wounded/ |title=Iraq Slaughter: 55 Killed, 288 Wounded |publisher=Antiwar.com |date=2013-01-16 |access-date=2013-01-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130121023625/http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2013/01/16/iraq-slaughter-55-killed-288-wounded/ |archive-date=2013-01-21 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Later that month, a suicide bomber blew himself up during a funeral for a politician's relative in the city of Tuz Khormato, killing 42 and leaving 75 others wounded.<ref>{{cite web|author=Marwan Ibrahim |url= https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jQy57ea_bmclo1OnOLDPWxnw_3vg?docId=CNG.c8e0480540a829085a3a9eee42c89e47.361|archive-url= https://archive.today/20130216041843/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jQy57ea_bmclo1OnOLDPWxnw_3vg?docId=CNG.c8e0480540a829085a3a9eee42c89e47.361|url-status= dead|archive-date= 2013-02-16|title=Iraq suicide bomb at Shiite mosque kills 42 |date=2013-01-23 |access-date=2013-01-24}}</ref> In addition, protests by [[Sunni Muslims]] in Iraq against the government of Prime Minister [[Nouri al-Maliki]] turned deadly in Fallujah, as soldiers opened fire on a crowd of rock-throwing demonstrators, killing 7 and injuring more than 70 others. Three soldiers were later shot to death in retaliation for the incident, and clashes erupted in Askari, on the eastern outskirts of Fallujah. Security forces were placed on high alert as a curfew and vehicle ban were brought into effect. In a statement, Maliki urged both sides to show restraint and blamed the incident on unruly protesters. He also warned that it could lead to a "rise in tension that al-Qaida and terrorist groups are trying to take advantage of".<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.tampabay.com/news/9-killed-as-protesters-army-clash-in-iraq/1272380/ | work = Tampa Bay Times | title = 9 killed as protesters, army clash in Iraq | date = 25 January 2013 | access-date = 26 January 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130130085954/http://www.tampabay.com/news/9-killed-as-protesters-army-clash-in-iraq/1272380 | archive-date = 30 January 2013 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2013/01/25/iraqi-troops-fire-on-protesters-14-killed-72-wounded-across-country/ | title = Iraqi Troops Fire on Protesters; 14 Killed, 72 Wounded Across Country | first = Margaret | last = Griffis | date = 25 January 2013 | publisher = Antiwar.com | access-date = 26 January 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130127033919/http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2013/01/25/iraqi-troops-fire-on-protesters-14-killed-72-wounded-across-country/ | archive-date = 27 January 2013 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

In February, a suicide car-bomber detonated his vehicle near the provincial police headquarters in [[Kirkuk]], killing at least 36 and injuring 105 others. Among the wounded was Major General Jamal Tahir, the city's chief of police, who had survived [[List of terrorist incidents, January–June 2011#February|a previous attack]] at almost the same spot two years earlier. Three additional attackers were killed after the initial blast, as they attempted to throw grenades at security forces. Several officers who survived the attack reported that the first bomber was driving a police car and wearing a uniform. When guards at the gate stopped him to check his credentials, he detonated his explosives.<ref>{{cite news |author=Yasir Ghazi |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/04/world/middleeast/suicide-attack-kills-dozens-in-northern-iraq.html?_r=0 |title=Suicide Bomber Kills Dozens in Northern Iraqi City |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=2013-02-03 |access-date=2013-02-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130207044328/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/04/world/middleeast/suicide-attack-kills-dozens-in-northern-iraq.html?_r=0 |archive-date=2013-02-07 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12405899 | title = Northern Iraqi oil city of Kirkuk hit by bomb attacks | publisher = BBC | date = 9 February 2011 | access-date = 21 June 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181126154957/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12405899 | archive-date = 26 November 2018 | url-status = live | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

In early March, unidentified gunmen ambushed a [[Syrian Army]] convoy escorted by Iraqi soldiers in the [[Battle of Akashat]], killing 48 Syrians and 13&nbsp;Iraqis. The assault took place near the desert border between the two nations in Iraq's [[Al Anbar Governorate]]. Authorities suspected the [[Free Iraqi Army]], [[Jabhat al-Nusra]], or [[al-Qaeda in Iraq]] of being behind the attack.<ref>{{cite web |author=Jason Ditz |url=http://news.antiwar.com/2013/03/04/48-syrian-soldiers-killed-in-iraq-ambush/ |title=48 Syrian Soldiers Killed in Iraq Ambush |publisher=Antiwar.com |date=2013-03-04 |access-date=2013-03-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310062055/http://news.antiwar.com/2013/03/04/48-syrian-soldiers-killed-in-iraq-ambush/ |archive-date=2013-03-10 |url-status=live }}</ref> A week later, ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that they had "annihilated" a "column of the [[Safavid dynasty|Safavid]] army," a reference to the Shia Persian dynasty that ruled Iran from 1501 to 1736. The group also claimed that the presence of Syrian soldiers in Iraq showed "firm co-operation" between the Syrian and Iraqi governments.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/03/201331114024632648.html |title=Al-Qaeda claims killing Syrian troops in Iraq |publisher=Antiwar.com |date=2013-03-11 |access-date=2013-03-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130312175858/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/03/201331114024632648.html |archive-date=2013-03-12 |url-status=live }}</ref> In mid-March, a series of [[19 March 2013 Iraq attacks|coordinated attacks]] across the capital Baghdad and several major cities in the north and central parts of the country killed at least 98 people and left 240 others injured. The wave of violence was directed mostly at Shia civilians and took place on the tenth anniversary of the beginning of the [[Iraq War]]. ISIS later claimed responsibility for the attacks.<ref>{{cite news|title=Iraq Invasion Anniversary Carnage: 98 Killed, over 240 Wounded|url=http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2013/03/19/iraq-anniversary-carnage-98-killed-over-240-wounded/|access-date=19 March 2013|publisher=Antiwar.com|date=19 March 2013|author=Margaret Griffis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323004340/http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2013/03/19/iraq-anniversary-carnage-98-killed-over-240-wounded/|archive-date=23 March 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

In April, a tanker bomb exploded at the police headquarters in [[Tikrit]], killing at least 42 people and injuring 67 others. Insurgents attacked an oil field near Akaz in a remote part of [[Al Anbar Governorate]], killing 2 engineers and kidnapping a third one. Other attacks across the country left a prison warden in [[Mosul]] dead and 11 others injured, including the mayor of [[Tuz Khormato]] and at least four journalists, who were stabbed by unknown assailants in a series of attacks on media offices in the capital Baghdad.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tikrit Tanker Bomb Leaves Dozens Killed; Iraq Executes Four on Terrorism Charges|url=http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2013/04/01/tikrit-tanker-bomb-leaves-dozens-killed-iraq-executes-four-on-terrorism-charges/|access-date=6 April 2013|publisher=Antiwar.com|date=1 April 2013|first=Margaret|last=Griffis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130406021311/http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2013/04/01/tikrit-tanker-bomb-leaves-dozens-killed-iraq-executes-four-on-terrorism-charges/|archive-date=6 April 2013|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Five days later, a suicide bomber killed 22 and injured 55 at a political rally for a local Sunni candidate in [[Baqubah]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2013/04/06/iraq-election-rally-targeted-in-attacks-30-killed-across-country/ |title=Iraq Election Rally Targeted in Attacks; 30 Killed Across Country |first=Margaret |last=Griffis |publisher=Antiwar.com |date=2013-04-06 |access-date=2013-04-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130420032419/http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2013/04/06/iraq-election-rally-targeted-in-attacks-30-killed-across-country/ |archive-date=2013-04-20 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On April 23, [[Iraqi Army]] units moved against an encampment set up by protesters in [[Hawija]], west of the city of [[Kirkuk]], sparking [[2013 Hawija clashes|deadly clashes and reprisal attacks]] across the country.<ref name=AprilViolence /> According to army officers, the operation was aimed at Sunni militants from the [[Army of the Men of the Naqshbandi Order|Naqshbandi Army]], who were reportedly involved in the protests. A total of 42 people were killed and 153 others injured, with most of them being protesters - only 3 soldiers were confirmed dead and 7 others wounded.<ref name=AprilViolence>{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hkBXOpfsOg-o_42-50OmRjyf2X_g |title=Protest-related violence kills 53 in Iraq |agency=Associated Press |first=Marwan |last=Ibrahim |date=23 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302071800/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hkBXOpfsOg-o_42-50OmRjyf2X_g |archive-date=March 2, 2014 }}</ref><ref name="AntiwarApril23">{{cite news |title=Protest Clashes and Random Attacks Leave 111 Killed, 233 Wounded Across Iraq |url=http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2013/04/23/protest-clashes-and-random-attacks-leave-111-killed-233-wounded-across-iraq/ |publisher=Antiwar.com |first=Margaret |last=Griffis |date=23 April 2013 |access-date=28 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130427041440/http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2013/04/23/protest-clashes-and-random-attacks-leave-111-killed-233-wounded-across-iraq/ |archive-date=27 April 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The incident sparked a number of revenge attacks, that soon spread out across much of the country. [[Cabinet of Iraq|Minister of Education]] Mohammed Tamim resigned from his post in response to the Army's operation, and was followed later by Science and Technology Minister Abd al-Karim al-Samarrai.<ref name=AprilViolence /> Insurgents from the [[Naqshbandi Army]] completely captured the town of Sulaiman Bek, about 170&nbsp;km north of Baghdad, after heavy fighting with security forces on April 25, only to relinquish control of it a day later, while escaping with weapons and vehicles. More than 340 were killed and 600 others injured in the four days of heaviest violence, while attacks continued after that at a pace higher than earlier in the year.<ref name="AntiwarApril24">{{cite news |title=Scores killed in two days of Iraq clashes |url=http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2013/04/24/at-least-86-iraqis-killed-in-ongoing-violence-triggered-by-protests/ |first=Margaret |last=Griffis |publisher=Antiwar.com |date=24 April 2013 |access-date=28 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130428082324/http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2013/04/24/at-least-86-iraqis-killed-in-ongoing-violence-triggered-by-protests/ |archive-date=28 April 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="AntiwarApril25">{{cite news |title=Third Day of Iraq Unrest Leaves 96 Dead |url=http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2013/04/25/third-day-of-iraq-unrest-leaves-96-dead/ |first=Margaret |last=Griffis |publisher=Antiwar.com |date=25 April 2013 |access-date=28 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430063902/http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2013/04/25/third-day-of-iraq-unrest-leaves-96-dead/ |archive-date=30 April 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-04/25/c_124627683.htm |title=Militants seize Iraqi town as security forces withdraw |agency=Xinhua |date=25 April 2013 |access-date=25 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130428024042/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-04/25/c_124627683.htm |archive-date=28 April 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="AntiwarApril26">{{cite news |title=Iraq Unrest Unabated: At least 38 Killed, 109 Wounded |url=http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2013/04/26/iraq-unrest-unabated-at-least-38-killed-109-wounded/ |first=Margaret |last=Griffis |publisher=Antiwar.com |date=26 April 2013 |access-date=28 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130427081515/http://original.antiwar.com/updates/2013/04/26/iraq-unrest-unabated-at-least-38-killed-109-wounded/ |archive-date=27 April 2013 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

In late May, the Iraqi government launches [[Operation al-Shabah]] (''Phantom''), with the stated aim of severing contact between [[Al-Qaeda in Iraq]] and the Syrian [[al-Nusra Front]] by clearing militants from the border area with Syria and Jordan.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://inserbia.info/news/2013/05/iraq-military-launched-mop-up-operation-along-the-syria-and-jordan-border/ |title=Iraq: Military launched mop-up operation along the Syria and Jordan border |publisher=InSerbia Independent News |date=27 May 2013 |access-date=23 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004213324/http://inserbia.info/news/2013/05/iraq-military-launched-mop-up-operation-along-the-syria-and-jordan-border/ |archive-date=4 October 2013 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

==Aftermath==
{{Main|Iraqi Civil War (2014–2017)}}
From January 2014 onwards, the rise of the [[Islamic State]], a major belligerent in the [[Syrian Civil War]], has transformed the insurgency into a regional war that includes Syria, Iran and a large coalition of Western and Arab forces led by the United States.

==Casualties==
{{further|Casualties of the Iraqi insurgency (2011–present)}}

==Humanitarian aid==
{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
*{{flag|Armenia}} – provided aid to persecuted Yazidis in Iraq in August 2014.<ref>{{cite news|title=Armenia Increases Aid to Persecuted Yazidis in Iraq|url=http://www.gagrule.net/armenia-increases-aid-persecuted-yazidis-iraq/|access-date=19 August 2014|date=19 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140914114725/http://www.gagrule.net/armenia-increases-aid-persecuted-yazidis-iraq/|archive-date=14 September 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*{{flag|Australia}} – Australia delivered humanitarian aid to Iraqi Kurds in August 2014.<ref>{{cite news|title=Australia Delivers Humanitarian Aid to Iraqi Kurds|url=http://en.ria.ru/world/20140814/191993034/Australia-Delivers-Humanitarian-Aid-to-Iraqi-Kurds.html|access-date=14 August 2014|agency=RIA Novosti|date=14 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814170157/http://en.ria.ru/world/20140814/191993034/Australia-Delivers-Humanitarian-Aid-to-Iraqi-Kurds.html|archive-date=14 August 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*{{flag|Austria}}<ref>{{cite news|title=Austria won't send weapons to Iraq|url=http://www.thelocal.at/20140815/austria-wont-send-weapons-to-iraq|access-date=16 August 2014|agency=The Local|date=15 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140817224403/http://www.thelocal.at/20140815/austria-wont-send-weapons-to-iraq|archive-date=17 August 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="atse" >{{cite news|title=España apoya la entrega de armas a los kurdos con el consentimiento de Irak|url=http://www.abc.es/internacional/20140815/abci-espana-apoya-entrega-armas-201408151501.html|access-date=16 August 2014|agency=ABC.es|date=15 August 2014|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140816131309/http://www.abc.es/internacional/20140815/abci-espana-apoya-entrega-armas-201408151501.html|archive-date=16 August 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*{{flag|Belgium}}<ref>{{cite news|title=Aide humanitaire, puis peut-être livraison d'armes: la Belgique va envoyer des avions en Irak|url=http://www.sudinfo.be/1080295/article/2014-08-16/aide-humanitaire-puis-peut-etre-livraison-d-armes-la-belgique-va-envoyer-des-avi|access-date=17 August 2014|agency=Sudinfo.be|date=17 August 2014|language=fr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819082934/http://www.sudinfo.be/1080295/article/2014-08-16/aide-humanitaire-puis-peut-etre-livraison-d-armes-la-belgique-va-envoyer-des-avi|archive-date=19 August 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*{{flag|Canada}}<ref>{{cite news|title=Canada sending two cargo planes to help deliver weapons to Kurds|access-date=15 August 2014|work=The Independent|agency=Reuters|author=David Ljunggren|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-security-canada-idUSKBN0GF1OY20140815|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140815223905/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/08/15/us-iraq-security-canada-idUSKBN0GF1OY20140815|archive-date=15 August 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*{{flag|Denmark}}<ref>{{cite news|title=Den humanitære krise eksploderer i Irak|url=http://www.b.dk/globalt/den-humanitaere-krise-eksploderer-i-irak|access-date=15 August 2014|agency=Politiken|date=14 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140823215822/http://www.b.dk/globalt/den-humanitaere-krise-eksploderer-i-irak|archive-date=23 August 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*{{flag|Estonia}}<ref>{{cite news|title=Eesti on valmis osutama Iraagile humanitaarabi, vajadusel ka relvaabi|url=http://uudised.err.ee/v/eesti/627783b2-716c-47ae-9ad2-fb711fcbf383|access-date=16 August 2014|agency=ERR|language=et|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140816013322/http://uudised.err.ee/v/eesti/627783b2-716c-47ae-9ad2-fb711fcbf383|archive-date=16 August 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*{{flag|Finland}}<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.suomenmaa.fi/etusivu/haavisto_suomi_ei_anna_aseapua_pohjoisirakin_kurdeille_7050737.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140816131044/http://www.suomenmaa.fi/etusivu/haavisto_suomi_ei_anna_aseapua_pohjoisirakin_kurdeille_7050737.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 August 2014|access-date=16 August 2014|title=Haavisto: Suomi ei anna aseapua Pohjois-Irakin kurdeille|language=fi|date=15 August 2014}}</ref>
*{{flag|France|1974}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/french-fm-iraq-boost-aid-efforts-120044422.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140811181440/http://news.yahoo.com/french-fm-iraq-boost-aid-efforts-120044422.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-08-11 |title=French FM in Iraq to boost aid efforts - Yahoo News |publisher=News.yahoo.com |date=2014-08-10 |access-date=2014-08-19}}</ref>
*{{flag|Germany}}<ref>{{cite news|title=Germany prepares military aid for Kurds|url=http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/b4a123b4-22fb-11e4-8dae-00144feabdc0.html#axzz3AICxlzpP|access-date=13 August 2014|agency=The Financial Times|date=13 August 2014}}</ref>
*{{flag|Hungary}}<ref name=PLHU>{{cite news|title=Europe pledges aid, equipment to help Iraq|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/europe-pledges-help-to-northern-iraq/2014/08/12/2ab5f526-221a-11e4-8b10-7db129976abb_story.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140817141319/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/europe-pledges-help-to-northern-iraq/2014/08/12/2ab5f526-221a-11e4-8b10-7db129976abb_story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 August 2014|access-date=17 August 2014|agency=Washington Post|date=12 August 2014}}</ref>
*{{flag|Ireland}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Government announces funding to meet immediate life-saving needs in Northern Iraq|url=https://www.dfa.ie/news-and-media/press-releases/press-release-archive/2014/august/government-announces-funding-northern-iraq/|website=Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade|access-date=17 August 2014|date=13 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819090543/https://www.dfa.ie/news-and-media/press-releases/press-release-archive/2014/august/government-announces-funding-northern-iraq/|archive-date=19 August 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*{{flag|Italy}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.ria.ru/world/20140815/192022683/Italy-to-Send-Humanitarian-Aid-to-Iraq-on-Saturday.html|title=Italy Send Aid To Iraq|date=15 August 2014 |access-date=2015-04-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006110416/http://en.ria.ru/world/20140815/192022683/Italy-to-Send-Humanitarian-Aid-to-Iraq-on-Saturday.html|archive-date=2014-10-06|url-status=live}}</ref>
*{{flag|Luxembourg}}<ref>{{cite news|title=Asselborn appelle à une intervention militaire|url=http://www.lessentiel.lu/fr/news/dossier/islamique/story/17336791|access-date=17 August 2014|agency=L'essentiel|date=16 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140818101622/http://www.lessentiel.lu/fr/news/dossier/islamique/story/17336791|archive-date=18 August 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*{{flag|Netherlands}}<ref>{{cite news|title=Nederlandse hulp dit weekeinde naar Irak|url=http://www.telegraaf.nl/binnenland/22971070/___Nederlandse_hulp_naar_Irak___.html|access-date=16 August 2014|work=De Telegraaf|date=15 August 2014|language=nl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140815223402/http://www.telegraaf.nl/binnenland/22971070/___Nederlandse_hulp_naar_Irak___.html|archive-date=15 August 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*{{flag|Norway}}<ref>{{cite news|title=Norway offers humanitarian aid to Iraq|url=http://www.thelocal.no/20140815/us-wants-norways-help-in-iraq-crisis|access-date=16 August 2014|work=The Local|date=15 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140816042927/http://www.thelocal.no/20140815/us-wants-norways-help-in-iraq-crisis|archive-date=16 August 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*{{flag|Poland}}<ref name="PLHU" /><ref>{{cite news|title=Kurdowie mogą liczyć na pomoc z Polski|url=http://www.wprost.pl/ar/462999/Kurdowie-moga-liczyc-na-pomoc-z-Polski/|access-date=16 August 2014|agency=wprost|date=14 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821035411/http://www.wprost.pl/ar/462999/Kurdowie-moga-liczyc-na-pomoc-z-Polski/|archive-date=21 August 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*{{flag|Portugal}}<ref>{{cite news|title=Portugal vai enviar ajuda humanitária para o Iraque|url=http://www.jornaldamadeira.pt/artigos/portugal-vai-enviar-ajuda-humanit%C3%A1ria-para-o-iraque|access-date=16 August 2014|work=Jornal da Madeira|date=15 August 2014|language=pt|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102232106/http://www.jornaldamadeira.pt/artigos/portugal-vai-enviar-ajuda-humanit%C3%A1ria-para-o-iraque|archive-date=2 November 2014}}</ref>
*{{flag|Slovakia}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Slovakia Launches Aid for Displaced Civilians in Northern Iraq|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/emergingeurope/2014/08/14/slovakia-launches-aid-for-displaced-civilians-in-northern-iraq/|website=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=17 August 2014|date=14 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819090833/http://blogs.wsj.com/emergingeurope/2014/08/14/slovakia-launches-aid-for-displaced-civilians-in-northern-iraq/|archive-date=19 August 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
*{{flag|Spain}}<ref name="atse" />
*{{flag|Sweden}}<ref name="atse" />
*{{flag|Switzerland}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Switzerland steps up humanitarian aid for victims in Iraq|url=http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/recent/media/single.html?id=54080|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140816141805/http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/recent/media/single.html?id=54080|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 August 2014|website=Federal Department of Foreign Affairs|date=15 August 2014}}</ref>
*{{flag|Turkey}}<ref>{{cite news|title=Ankara rejects KRG's call for help against ISIL, report says|url=http://www.todayszaman.com/national_ankara-rejects-krgs-call-for-help-against-isil-report-says_357146.html|access-date=30 August 2014|agency=Today's Zaman|date=29 August 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140829194958/http://www.todayszaman.com/national_ankara-rejects-krgs-call-for-help-against-isil-report-says_357146.html|archive-date=29 August 2014}}</ref>
*{{flag|United Arab Emirates}} – UAE provided aid for Iraqi refugees in Kurdistan in August 2014.<ref>{{cite news|title=UAE continues to provide aid for Iraqi refugees in Kurdistan|url=http://arabhum.net/contentitemen.php?ID=12582|access-date=17 August 2014|date=8 August 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819085548/http://arabhum.net/contentitemen.php?ID=12582|archive-date=19 August 2014}}</ref>
*{{flag|United Kingdom}} – UK announced that its planes were to drop emergency aid to Iraqi refugees in August 2014.<ref name="bbc.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-28701642 |title=BBC News - UK planes to drop emergency aid to Iraqi refugees |publisher=Bbc.com |date=2014-08-09 |access-date=2014-08-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811042244/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-28701642 |archive-date=2014-08-11 |url-status=live }}</ref>
}}

==See also==
*[[History of Iraq (2011–present)]]
*[[List of modern conflicts in the Middle East]]
*[[Anbar campaign (2013–14)]]
*[[Northern Iraq offensive (June 2014)]]
*[[Northern Iraq offensive (August 2014)]]
*[[Iraqi insurgency (2017–present)]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=nb}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Iraq topics}}
{{Iraqi Kurdistan topics}}
{{Iraq War}}
{{Middle East conflicts}}
{{Post-Cold War Asian conflicts}}
{{Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Iraqi Insurgency (post-U.S. withdrawal)}}
[[Category:Iraqi insurgency (2011–2013)| ]]
[[Category:2010s in Iraq]]
[[Category:Al-Qaeda activities in Iraq]]
[[Category:Arab Winter in Iraq]]
[[Category:2010s conflicts]]
[[Category:Rebellions in Iraq]]
[[Category:Religiously motivated violence in Iraq]]
[[Category:Civil wars in Iraq]]
[[Category:Wars involving Iran]]
[[Category:Wars involving Syria]]
[[Category:Wars involving the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant]]
[[Category:Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Iraq]]
[[Category:Wars involving the Peshmerga]]
[[Category:Proxy wars]]