Iraqi police and army supported by American trainers engaged in a four-day indecisive engagement with insurgents.

The confrontation known as the Battle of the Palm Grove unfolded over the course of four days, from September 10 to 13, 2010, during the Iraq War. The skirmish involved elements of the Second Advise and Assist Brigade (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), from the 25th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army, and the 512th Military Police Company of the U.S. Army. These U.S. forces joined forces with 200 members of the Iraqi Army and Police to conduct a search and clearance operation targeting an estimated 15 to 25 insurgents. These insurgents were reportedly planting IEDs in Hudaidy, a region in the Diyala Province.

Amid the fierce combat, Apache assault helicopters and Air Force F-16 fighter jets were summoned. Despite the deployment of two 500-lb. bombs by the fighter jets, they yielded minimal impact. At the end of the intense three-day engagement, the insurgents managed to retreat without incurring any losses. Meanwhile, the Iraqi security forces suffered between 33 casualties and injuries, and two U.S. soldiers were wounded.

This battle underscored the ongoing challenges faced by the Iraqi security forces as they sought to assume responsibility for the nation’s security without the backing of the U.S. military. Reflecting on the event, an Iraqi lieutenant expressed that without the assistance of American air support and artillery, they would never have considered venturing into that orchard. This battle also holds significance as it was the last major engagement involving U.S. forces against insurgents during the war.