Operation New Dawn (OND) was the name given to the final phase of U.S. military involvement in Iraq, following the end of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Officially beginning on September 1, 2010, and lasting until December 31, 2011, OND marked a shift in focus from combat operations to advisory and assistance missions aimed at supporting the development of the Iraqi government, its security forces, and its economy.

Background:

Operation Iraqi Freedom, which began in 2003 with the invasion of Iraq by a U.S.-led coalition, saw the overthrow of Saddam Hussein’s regime and years of insurgency and sectarian violence that ensued. Following a series of troop surges and strategic changes, the security situation in Iraq had improved significantly by the end of the 2000s. As a result, the United States began to reduce its military presence in the country and focus on supporting the newly established Iraqi government.

Transition to Operation New Dawn:

The transition from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn was marked by a ceremony held in Baghdad on September 1, 2010. This shift in mission was accompanied by a significant reduction in U.S. troop levels in Iraq, with approximately 50,000 American servicemembers remaining in the country at the beginning of OND.

Objectives:

The primary objectives of Operation New Dawn were to assist the Iraqi government in maintaining security, building effective institutions, and fostering economic development. Specific tasks carried out by U.S. forces included training and advising Iraqi security forces, supporting counterterrorism efforts, and helping to facilitate the responsible drawdown of U.S. military equipment and personnel from Iraq.

1. Training and Advising Iraqi Security Forces: U.S. troops played a crucial role in developing the capabilities of the Iraqi Army, police, and other security forces. Through joint operations and training exercises, American servicemembers helped to strengthen the skills and professionalism of their Iraqi counterparts, with the ultimate goal of enabling Iraq to maintain its own security independently.
2. Counterterrorism Efforts: Despite the improvement in the security situation, terrorist organizations such as al-Qaeda in Iraq continued to pose a significant threat. As a part of OND, U.S. forces provided assistance to the Iraqi government in identifying and dismantling these groups and securing the country against further attacks.
3. Facilitating the Drawdown: As the mission shifted from combat operations to advisory and assistance roles, the United States began to withdraw its military personnel and equipment from Iraq. Operation New Dawn involved the careful management of this process to ensure the safety of U.S. servicemembers and the protection of American assets, while also maintaining the necessary support for the ongoing mission.

Conclusion of Operation New Dawn:

On December 15, 2011, the U.S. military officially declared the end of Operation New Dawn, with the remaining troops leaving the country by the end of the month. This marked the conclusion of nearly nine years of U.S. military involvement in Iraq, which had begun with the 2003 invasion.

Legacy and Impact:

The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq in 2011 marked the end of a long and costly military engagement. Operation New Dawn attempted to ensure a stable and secure environment for the Iraqi government and its people. However, the ongoing challenges faced by Iraq, including the rise of the Islamic State (ISIS) in subsequent years, have raised questions about the long-term success of OND and the broader U.S. engagement in the country. The legacy of Operation New Dawn and its impact on Iraq and the region remain subjects of debate, illustrating the complexities and uncertainties of modern military interventions.