Battle of Umm Qasr

The Battle of Umm Qasr was the first military confrontation during the Iraq war. The deep-water port of Umm Qasr is the only one in the country and therefore was an important military target dar. The port was needed by the coalition forces for the progress of the invasion and supply their troops. The attack on the port city began on 21 March 2003. 15th. Marine Expeditionary Unit and the 3 Commando Brigade of the Royal Marines and the Polish Special Forces GROM spearheaded the attack on the waterfront. The coalition forces were offset by units of the Republican Guard who offered stronger resistance than was expected of the military leadership. After days of heavy fighting the battles in the old town of Umm Qasr could be relocated. The harbor was considered on March 25 as secured. The fighting in the urban area were still ongoing at some time. At the conquest of the city soldiers of the Polish special unit GROM under the command of Roman Polko were used.

When the fighting came on the Iraqi side about 30-40 soldiers killed, while the coalition forces casualties were 14 killed in action. 450 Iraqi soldiers became prisoners of war.