Operation Murfreesboro was one of the closing engagements of the Battle of Ramadi during the Iraq War and resulted in a decisive victory for the United States Forces over the Islamic State of Iraq. It is widely credited with breaking the back of the insurgency in Anbar Province, resulting in the Anbar province favoring the new Iraqi government in Baghdad.
The operation resulted from changes in the political alliance of the Sofia district of northeast Ar Ramadi, which had previously fought against U.S. forces. Due to attacks on civilians in the area by fighters with Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI), a local sheikh allied with US forces in October 2006, and the US provided assistance establishing a local militia. That militia provided valuable assistance regarding enemy tactics and activities in the area.
Operation Murfreesboro began 20 February 2007, by setting up a full cordon around the Ma'Laab district, supported by armored vehicles, Apache helicopters, and long-range rockets (GMLRS). Able Company of the 9th Infantry provided security for 36 hours while a permanent concrete barrier was erected along "Easy Street", on the western border of the Ma'Laab district. These efforts resulted in heavy losses for the third platoon as they headed towards "Easy Street", clearing the houses along a street where an IED was believed to be hidden. The hidden IED detonated, resulting in several casualties, with subsequent difficulties evacuating wounded soldiers. This culminated in heroic actions by the Able company commander, who was awarded the Silver Star. In spite of these losses, the concrete barrier was completed in just 24 hours and the Ma'Laab district was largely pacified by mid-March, after the construction of multiple outposts in the neighborhood.
Sofia
In October 2006, the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment (1-9 IN) deployed to east Ramadi for the 2nd Brigade of the 2nd Infantry Division's second tour to Iraq. The "Manchus" were replacing the 506th Infantry Regiment (506 AR) from the 101st Airborne Division, and the 1st Armored Division (1 AD). Many soldiers of the new battalion had previously been in east Ramadi during a 2004-2005 deployment under the colors of the 503rd Infantry Regiment (1-503 IN), thus giving the Americans a slight advantage in that many of the battalion's non-commissioned officers were already familiar with the terrain.
During the summer of 2006, a local sheikh in the Sofia district of northeast Ar Ramadi began to grow weary of the attacks on civilians in the area carried out by foreign fighters sent by Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) and other terror groups. These attacks culminated in the murder of the sheikh's brother on 21 August. In October he sent word to the newly arrived 9th Infantry Regiment's leadership, saying that in exchange for US and Iraqi Army support, he would convert his local militia (most of whom had fought against the battalion during its previous deployment in 2004) into Iraqi police, and he would encourage other local leaders to do the same.
In mid-October 2006, al-Qaeda announced the creation of Islamic state of Iraq (ISI), replacing the Mujahideen Shura Council (MSC) and its al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI).
Under the arrangement, the Sofia militia agreed not to attack US forces or launch mortars at any American FOB, and 1-9's battalion commander agreed to help form a militia by supplying uniforms, vehicles, food, water, weapons, and training, as well as assist the sheikh with civil affairs in his area. To accomplish this, on 4 December 2007, Able and Baker companies from 1-9 were deployed to the Sofia area, along with several companies of the Iraqi Army, to assist the battalion's Charlie company, which had been operating in the area for the preceding month and a half. Despite the heavy American presence, fighting continued against Al Qaeda forces in the area, and the Sheikhs proved their worth by providing the Americans with information on the locations and movements of terrorists and Mujahideen in the area, leading to heavy losses being suffered by the Al Qaeda backed opposition forces. While living and operating with the local militia, the soldiers of the 9th Infantry were able to learn about their enemy's tactics and activities in the area. This knowledge would prove crucial during the upcoming operations.