In November 2004, U.S. and Iraqi forces initiated a significant military operation in Fallujah, a city long known for its resistance against coalition forces in Iraq. Following months of increased insurgent activities, including attacks on local security forces and U.S. troops, the city became a focal point for anti-coalition militants. The decision to launch a siege was influenced by the need to establish control over the area and improve security in the broader Al Anbar Province. The operation was dubbed 'Operation Phantom Fury'. More than 10,000 U.S. Marines, soldiers, and sailors participated, alongside a smaller contingent of Iraqi troops. The initial stages of the siege included extensive air and artillery bombardments intended to weaken insurgent positions before ground forces moved in. As coalition troops advanced, they encountered fierce resistance resulting in heavy urban combat. Insurgents were entrenched in buildings and used various tactics, including booby traps and ambushes. The siege lasted several weeks, leading to significant casualties on both sides and the eventual capture of the city. Fallujah's siege marked a turning point in the Iraq War, demonstrating the ongoing struggle between U.S-led forces and insurgent groups. It also brought international attention to the complexities of urban warfare and the humanitarian impact on civilians caught in the conflict. The aftermath of the siege saw a deeper entrenchment of resistance movements, ultimately shaping the trajectory of the war.