Iraqi Government Casualties in Basra

By Fester

The reports of heavy fighting in Basra had fragmented reports of heavy Iraqi government casualties and mentions of Badr aligned militia casualties, but few hard figures.  The New York Times' article on the planning or lack thereof for the offensive has an interesting nugget buried deep that could shed some light on the casualties taken by the 14th Division.

The United States helped the Iraqis ferry in supplies by C-130. The Iraqis, however, also began to fly in supplies and troops using their two C-130s. More than 500 Iraqi replacement soldiers were moved by air while an additional brigade was sent by ground. The Iraqis also flew Huey and Hip multimission helicopters. [emphasis mine]

This was the only time in the article that 'replacement' was used while reinforcements were mentioned multiple times.  I am speculating, but it looks like five hundred killed or severely wounded Iraqi government casualties were taken by the 14th Division and its associated units.  These levels are the same or higher levels than those taken by the US scratch division during the assault on Fallujah in November 2004. 

Comments

[BJ]

"Replacement" could also cover things like desertions, which as I recall was a bit of a problem for the government forces.

[Philadelphia Steve]

In terms of "Replacement Troops", the write spoke of replacing soldiers who were killed or wounded. That may not be all of the caus for losses. How about replacements for Iraqi soldiers who took off their uniforms and went over to the other side?

[I Love Zrii!]

Nice article!