Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland’s film Warfare draws inspiration from a true story centered on the Battle of Ramadi in 2006. Known for his work on acclaimed projects like 28 Days Later and Ex Machina, Garland collaborated with former Navy SEAL Ray Mendoza, who also served as a stunt expert, to craft a narrative that is both visceral and emotionally powerful. Warfare offers an authentic portrayal of Mendoza’s own military experiences, reflecting a deep commitment to realism throughout the film.
Set against the backdrop of the final days of the Battle of Ramadi, the movie features actors such as Joseph Quinn, Cosmo Jarvis, Will Poulter, and Charles Melton, who vividly bring the harrowing events to the screen. While the film doesn’t encapsulate the entire battle’s scope, it has the potential to motivate audiences to delve deeper into the historical context surrounding these crucial events. Although Ray Mendoza’s personal journey is not extensively chronicled, the Battle of Ramadi was a significant conflict that resulted in over 1,000 casualties, making further exploration of this chapter in history particularly worthwhile.
The History of the Battle of Ramadi
Eight Months for Control of a Major City
The Iraq War ignited in 2003 following the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, which subsequently led to a surge of insurgency against the presence of U.S. coalition forces. This military operation was part of the Bush administration’s broader war on terror, initiated after the September 11 attacks in 2001. The rationales behind this conflict, particularly regarding alleged weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and Saddam’s purported associations with al-Qaeda, remain hotly contested and have spurred extensive criticism of the administration.
It’s crucial to note that Waldana’s film recounts the Second Battle of Ramadi, which occurred following an earlier confrontation in 2004. As the Iraq War extended into its later years, coalition forces intensified their efforts against al-Qaeda throughout the nation. Consequently, Ramadi, the largest city in the Al Anbar Governorate, transformed into an insurgent stronghold following the Second Battle of Fallujah in November 2004. This eight-month battle resulted in desperate clashes over strategic areas, leading to over 1,000 insurgent deaths alongside significant, but unreported, civilian casualties.
Focusing on the experience of Alpha One, a Navy SEAL platoon, Warfare particularly highlights their mission to rescue sniper Elliot Miller (portrayed by Cosmo Jarvis), who survived despite suffering memory loss from explosive blasts. Ray Mendoza’s aim in creating the film was to reconstruct the memories lost by his fellow serviceman. However, the film merely depicts a fraction of the 5,500 American troops believed to have been engaged during this lengthy siege.
The Conclusion of the Battle of Ramadi
U.S. Clears Al-Qaeda from the City
Image via A24
After nearly a year of fighting and territorial advancements, U.S. coalition forces largely expelled al-Qaeda from Ramadi. The final days of battle, particularly from November 13-15, 2006, were marked by intense combat, leading to accusations against coalition forces regarding excessive civilian casualties. By mid-November 2006, U.S. reports indicated approximately 750 confirmed insurgent deaths, with claims of 70% control of the city.
The insurgents’ actions during the Second Battle of Ramadi were pivotal, leading to the emergence of the Anbar Awakening, which galvanized local tribal coalitions to combat al-Qaeda influence in the region. By October 2006, a majority of tribes had rallied under this initiative, resulting in significantly reduced violence rates by December.
Although the presence of al-Qaeda was substantially diminished by the end of 2006, the conflict raged on. Following the withdrawal of significant forces, December saw the initiation of Operation Squeeze Play, which resulted in more street fighting, the death of 44 insurgents, and the capture of many others. To foster stability in Ramadi, U.S. forces aimed to expand and train the local police force. Ultimately, it wasn’t until 2008 that al-Qaeda’s stronghold in the Anbar province was effectively dismantled.
The Significance of the Battle of Ramadi in the Iraq War
Ramadi: A Keystone of the Anbar Province
Image via A24
Iraq comprises 18 provinces, with Al-Anbar being the largest by area. However, its population density is much lower compared to other regions. Gaining control of Ramadi, the strategic capital of Anbar during this period, was critical for coalition forces. The significance of this battle was underscored by the suicide bombing in January 2006, attributed to al-Qaeda, which targeted a local police recruitment event, resulting in the deaths of 56 recruits and the assassination of local tribal leaders.
Several noteworthy aspects of the Battle of Ramadi include:
– The first Navy SEAL casualty in Iraq was Marc Alan Lee, who died on August 2, 2006, during the battle.
– Navy SEAL Michael A. Monsoor was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery in sacrificing himself to protect his comrades by shielded them from a grenade explosion.
– This battle was marked by the insurgents’ introduction of chlorine bombs, showcasing evolving warfare tactics.
Post-Battle Ramifications
The War Extended for Five Additional Years
Image via A24
The Iraq War persisted for nearly five more years after the Battle of Ramadi ended, culminating in the Obama administration’s withdrawal of combat troops in 2011. The execution of Saddam Hussein occurred shortly after the events depicted in Warfare in December 2006, as much of the conflict shifted focus toward Baghdad. This period was notably significant and marked by the implementation of benchmarks related to governance, such as oil revenue-sharing laws and provincial elections.
Ray Mendoza’s Warfare stands as a representation of the vast array of narratives encapsulating the violence of the Iraq War. Its transparent depiction serves to underscore the profound and often grotesque realities faced by those engaged. While some dramatization may be present for cinematic effect, the film reflects Mendoza’s firsthand experiences, making it a prominent narrative in the vast tapestry of war stories.