[citation needed] In May 2003, the 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery, a part of the United States Army's 4th Infantry Division, along with the 534th Signal Company, established a Forward Operating Base just south of the town, called FOB Arrow.

On May 15, 2003, troops from the U.S. Army's 4th Infantry Division raided the town, arresting more than 260 suspected Ba'ath Party supporters.

On August 13, 2003, a U.S. Army soldier was killed near FOB Arrow when his vehicle hit an anti-tank mine.

[2][3][4] The 4th Battalion 42nd Field Artillery, along with 3rd Platoon 534th Signal Company, adopted Nasiba Primary School for Girls in the town and completed its refurbishment in November 2003.

On December 13, 2003, the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team conducted Operation Red Dawn and found Saddam Hussein hiding in a spider hole in front of a hut occupied by a man believed to be his former cook, Qais Namuk.