The Battle of Karbala in August 2007 was a major clash between the Iraqi security forces and Shiite militiamen in the city of Karbala, Iraq. The battle took place during the height of the sectarian violence that followed the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. It was sparked by the decision of the Iraqi government to launch a crackdown on Shiite militias in the city, which had been accused of engaging in kidnappings, assassinations, and other violent acts. The militias, led by the Mahdi Army of the radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, resisted the government's efforts to disarm them, and the situation escalated into a full-blown battle that lasted for several days. The battle resulted in the deaths of more than 50 people and demonstrated the continued challenges faced by the Iraqi government in maintaining security and stability in the country.
