In 2004, amidst the ongoing Operation Iraqi Freedom, a Shiite insurgency led by Muqtada Al-Sadr's loyalists erupted during the Ashura holiday. Trapped in Karbala City Hall, 40 Polish and 40 Bulgarian soldiers, armed with limited supplies, bravely fought off Iraqi rebels for three days, claiming over 80 rebel casualties on the first night, until reinforcements arrived.
Karbala
The 2004 Iraq insurgency was sparked by Muqtada Al-Sadr's followers, who fiercely resisted US-led forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
