Diwaniyah
Diwaniya is a city in Iraq, capital of the province of Cadisia. In 2002, its population was estimated at around 440,000 inhabitants. The city is located within the area of Mesopotamia, close to the Euphrates River, being considered one of the most fertile areas of Iraq. The city is located in the most important corridor of the country, which connects Baghdad and Basra.
Diwaniya is in an area where semi-desert areas are mixed with wetlands and large tracts of agricultural crops. The area is prized for its bird biodiversity.
2003 War
In 2003, as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the city of Diwaniyah was occupied by a coalition of Spanish and Spanish-American troops, called the Plus Ultra Brigade. On August 28 of the same year, the American troops that remained in the city took over. Thus, Base España, headquarters of the brigade, was founded. Commander Palacios Gragera served as mayor of Diwaniya, until the end of 1. er relief, when he was replaced by an Iraqi. The presence of the Spanish troops lasted until April 27, 2004, when they were withdrawn by the socialist government of Zapatero.
After the Spanish withdrawal, the city was controlled by the insurgency and by those loyal to Muktada al-Sader. It was the scene of Operation Black Eagle carried out by American and Polish troops in April 2007.
