Haditha

Haditha is a city in western Iraq, located on the Euphrates River in Al Anbar Governorate. It serves as the administrative center of Haditha District and functions as a local hub for surrounding rural communities. The city has a population in the tens of thousands and supports agriculture, trade, and services for the wider region.

Nearby is the Haditha Dam on the Euphrates. Constructed in the late 20th century, the dam forms the Haditha Reservoir and provides hydroelectric power, irrigation for agriculture, and flood control along the river. The dam’s presence shapes the local economy and landscape, supporting farming activities and water management in the area.

Haditha’s modern history includes the 2005 Haditha killings during the Iraq War, when 24 Iraqi civilians were killed by U.S. Marines following a roadside bombing. The incident attracted international attention and led to investigations and prosecutions of some military personnel, influencing subsequent debates over civilian casualties and military conduct in the conflict.

Economy and environment: The area relies on agriculture, particularly date palms and cereals, and fishing, with irrigation water supplied in part by the Haditha Dam. The climate is arid desert, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Transportation connectivity comes from regional roads linking Haditha with other settlements in western Iraq.