Al-Forat River offensive (oct 12, 1920 – nov 20, 1920)

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The commander of the English forces in Iraq sent a telegram to General Kongham, who was busy cracking down the rebellion in the Diyala region, asking him to return to Baghdad on September 16[23]. On October 1st, General Kongham moved his forces from the city of Ur heading north. On the 6th of that month he arrived at Al-Khoder where he was able to occupy it after he countered a resistance from the rebels. The English forces, while moving towards the city of Samawah, burned the villages on both sides of Al-Forat River near the town of Al-Khoder[24]. On the 12th of the same month, the English forces arrived near Samawah. The next day they moved towards the city and faced a strong resistance from the rebels stationed around the city. After a fierce battle, the rebels withdrew from their fortified positions. On the 14th day the English troops entered the city and faced no Resistance, they broke the siege of the English forces, which was confined to the coast of Hassija near the city[25]. As on November 12, a battle took place between the English forces and the rebels of Bani Hajim clans at Sawir Bridge, which is also known as the Imam Abdullah Bridge, located 6 km north of the city of Samawah, in which 50 people were killed and more wounded. The number of British deaths is between 40 and 50[26]. Due to this battle, General Kongham summoned a person named Mr. Mohamed to negotiate with Bani Hejim tribes. After negotiations between the two sides, an agreement on the conditions of extradition was finally signed in the city of Samawah between the parties on November 20th with the Bani Hajim and Fakhoudha tribes. Al-Rumaitha town was handed over after the signing of this agreement between the two parties. It should also be noted that the British did not arrest any of the elders of Bani Hajim.

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