# Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri

> Iraqi military and politician (1942-2020)

**Wikidata**: [Q462061](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q462061)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Izzat_Ibrahim_al-Douri)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/izzat-ibrahim-al-douri

## Summary
Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri was a prominent Iraqi military leader and politician who served as a high-ranking official in the Ba'ath Party under Saddam Hussein. Born in 1942, he played key roles in the Iran–Iraq War, Gulf War, and the 2003 invasion of Iraq, later leading insurgent groups opposing U.S. forces. He remained a significant figure in Iraqi politics until his death in 2020.

## Biography
- **Born:** July 1, 1942  
- **Nationality:** Iraqi  
- **Known for:** Senior leadership in the Ba'ath Party, military command during the Iran–Iraq War and Gulf War, and post-2003 insurgency leadership  
- **Employer(s):** Government of Iraq, Ba'ath Party  
- **Field(s):** Military, politics  

## Contributions
- **Iran–Iraq War (1980–1988):** Served as a top military commander and member of the Revolutionary Command Council.  
- **Gulf War (1990–1991):** Played a role in Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait and subsequent conflict with the U.S.-led coalition.  
- **2003 Invasion of Iraq:** Opposed the U.S.-led invasion and later led Sunni insurgent groups, including the Naqshbandi Army.  
- **Iraqi Insurgency:** Coordinated resistance efforts against coalition forces and the Iraqi government post-2003.  

## FAQs
**What were Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri’s key military roles?**  
He served as a senior military commander during the Iran–Iraq War and Gulf War, and later led insurgent groups like the Naqshbandi Army after the 2003 invasion.  

**Which conflicts was al-Douri involved in?**  
He participated in the Iran–Iraq War (1980–1988), Gulf War (1990–1991), 2003 invasion of Iraq, and the subsequent Iraqi insurgency.  

**What political positions did he hold?**  
Al-Douri was a high-ranking member of the Ba'ath Party, deputy leader under Saddam Hussein, and a member of the Revolutionary Command Council.  

**Why was he significant after 2003?**  
He became a key figure in the Sunni insurgency against U.S. and Iraqi government forces, evading capture for over a decade.  

## Why They Matter
Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri shaped modern Iraqi military and political history through his leadership in the Ba'ath regime and his prolonged insurgency against foreign intervention. His strategies influenced regional conflicts, and his survival post-2003 symbolized resistance against Western forces. Without his leadership, the trajectory of the Iraq War and subsequent Sunni insurgencies might have differed significantly.

## Notable For
- **Ba'ath Party Leadership:** Deputy to Saddam Hussein and member of the Revolutionary Command Council.  
- **Insurgency Leadership:** Founded and led the Naqshbandi Army and Sunni insurgent coalitions post-2003.  
- **Longevity:** Evaded capture for 17 years after the 2003 invasion, maintaining influence in Iraqi politics.  
- **Key Conflicts:** Iran–Iraq War, Gulf War, 2003 invasion, and Iraqi Civil War (2014–2017).  

## Body

### Early Life and Political Rise  
Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri was born on July 1, 1942, in Iraq. He joined the Ba'ath Party early in his career, rising through its ranks to become a trusted ally of Saddam Hussein. By the 1980s, he held senior military and political positions, including membership in the Revolutionary Command Council, Iraq’s de facto ruling body.

### Military Career  
- **Iran–Iraq War (1980–1988):** Al-Douri served as a top military commander, overseeing operations against Iranian forces.  
- **Gulf War (1990–1991):** He supported Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait and subsequent resistance against the U.S.-led coalition.  
- **Post-2003 Insurgency:** After the U.S.-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein, al-Douri organized Sunni insurgent groups, including the Naqshbandi Army, to oppose coalition forces and the new Iraqi government.  

### Political Influence  
As deputy leader of the Ba'ath Party, al-Douri played a central role in maintaining Saddam Hussein’s regime. His political authority extended to decision-making in military strategy, domestic policy, and foreign relations, particularly during the Iran–Iraq War and Gulf War.

### Legacy and Death  
Al-Douri evaded capture for 17 years after the 2003 invasion, during which he coordinated insurgent activities and released audio messages criticizing the Iraqi government. He died on October 26, 2020, though the circumstances of his death remain unclear. His legacy is marked by his enduring impact on Iraqi politics, military strategy, and the Sunni insurgency movement.

## References

1. [THREATS AND RESPONSES: DIPLOMACY; U.S. NAMES IRAQIS WHO WOULD FACE WAR CRIMES TRIAL. 2003](https://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/16/world/threats-and-responses-diplomacy-us-names-iraqis-who-would-face-war-crimes-trial.html)
2. [ظل صدام حسين يرحل.. وفاة عزة الدوري. AlArabiya.net. 2020](https://www.alarabiya.net/ar/arab-and-world/iraq/2020/10/26/%D8%B8%D9%84-%D8%B5%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%AD%D8%B3%D9%8A%D9%86-%D9%8A%D8%B1%D8%AD%D9%84-%D9%88%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%A9-%D8%B9%D8%B2%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013