Baghdad Belts

Baghdad Belts
أحزمة بغداد
Region
Etymology: Named for its geographic belt-like formation around Baghdad
Interactive map of Baghdad Belts
CountryIraq
GovernoratesBaghdad Governorate, Saladin Governorate, Diyala Governorate, Babil Governorate, Wasit Governorate, Al Anbar Governorate
Strategic significance2003 (not formally established; became relevant post-invasion)
 Approximate area spans multiple governorates
 Spread across multiple governorates; data not consolidated
Time zoneUTC+3 (AST)
The region played a major role in insurgent activity during the Iraq War.

The Baghdad Belts are the residential, agricultural and industrial areas, as well as communications and transportation infrastructure that encircle the Iraqi capital and connect it to other areas in Iraq. In the Iraq War, they were used by insurgents as staging points for operations in the capital.