Fallujah became a breeding ground for the growing insurgency in the fall of 2003, its streets consistently taking the lives of the Soldiers and Marines who ventured in.  Following the massacre of four contractors in March 2004, a major operation was ordered to quell this insurgent stronghold. This, however, did not go through due to the well laid defenses of the insurgent opposition.  Over the course of the following eight months, Fallujah turned into the safe haven, housing notable figures such as Abu-Musab al-Zarqawi and many of his commanders.  After the USMC's success in the Battle of An-Najaf against Al-Sadr's Mahdi Army in August 2004, notably due to select 1st Cavalry Division task forces, it was a natural result for the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force to specifically ask for 2-7 CAV in the assault into Fallujah in November 2004.