Battle of the Bridge

The Battle of the Bridge was one of the few Muslim military defeats during the early conquests, fought in 13 AH / 634 CE. Following the transfer of Khalid ibn al-Walid to Syria, the Muslims sent Abu Ubayd ibn Masud al-Thaqafi to command in Iraq. The Persians, emboldened by Khalid's departure, launched a major counter-offensive under Bahman Jadhuyih. The two armies met at the Euphrates River, and against the advice of his officers, Abu Ubayd ordered a bridge of boats to be constructed so the Muslims could cross to the Persian side of the river, ceding the strategic advantage. The Persians deployed war elephants which terrified the Muslim cavalry horses. Abu Ubayd himself seized a sword and attacked an elephant, but was trampled and killed. The bridge was partially destroyed, trapping many Muslims on the Persian side. Around 4,000 Muslims were killed, including Abu Ubayd and many commanders. The defeat halted the Muslim advance into Iraq for a time. Abu Bakr had already died by this point, and Umar ibn al-Khattab had to rebuild morale and reorganize the Iraq campaign.