Before the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, the future Carabinieri headquarters was the Nasiriyah Chamber of Commerce, a three-story structure near the Euphrates River. The first U.S. forces to occupy the building were Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, who were later relieved by reservists from the 2nd Battalion 25th Marines. On July 19, 2003 the Marines in Nasiriyah were replaced by members of the Carabinieri and Italian army.