U.S. Launches Major Offensive in Iraq

[unhappycamper]

U.S. Launches Major Offensive in Iraq
Associated Press | January 08, 2008

BAGHDAD - U.S. and Iraqi forces launched a major operation to strike against al-Qaida in Iraq and other extremists, the U.S. military said Tuesday, in an effort to build on a recent overall reduction of violence and push militants from their strongholds.

The division and brigade-level operation, dubbed Phantom Phoenix, will cover the entire country, the military said.

"Phantom Phoenix will synchronize lethal and non-lethal effects to exploit recent security gains and disrupt terrorist support zones and enemy command and control," the military said in a statement.

Violence across Iraq has fallen dramatically in recent months, an improvement attributed to a combination of 30,000 extra troops sent into the Baghdad area; the work of U.S.-backed predominantly Sunni tribal groups who turned against al-Qaida in Iraq; and a cease-fire declared by radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr for his Mahdi Army militia.

"Al-Qaida in Iraq is attempting to regain strength and establish new support areas in northern Iraq," said Lt. Col. James Hutton, a spokesman for the U.S. military. "AQI has fled its former sanctuaries and remains a dangerous foe."


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,159572,00.html

[sakabatou]

1. Funny

I get a sense of deja-vu.

[ClintonTyree]

2. Gee....

you mean they're worried that when the soldiers from Bush's manly "surge" have to leave Iraq that violence will increase? :wow:

Who could have seen THAT coming? :eyes: