Phantom Phoenix takes aim on al-Qaida in Iraq

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Phantom Phoenix takes aim on al-Qaida in Iraq
By Joseph Giordono, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Wednesday, January 9, 2008

The U.S. military in Iraq announced on Tuesday the launch of a countrywide series of operations to “pursue and neutralize remaining al-Qaida in Iraq and other extremist elements.”

The operation, called Phantom Phoenix, includes several division-level and brigade-level operations, officials said.

“Al-Qaida in Iraq is attempting to regain strength and establish new support areas in northern Iraq although this is a countrywide operation,” Lt. Col. James Hutton, the spokesman for Multi-National Corps – Iraq, said in an e-mail Tuesday to Stars and Stripes.

“AQI has fled its former sanctuaries and remains a dangerous foe.”

Officials did not describe rough numbers of troops involved or what specific operations were under way.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=51493