Quote:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080108-03
January 8, 2008
Multi-National Corps – Iraq commences Phantom Phoenix
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO
BAGHDAD – Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno, commander of Multi-National Corps – Iraq, today announced the beginning of Operation Phantom Phoenix.
The operation is a series of joint Iraqi and Coalition division- and brigade-level operations to pursue and neutralize remaining al-Qaeda in Iraq and other extremist elements. Phantom Phoenix will synchronize lethal and non-lethal effects to exploit recent security gains and disrupt terrorist support zones and enemy command and control.
“Working closely with the Iraqi Security Forces, we will continue to pursue al-Qaeda and other extremists wherever they attempt to take sanctuary,” Odierno said. “Iraqi citizens continue to reject extremist elements. We are determined not to allow these brutal elements to have respite anywhere in Iraq.”
The Iraqi people have played and will continue to play an important role by standing up against terrorist elements.
“Iraqis are not passively allowing extremists to conduct their criminal activities,” Odierno said. “We are continuing to see citizens joining Concerned Local Citizen groups, provide tips for criminals and weapons and ammunition caches, and cooperate with the Government of Iraq. This is another step aimed at providing Iraqis long-term sustainable security.”
The non-lethal aspects of this operation are designed to improve delivery of essential services, economic development and local governance capacity.
