Operation Phantom Strike
| date | August 15, 2007 to January 10, 2008 |
|---|---|
| place | Iraq |
| output | Terrorist controlled territory has been brought under the control of coalition forces |
| consequences | The Operation Phantom Phoenix joined directly to that mission. |
| Parties to the conflict | |
|---|---|
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| Commander | |
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unknown |
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| Troop strength | |
| 16,000+ | unknown |
| losses | |
|
11 fallen (US) |
42 fighters killed |
Operation Phantom Strike was a major coalition forces offensive in Iraq that began on August 15, 2007. The aim was to destroy the al-Qaida network and other Shiite extremist groups in Iraq. The offensive was divided into several diverse sub-operations across Iraq, lasted until January 2008 and then continued with Operation Phantom Phoenix .
background
In the summer of 2007, the Iraqi military carried out two major offensives, Operation Law and Order and Operation Phantom Thunder . These operations in the outskirts of Baghdad weakened the insurgents considerably. In the course of the operations, large quantities of weapons were seized and the rebels' retreats were occupied. In addition, a number of key al-Qaeda and insurgent leaders were killed and the population freed from the threat posed by these groups.
The operation was announced by US President George W. Bush during a radio address on August 18, 2007:
"In recent months, American and Iraqi forces have struck powerful blows against al Qaeda terrorists and violent extremists in Anbar and other provinces. In recent days, our troops and Iraqi allies launched a new offensive called Phantom Strike. In this offensive, we are carrying out targeted operations against terrorists and extremists fleeing Baghdad and other key cities - to prevent them from returning or setting up new bases of operation. The terrorists remain dangerous and brutal, as we saw this week when they massacred more than 200 innocent Yezidis, a small religious minority in northwestern Iraq. Our hearts go out to the families of those killed, and our troops are going to go after the murderers behind this horrific attack. "
Units involved
Coalition forces
- 3rd Brigade Combat Team , 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, and 6-9 Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 1st Cavalry Division
- 3rd Brigade and 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division
- 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division
- 5-20th Infantry Regiment
Iraqi units
- Iraqi security forces
- 4th and 5th Divisions of the Iraqi Army
- Police Units of Diyala Province
The operation
Multinational Division - North
Operation Lightning Hammer I & II
Operation Lightning Hammer began on August 15, 2007 . About 16,000 Iraqi security forces and US soldiers took part in it. The aim was to conquer the Al-Qaida retreats in the area of the Diyala River and to protect the population from the insurgents and terrorists . The operation began with a massive nightly helicopter attack on key positions in the area.
According to an American general, the terrorists who had already been put on the defensive by Operation Arrowhead Ripper in June and July would be completely wiped out by the operation. This should make it clear that the insurgents in Iraq could no longer create a retreat in any region. Heavy equipment such as combat helicopters , tanks and air support should be used as part of the mission .
The operation began with heavy air and artillery strikes, which were intended to prevent the insurgents from moving and to eliminate several positions. Then began the advance of the ground troops and the removal of larger units by helicopter. As part of the operation, there were several smaller skirmishes in which some insurgents were killed and several arsenals were secured. As part of a support mission in the north of Bakuba , a large rebel camp with large stocks of weapons and ammunition was discovered by units of the Iraqi army.
The operation Lightning Hammer ended on 22 August 2007. During the operation 26 insurgents were killed, 37 were arrested. As a result, Operation Lighthammer II was carried out, in which another 16 insurgents were killed in September 2007.
Operation Iron Hammer & Operation Iron Reaper
After the leadership of the Multinational Division - North in October 2007 by the 25th US Infantery Division (Task Force Lightning) to the US 1st Armored Division had passed, which was Operation Iron Hammer started, the connection to Operation Lightning Hammer II should form . The focus of the operation was in an inaccessible region north of Kirkuk , which is known as the area of operations of al-Qaeda. In addition, larger elements of the rebels had withdrawn there after their defeat at Diyala . All US brigades that were subordinate to the MNF-N as well as all 4 Iraqi divisions in this area were included in the operations after a few days and the operation was thus extended to all of Northern Iraq. Over the course of two weeks, 79 weapons dumps were secured, including one of the largest booby-traps discovered to date.
On November 27, 2007, the operation was replaced by Operation Iron Reaper . This operation was also aimed at combating al-Qaeda structures in northern Iraq. Four of the five US brigades in northern Iraq took part in the operation, as did several divisions of the Iraqi army. The focus of the fighting was in Mosul and in the area of Diyala. In the course of the operation, a citizens' council was set up in Hawijah near Kirkuk.
Multinational Division - Center
Operation Marne Husky
Operation Marne Husky began on August 15, 2007, targeting insurgent units in the Tigris Valley, who had withdrawn there after defeats in previous operations on the outskirts of Baghdad. Several air strikes were carried out in the course of the operation as the region's many canals and rivers severely obstruct ground forces. In the course of the operation, 43 insurgents were killed and 80 captured. In addition, the first citizens' councils developed in the south of Baghdad during the offensive.
Operation Marne Torch II
In September 2007, Operation Marne Husky became Operation Marne Torch II . In this sub-operation, the coalition forces supported the establishment of the citizens' councils and their fight against al-Qaida fighters. Approx. 1,000 fighters were recruited from these citizens' councils. Together with the 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team of the 3rd Infantry Division , around 250 al-Qaida fighters were killed in several battles, including 6 high-ranking leaders. The operation was replaced by Operation Marne Anvil in mid-October .
Operation Marne Anvi
In contrast to the previous operations, this time the target was Shiite extremists from the militia of Muqtada al-Sadr . The fighting took place east of Baghdad.
Operation Marne Courageous
Operation Marne Courageous began on November 16, 2007 . This time the destination was al-Qaeda supply depots in the Euphrates river valley southeast of Baghdad. The operation began with a major air landing involving 450 soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division and 220 Iraqis. The target area was near the villages of Orwesat and al-Betra.
Operation Marne Roundup
The Marne Courageous sub-operation merged into Operation Marne Roundup on December 15, 2007 . In the area near Iskandariyah , a large al-Qaeda tunnel system was discovered and blown up on the first day of the operation. The system was apparently used to hide large quantities of weapons and fighters on the banks of the Euphrates. Iraqi volunteers discovered another arsenal on the same day and turned it over to coalition forces.
Result
In early 2008, the operation ended and merged into Operation Marne Thunderbolt , which was part of Operation Phantom Phoenix .