Background
Two major combined Coalition-Iraqi Security Force offensive operations launched in early-to-mid-2007, Operation Law and Order in Baghdad and Operation Phantom Thunder in the belts surrounding the capital, reduced the effectiveness of extremist groups throughout Iraq, denied insurgents safe havens, support zones and supply lines. A number of significant AQI and Shia extremist leaders were captured or killed, and large segments of the Iraqi population liberated from AQI intimidation.
The operation was announced by President of the United States George W. Bush on 18 August 2007 in his radio address. In his words,
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.
Read more about this topic: Operation Phantom Strike
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