Strike launched against al-Qaida

US and Iraqi forces launched a major operation today to strike against al-Qaida in Iraq and other extremists, an American commander announced.

The location for the division and brigade-level operation, dubbed Phantom Phoenix, was not announced.

But extremists have been pushed out of their former stronghold in Anbar province west of Baghdad to the east and north, and appear to be concentrated in the province of Diyala to the north east of the capital.

The statement said: “Phantom Phoenix will synchronise lethal and non-lethal effects to exploit recent security gains and disrupt terrorist support zones and enemy command and control.”

Lieutenant General Ray Odierno, the No 2 commander in Iraq, said US and Iraqi forces would “continue to pursue al-Qaida and other extremists wherever they attempt to take sanctuary”.

Few details were given, but the “non-lethal” part of the operation will focus on providing basic services and improving local governance and economic life, the statement said.