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NEWS RELEASE
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND
7115 South Boundary Boulevard
MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101
Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894

November 16, 2003
Release Number: 03-11-24


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


OPERATION IVY CYCLONE II

TIKRIT, Iraq - The 4th Infantry Division and Task Force Ironhorse has launched a series of combined arms operations to include air and ground strikes against identified targets, along with precision raids against non-compliant groups and individuals focused on neutralizing paramilitary, former regime loyalists, foreign fighters and other extremist and subversive elements within task force area of responsibility.

Operation Ivy Cyclone II will utilize actionable intelligence combined with overwhelming combat power and precision strikes intended to isolate and capture non-compliant forces and foreign insurgents who are planning attacks against coalition forces.

The ongoing operation is to be conducted with an appropriate mix of combined arms power using close air support, Army aviation, armor, artillery, mechanized infantry and air assault operations to rapidly deploy dismounted infantry to secure their objectives. Coalition forces will continue to deploy sizable resources in specific areas that have been identified as platforms for coordination and control of enemy operations.

Extremist and insurgents commit violent acts against innocent Iraqi and coalition soldiers in an effort to weaken the resolve and strong relationship these partners in democracy share. The coalition and the citizens of Iraq will not succumb to these criminal acts. The blunt and important objective of this operation is to locate and destroy hostile factions.

Intelligence reports gathered from a variety of sources indicate former regime leaders, criminals and other subversive groups are operating in the areas of Tikrit, Ba'quba, Kirkuk and Balad. This operation directly targets those operations. The intention is to permanently disrupt their capability to plan attacks against coalition targets. Coalition members encourage the local Iraqi leadership to take the initiative and aid in the capture of subversive elements who attempt to hinder the rebuilding of Iraq.

Ivy Cyclone II, like previous operations Peninsula Strike, Desert Scorpion, Sidewinder, and Ivy Serpent will sweep the task force's area of operations to root out elements attempting to undermine coalition efforts to restore stability in the region.

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