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Release A050911e

Operation Cyclone begins

Multi-National Force-Iraq

CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq -- Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces have launched a cordon and search operation against a known terrorist safe haven in the western Al Anbar province town of Rutbah.

Operation Zoba'a (Cyclone) began in the early morning hours with the objectives of rooting out Al Qaeda in Iraq terrorists operating within the area and disrupting terrorist support systems in and around the city.

For the past several months, terrorists within Rutbah have escalated their intimidation and murder campaign against the local populace and city government officials. The resulting effect was an increased ability to move freely within the area and a base for them to launch attacks against innocent civilians, Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces.

As with all coalition operations, strict measures are taken to prevent civilian casualties and unnecessary collateral damage to property.

More information will be released as it becomes available.

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For more information, please contact Capt. Kerr at KerrPB@gcemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil