Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

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

June 15, 2003
Release Number: 03-06-56


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


OPERATION DESERT SCORPION BEGINS COMBINED COMBAT AND HUMANITARIAN ACTION

BAGHDAD, IRAQ (15 JUNE, 2003) - In order to isolate and defeat remaining pockets of resistance seeking to delay the transition to a peaceful and stable Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force 7 initiated Operation Desert Scorpion today.

This operation, which follows Operation Peninsula Strike, is designed to identify and defeat selected Ba'ath party loyalists, terrorist organizations and criminal elements while delivering humanitarian aid simultaneously.

Combat operations will be followed by synchronized stability and humanitarian operations designed to assist a transition to Iraqi self-rule. These include engineer and civil affairs initiatives to repair damaged infrastructure, support the growth of police forces and local government and improve the lives of Iraq's citizens.

The goal of Operation Desert Scorpion, in keeping with our ultimate mission, will be to help establish a permissive and secure environment and to facilitate a rapid transition to Iraqi self-sufficiency.

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