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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

July 13, 2003
Release Number: 03-07-41


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


OPERATION IVY SERPENT

TIKRIT, Iraq- The 4th Infantry Division and Task Force Ironhorse has launched the fourth series of operations, yesterday, focused on neutralizing paramilitary, Ba'ath Party loyalists and other subversive elements within Iraq. Operation Ivy Serpent is a preemptive strike that aggressively focuses on non-compliant forces and former regime leaders who are planning attacks against coalition forces in an attempt to hinder coalition and Iraqi efforts in building a new Iraq. Much of the effort is concentrated in a region along Highway 1 between the cities of Bayji, Huwayiah and Samarra. Coalition forces will not deter from the objective until these hostiles are located and destroyed.

Intelligence reports gathered from a variety of sources indicate former regime leaders plan attacks against coalition targets during this time frame. Coalition members encourage the local Iraqi leadership to take the initiative and aid in the capture of subversive elements that attempt to hinder the rebuilding of Iraq.

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

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