U.S., Iraqi Forces Launch Massive Air Assault

[Michelle Read]

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/8059941/detail.html

Prayers for the civillians of Iraq and our troops.

 

[Jean]

Prayers for the men and women serving in our military!

From the article Michelle posted:

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Day one of what the military calls the biggest air assault since the Iraq invasion in 2003 has resulted in the capture of some enemy weapon caches.

The attack is being called "Operation Swarmer," one operation in the overall war which is called "Operation Iraqi Freedom." It is an attempt not just to go after the insurgents, but to go after those who are sparking sectarian violence and to try to demonstrate that Iraqi security forces are really in the field and working together with U.S. forces, CNN reported.

The United States said more than 1,500 Iraqi and coalition troops are taking part in the operation to clear out militants in Samarra, 60 miles north of Baghdad. They're using over 200 tactical vehicles and more than 50 aircraft.

"Operation Swarmer" began Thursday morning with soldiers from the Iraqi army's 1st Brigade, 4th Division; the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team; and the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade conducting a combined air and ground assault to isolate the objective area, military officials said.....(Continued)