Surging Success
17th August 2007
New Offensive
US forces in Iraq have launched a new offensive against both Shia and Sunni insurgents, the US military has said.
Operation Phantom Strike was being staged throughout Iraq, specifically targeting al-Qaeda-linked militants and also Iranian-backed groups, it said.
The new assault would build on the successes during recent offensives in the capital Baghdad and suburbs, the US military said.
Offensive Suggestions
The US military has suggested the bombers are operating more ruthlessly in northern Iraq because they can no longer operate in Baghdad because of the success of the American "surge".
In reality, the number of car bombings in Baghdad in July was 5 per cent higher than last December and civilian casualties in explosions have increased by about the same percentage.
Independent Online | 16th August 2007
Bloody Outcomes
