Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080109-05
January 9, 2008

Operation Iron Harvest clears al-Qaeda from northern Iraq
Multi-National Division – North PAO

BAQUBA, Iraq – Multi-National Division – North Soldiers began Operation Iron Harvest to pursue al-Qaeda in Iraq and extremist elements from the region.

The operation, which looks to expand on the successes of Operation Iron Reaper, also focuses on disrupting funding sources and vehicle-borne improvised explosive device networks and denying enemy safe havens in northern Iraq.

“We are pressuring al-Qaeda wherever they go,” said Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, commanding general of Coalition Forces in the north. “Working together, Iraqi and Coalition Forces will rid the north of extremist violence and will pave the way for a secure and safe northern Iraq.”

Operation Iron Harvest is a part of Operation Phantom Phoenix, an overarching operation to defeat extremism throughout all of Iraq.  

Iron Harvest operations began with the 4th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division and the 5th Iraqi Army Division clearing the Diyala Province of enemy fighters to end insurgent attacks.  Operations are now being concentrated in Muqdadiyah. 

“The strength of the ISF and CF partnership ultimately provides a benefit for the Iraqi people to move forward,” said Brig. Gen. James Boozer, deputy commanding general for operations, Multi-national Division – North.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION – NORTH PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE AT:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it OR DSN 318-856-0218