The information and photos are breaking at a rapid clip. If you haven't seen the news, there are a series of joint Iraqi and Coalition operations, under the larger umbrella called Phantom Phoenix, that are underway to pursue and neutralize Al Qaeda in Iraq and other insurgent elements.Where? All reports seem to point to northern Iraq. Note this quote from an Agence France-Report report tonight... "The location of the operation was not identified, but US commanders say Al-Qaeda fighters have shifted to northern Iraq, especially Diyala and Nineveh provinces, after being chased out of Baghdad by a "surge" of American forces.
Here are just a few of the articles that describe the op that is going down:
U.S. Attack in Iraq Is No Surprise to Many Insurgents -- NY Times
Phantom Phoenix Takes Aim on Al Qaida in Iraq -- Stars and Stripes
US-Iraqi forces launch assault against Qaeda fighters -- AFP
US, Iraq Launch Anti-Extremist Operation -- Associated Press
The Multi-National Corps release looked like this:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RELEASE No. 20080108-03 January 8, 2008
Multi-National Corps – Iraq commences Phantom Phoenix
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO
BAGHDAD – Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno, commander of Multi-National Corps – Iraq, today announced the beginning of Operation Phantom Phoenix.
The operation is a series of joint Iraqi and Coalition division- and brigade-level operations to pursue and neutralize remaining al-Qaeda in Iraq and other extremist elements. Phantom Phoenix will synchronize lethal and non-lethal effects to exploit recent security gains and disrupt terrorist support zones and enemy command and control.
“Working closely with the Iraqi Security Forces, we will continue to pursue al-Qaeda and other extremists wherever they attempt to take sanctuary,” Odierno said. “Iraqi citizens continue to reject extremist elements. We are determined not to allow these brutal elements to have respite anywhere in Iraq.”
The Iraqi people have played and will continue to play an important role by standing up against terrorist elements.
“Iraqis are not passively allowing extremists to conduct their criminal activities,” Odierno said. “We are continuing to see citizens joining Concerned Local Citizen groups, provide tips for criminals and weapons and ammunition caches, and cooperate with the Government of Iraq. This is another step aimed at providing Iraqis long-term sustainable security.”
The non-lethal aspects of this operation are designed to improve delivery of essential services, economic development and local governance capacity.
--------------------------It is pretty clear...a division and brigade-level operation is underway with some of the forces targeting the Bread Basket, the nickname for the fertile northern Diyala River Valley.
For those units from the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment that are involved, we are praying continuously for you guys - stay strong and take it to them.
For Chris and others who are taking care of business elsewhere in the Baghdad area - stay with it and keep the pressure on. Your area of ops is no less important than any area...
I love you Chris and really enjoyed the call last night - thanks for making my night!
Be safe!
v/r,
- Collabman
p.s. Here is a map, courtesy of the LA Times, to help orient yourself to the area of ops along with one other photo taken during a Diyala raid:
A U.S. soldier adjusts his night-vision goggles while searching a home. 
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