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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080513-03
May 13, 2008

Operation Charge of Knights enters new phase in al Qurnah
Multi-National Corps - Iraq

BASRA, Iraq – Operation Sawlat al-Fursan, or Charge of the Knights, entered a new phase of operations in al Qurnah, May 13.
 
The operation, which began March 24 in Basra, continues the process of targeting criminal elements by the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Security Forces as strongholds previously dominated by criminal militias fall. 
 
The complex combined operation has integrated elements of the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Security Force with air and ground support of Coalition forces. 
 
Taking the lead in this combined planning effort, the IA has demonstrated operational as well as logistical planning expertise. The 70-kilometer move north to al Qurnah validates the Iraqi Army’s ability not only to maneuver tactically over long distances, but to sustain their operations over distances.
 
United Kingdom and U.S. Military Transition Teams remain embedded with their ISF counterparts to enable the application of Coalition assets.
 
One hundred thousand leaflets were dropped in the area encouraging the populace of al Qurnah to work together to ensure a successful future.
 
As operations continue, ISF and IA elements are providing humanitarian aid, medical service clinics and school supply distribution throughout Basra. In a recent medical clinic visit, more than 120 Iraqis received treatment and care.

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