2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – More than 40 targets were hit, Jan. 10, after precision air strikes destroyed reported al-Qaida safehavens in Arab Jabour. Thirty-eight bombs were dropped within the first 10 minutes, with a total tonnage of 40,000 pounds.
The precision air strikes supported Operation Phantom Phoenix, the overarching operation that includes Operation Marne Thunderbolt.
A joint operation between the Air Force and Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, required extensive planning to prevent collateral damage and to prevent the use of any area for attacks into Baghdad and against coalition forces.
The Air Force provided two B-1 Bombers and four F-16 fighter jets, aiming at three large target areas. Each bomber passed over twice and the F-16s followed to complete the set. Coordination between the two services was essential in making the operation a success.
Operation Marne Thunderbolt is an ongoing operation aimed at flushing out remaining al-Qaida extremists operating in the southern Arab Jabour area, and to create conditions for improved security.
Soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, will join the Iraqi security forces and the members of the Concerned Local Citizens program to continue these offensive operations to keep pressure on the enemy.