US launches "Operation Phantom Strike" in Iraq

The BBC is reporting that the US launched a major new offensive in Iraq today, brand- named Operation Phantom Strike:

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 move comes as Iraqi leaders are preparing for emergency talks called on Sunday by Prime Minister Nouri Maliki. Mr Maliki urged Iraq's main political factions to hold talks in an attempt to break the country's political crisis.

In recent weeks almost all Sunni members of the cabinet have quit. Others are boycotting meetings, leaving at least 17 cabinet seats empty. [BBC]

Does anyone have a link to the official statement mentioned in the article?

 

Comments

[togolosh]

No link, but an observation. I talked to a close friend of mine yesterday (a reporter) who just did a long interview with Petreus focusing on civilian casualties and the nature of counter-insurgency. He was very impressed with Petraus as a thinker and found him to be well attuned to the importance of minimizing casualties and undermining the ability to the enemy to recruit. Quite heartening.

[cope]

From the DoD website, I managed to find a press release here:

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=47033

I don't know if it qualifies as an official statement or not.

[Cell]

Here are some quotes from the press conference.