Al-Qaida members killed in operation

BAGHDAD, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- A recent series of quick strikes in Iraq has resulted in the deaths of more that two dozen suspected al-Qaida members, according to a top U.S. Army official.

Army Maj. Gen. James E. Simmons, the deputy commanding general for support for Multi-National Corps-Iraq, said in a conference call Monday coalition and Iraqi forces have killed 26 al-Qaida members, captured 37 suspected terrorist and seized 10 weapons caches during Operation Lightning Hammer.

The12-day operation by Multi-National Division North soldiers was an effort to target extremists attempting to re-establish sanctuaries in Iraq’s Diyala River Valley. Along with the security gains made by the operation, Lightning Hammer has enabled a $40 million flour mill construction in Baqubah.

“This operation, which involved 16,000 Iraqi and coalition forces clearing approximately 50 villages, was a key element in the Multi-National Corps-Iraq overall Operation Phantom Strike,” Simmons said in a statement.

Lightning Hammer is under the Operation Phantom Strike umbrella of quick-strike operations that began Aug. 15 and are part of the commander of Multi-National Force-Iraq, David Petraeus' troop offensive to secure Baghdad.

“Our idea here is to continue to pursue the al-Qaida and Shiite extremists that we have moved out of their safe havens and support zones while conducting Operation Phantom Thunder,” Simmons said. “It is the intent of (Army Lt. Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, commander of Multi-National Corps-Iraq) to continue this pursuit and to continue to disrupt their capability to mount significant operations.”