Iraqi-led Basra operation moves into fourth phase

摘要

Operation 'Saulat al-Fursan' (Charge of the Knights) - the hastily mounted Iraqi-led security operation to reduce militia influence in Basra, launched on 25 March - entered its fourth phrase on 24 April, making significant inroads into militia areas. The operation began with the extension of the security force presence in the city during the first two weeks of the action, including cordoning off militia strongholds in Qarmat Ali, Qibla, Hayanniyah, Taminiyah, Khamsa Meel and Jumhuriya. On 12 April the second phase saw the four-brigade Basra Operational Command reinforced with two further Iraqi Army brigades plus up to 800 US Army and 150 UK embedded personnel. This strengthened force established permanently manned combat outposts in the aforementioned neighbourhoods during a week-long action.