By NNN-KUNA
Baghdad : More than 40 targets have been hit by US air strikes destroying alleged Al-Qaeda safe havens in Arab Jabour, south of Baghdad, the US military said.
In a statement here Thursday, it said that 38 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, the statement added.
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 deny the use of the area for attacks into Baghdad and against Coalition Forces, the statement noted.
Two B-1 Bombers and four F-16 fighter jets, directed bombs at three large target areas. Each bomber made two passes and the F-16s followed to complete the set.
Coordination between the Army and Air Force was essential in making the operation a success, the statement said.
Operation Marne Thunderbolt is an ongoing operation aimed at flushing out remaining al-Qaeda extremists operating in the southern Arab Jabour area, and to create conditions for improved security, the statement added.