Operation Swarmer
Operation Swarmer | |||||||
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Part of the Post-invasion Iraq | |||||||
Operation Swarmer begins with the largest air assault operation since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
New Iraqi Army |
Other Iraqi insurgents | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
More than 50 aircraft, 200 Vehicles and 1,500 troops | Unknown | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
None | 48 Captured (17 were later released) |
Operation Swarmer was a joint
.According to the US military, it was the largest air assault in Iraq since the U.S. invasion in 2003. The area was a hotbed for
Other reports, however, have suggested that the lack of resistance may have been due to a lack of significant targets in the region. Time magazine's Brian Bennett reported that the area is a farming community with only 1,500 residents.[1] Time also contested early television news reports that the operation was the largest use of air power since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, indicating that no air strikes had occurred. Bennett points out that the military term air assault refers specifically to moving troops into an area. Reporter Christopher Allbritton further reports that no fixed-wing aircraft were involved in the operation. However, the lack of fixed-wing aircraft and the use of airstrikes does not mean that the mission was not, by definition, an air assault.[2]
See also
- 2003 invasion of Iraq.
- Sectarian violence in Iraq.
- Al Askari Mosque bombing.
References
- ^ a b Bennett, Brian (17 March 2006). "On Scene: How Operation Swarmer Fizzled". Time. Archived from the original on 21 March 2006. Retrieved 18 March 2006.
- ^ "Operation Overblown". Back to Iraq. 17 March 2006. Archived from the original on 19 March 2006. Retrieved 18 March 2006.
External links
- American Forces Press Service: Iraqi Security Forces, Coalition Launch "Operation Swarmer"
- BBC News article US launches major Iraq air attack
- U.S., Iraqis Launch 'Operation Swarmer'
- U.S., Iraqis launch raid on insurgent hotbed
- 'Operation Swarmer' Air Assault Launched in Iraq
- How US assault grabbed global attention
- Brian Bennett webpage
- Christopher Allbritton webpage