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Operation Ivy Blizzard, occurred on December 17, 2003, during the 2003 invasion of Iraq was a...

Operation Ivy Blizzard, occurred on December 17, 2003, during the 2003 invasion of Iraq was a counterinsurgent sweep of the Iraqi town of Samarra (part of the Sunni Triangle). The operation involved elements of the U.S. 4th Infantry Division (the 'Ivy' Division) and began before dawn, lasting to about mid-morning. The raids during the operation resulted in many arrests of believed guerrilla fighters and suspected terrorists. The 4th Infantry Division and Task Force Ironhorse initiated Operation Ivy Blizzard, a joint operation with Iraqi security forces within Samarra at the request of local leadership, according to U.S. Central Command officials. The operation is a combined effort to target, isolate and eliminate former regime elements and other anti-Coalition cells that continue to try to destabilize Iraq and intimidate innocent Iraqi citizens who choose freedom over tyranny. Saddam Hussein’s capture is one of the most significant events in Iraq’s progress as the country continues to advance towards realizing its potential. However, there are still those who would deny Iraq this opportunity. Operation Ivy Blizzard will target those former regime elements that held power for