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U.S. military starts new Iraq offensive

The U.S. military launched a new offensive on Monday aimed at cracking down on Sunni and Shiite extremists, according to a statement.

The statement singled out Sunni insurgents linked to al-Qaida in Iraq and said the Shiite extremists were being backed by Iran. The military has stepped up its rhetoric recently against Tehran, which is accused of supplying militias with arms and training to attack U.S. forces. Iran denies the allegations.

Operation Phantom Strike would build on the success against those networks during recent offensives in Baghdad and surrounding areas, the military said.

It would consist of simultaneous operations throughout Iraq focused on pursuing "remaining AQI terrorists and Iranian-supported extremist elements," the statement said. It did not provide more specific details about where the operations would take place but said Iraqi security forces would participate.

"Coalition forces and Iraqi security forces continue to achieve successes and pursue security throughout many areas of Iraq," the U.S. second-in-command Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno said. "My intent is to continue to pressure AQI and other extremist elements throughout Iraq to reduce their capabilities."

Operation Phantom Strike is a joint Iraqi Security and Coalition Forces operation to eliminate remaining elements of AQI and other extremist groups, preventing them from causing further terrorism and inciting sectarian violence. Additionally, it will intensify pressure on extremist networks across the entire theater.