Operation Lion's Leap

Operation Lion's Leap was a joint US-Iraqi operation against the Mahdi Army in Diwaniyah, 180 kilometers south of Baghdad. The division-level operation was launched on November 17, 2007 by Iraqi Army and police forces, with a US brigade in support. At least 74 Mahdi Army militiamen were captured and at least two major weapons caches were discovered. Diwaniyah had been a hub of Mahdi Army activity for most of 2007. U.S. and Iraqi security forces had conducted numerous raids and operations against elements of the Mahdi Army and the Special Groups in the southern city. In April, U.S. and Iraqi forces launched Operation Black Eagle in the city. Dozens of Mahdi fighters were killed or captured in the operation. On October 31, ten Sadrists...