 The purpose was to draw the attention of Iraqi Republican Guard forces on the other side of the river, preventing them from attacking the 3rd ID's rear areas and fixing their positions so they could be destroyed by American air power.At the start of the assault, A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft and 105 mm howitzers from 2/319th AFAR bombarded the north bank of the Euphrates.Raining smoke and high explosive rounds.