Operation Ivy Cyclone focused on the Tikrit area and was designed to locate and detain or eliminate persons seeking to harm coalition forces or Iraqi civilians. This operation was launched by the 4th Infantry Division and Task Force Ironhorse which utilized a series of patrols, ambushes, searches and raids to deter enemy forces. At least 19 patrols conducted were joint operations with Iraqi police, Iraqi Civil Defense Corps, and the Border Guard.

The Navy reported on November 9, 2003 that F-16 fighter-bombers and Abrams tanks destroyed several farmhouses and buildings suspected of being used by non-compliant forces. During searches and patrols, Task Force Ironhorse soldiers confiscated weapons caches that included mortars and rocket propelled grenades. At least 16 people were detained by coalition forces.