Kimmitt said the operation was a show of force as the military steps up security against threats of attacks over the Christmas holiday by Baghdad 's 14 identified guerrilla cells .
Today 's barrage could have been a show of force as the military steps up security against threats of intensified attacks over the Christmas holiday by Baghdad 's 14 identified guerrilla cells .
The attorney representing al-Halabi , Air Force Maj. James Key III , denied the charges , according to The Associated Press .