Thunder is a different operation..its the roadblocks and checkpoints the public face. Lightening is a snatch and grab operation designed to roll up the leadership.... being done quite covertly.
Yeah, that's what I understand from reading Wretchard's early posting on it. At that time a few people questioned whether there are really two operations running simultaneously, or whether it is a translation ambiguity. Chester was one who questioned the interpretation, and I've not seen any follow up on the question.
Not sure it matters. Those involved know what's going on and those of us observing from afar don't really have a need to know.
Chester promised an analysis when more info was available, but there has been a dearth of open source information.