What was the purpose of operation Starlight in Vietnam?

Operation Starlight aimed to deny the Viet Cong their sanctuaries along the coast, specifically targeting areas where they could regroup and reinforce their operations. This operation marked a significant shift in military strategy for U.S. forces in Vietnam, focusing on aggressive engagements to disrupt enemy operations rather than simply relying on defensive measures.

By conducting this operation, the U.S. aimed to weaken the Viet Cong's logistical and operational capabilities, thus preventing them from launching further attacks against American and South Vietnamese forces. This strategy was part of a broader effort to establish security in the region and improve the effectiveness of U.S. combat operations.

The other options pertain to different objectives or missions that were not the focus of Operation Starlight, highlighting the specific aim of denying enemy operability rather than territorial capture, peacekeeping, or direct support to the South Vietnamese government in isolation.