Military

DATE=05/23/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-S/IRAQ (L ONLY)

NUMBER=2-290132

BYLINE=ALEX BELIDA

DATELINE=PENTAGON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-S-led coalition aircraft have struck and destroyed two air defense targets in Iraq's so-called southern no-fly zone. V-O-A Pentagon correspondent Alex Belida says the action came after coalition jets reported being fired on.

TEXT: The U-S Central Command says Iraqi forces have now tried three times in the past two weeks to destroy coalition aircraft patrolling the southern no-fly zone.

None of the aircraft have been hit. But a Pentagon spokesman says Iraqi anti-aircraft units are becoming more aggressive and describes the situation as anything but routine.

This official predicts the U-S-led coalition may soon step up its patrol activities.

In the latest incident, the Central Command says coalition aircraft responded to Iraqi fire by first striking a missile control center. Later they struck an anti-aircraft missile site. Both targets were hit with precision-guided munitions.

A Central Command statement says target battle damage assessment is still ongoing.

The strikes come amid increased speculation the United States might be planning a large-scale military invasion of Iraq to unseat President Saddam Hussein.

But the commander of U-S forces in the region says he has received no orders to draw up plans for any kind of attack. (Signed)

NEB/BEL/SAB