NEWS RELEASE
Headquarters, United States Central Command
February 10, 1999
Release Number: 9902-03COALITION FORCES RESPOND TO IRAQI AAA FIRE
MACDILL AFB, FL – For the second time today, U.S. aircraft flying an Operation Southern Watch mission attacked Iraqi military targets, this time in response to Iraqi anti- aircraft artillery fire directed at coalition aircraft.
At approximately 11:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time, U.S. Air Force F-15Es and A-10 aircraft operating from bases in the Southwest Asia region, responded to the Iraqi provocation by dropping precision guided munitions. The targets included a radar site near As Shuaybah, approximately 15 miles south of Basrah and a radio relay site near Ar Rumaylah, approximately 30 miles west of Basrah. All aircraft have returned to their bases safely and battle damage assessment is ongoing.
Coalition air and naval forces are responsible for enforcing the no-fly zones over Iraq and UN-mandated maritime sanctions. At the same time, these forces continuously assess the level of threat posed by the Iraqi forces and take actions that are necessary to reduce these threats and to defend themselves.
Since Operation DESERT FOX, the Iraqi military has been increasing both the pace and severity of no-fly zone violations, and continued to enhance its military capabilities in Southern Iraq in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions.
There have been nearly 90 no-fly zone violations and more than 70 incidents involving Iraqi surface-to-air missiles, anti-aircraft artillery and target tracking radar illuminations against coalition aircraft. Coalition forces have responded by attacking more than 35 targets that threatened coalition forces and were in violation of the UN resolutions.
Despite repeated warnings, Iraqi actions and intentions pose serious threats to our coalition forces and friends in the region. Our actions today are an appropriate response to these threats and are in support of the UN mandates.
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