Coalition aircraft respond to Iraqi threatMarch 8, 1999
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, TURKEY -- Between approximately 12:35 p.m. and 1:35 p.m. Iraqi time, Operation Northern Watch coalition aircraft detected several active Iraqi radars posing a threat to coalition forces. Responding in self-defense, U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped GBU-12 laser-guided bombs on several Iraqi anti-aircraft artillery sites around Saddam Lake.
Coalition aircraft have been enforcing the Northern no-fly zone nearly eight years. Since
Dec. 28, 1998, Saddam Hussein has opted to challenge this enforcement by targeting coalition aircraft with radar, surface-to-air missile systems and anti-aircraft artillery. Operation Northern Watch coalition aircraft will respond in self defense to these threats while continuing to enforce the no-fly zone.
There is no reported injury or damage to coalition forces, and damage to Iraqi forces is currently under assessment.Coalition forces assigned to Operation Northern Watch (ONW) will continue to enforce the northern no-fly zone.
The ONW Combined Task Force Public Affairs can be reached at +90-322316-3679 or visit the ONW CTF website at Operation Northern Watch
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