Coalition aircraft respond to Iraqi radar
March 16, 1999
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, TURKEY -- Between approximately 11:45 p.m. and 12:15 p.m. Iraqi time
today, Operation Northern Watch (ONW) aircraft detected Iraqi
radar posing a threat to coalition aircraft. Responding in self-defense, U.S. Air Force
F-15E Strike Eagles dropped GBU-12 laser guided bombs on several anti-aircraft artillery
sites northwest of Mosul. All coalition aircraft departed the area safely.
Coalition aircraft have been enforcing the Northern no-fly zone for 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 aircraft will respond in self-defense to these threats while
continuing to enforce the no-fly zone.
Coalition forces assigned to ONW will continue to enforce the northern no-fly zone.
The ONW Combined Task Force Public Affairs can be reached at +90-322316-3679.
Operation Northern Watch
Updated 16 March 1999 12:11 |
