• Military

• WMD Menu                           

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Coalition aircraft respond to Iraqi missiles

May 3, 1999

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, TURKEY -- Between approximately 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Iraqi time today, Operation Northern Watch (ONW) aircraft were targeted by Iraqi radar and fired upon by Iraqi surface-to-air missiles. Responding in self-defense, U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and F-16CJ Falcons fired AGM-88 and AGM-130 missiles at surface-to-air missile sites north of Mosul. In addition, F-16C Falcons dropped GBU-12 laser-guided bombs on one of the surface-to-air missile sites.

Two Iraqi surface-to-air missiles were launched against coalition aircraft from a site in an area of northeast Mosul. Coalition aircraft immediately responded with an AGM-88 high-speed anti-radiation missile (HARM) against the site.  Further attacks against that site were terminated when it was determined the site was located in a civilian town.   Coalition aircraft later detected radar from a second surface-to-air missile site and responded with an AGM-130 missile and GBU-12 laser guided bombs.  This second site was located in a remote area northeast of Mosul. 

Every precaution is taken by ONW to avoid civilian casualties. Coalition aircraft have a legal right to defend themselves against Iraqi fire and will continue to do so.   Casualties can only be ruled out if Saddam Hussein ceases to target and attack ONW aircraft.

The Iraqi placement of anti-aircraft guns and surface-to-air missile systems in civilian populated areas increases the probability of civilian casualties.

Damage to Iraqi forces is currently being assessed.  All coalition aircraft departed the area safely. Coalition aircraft have been enforcing the Northern No-fly Zone for more than 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.

The ONW Combined Task Force Public Affairs can be reached at +90-322316-3679.