Coalition aircraft respond to Iraqi radar threats
May 8, 1999
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, TURKEY -- Between approximately 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Iraqi time today, Operation Northern Watch (ONW) aircraft were targeted by Iraqi radar posing a threat to coalition aircraft. Responding in self-defense, U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and F-16C Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-12 laser-guided bombs on Iraqi anti-aircraft artillery sites northwest of Mosul.
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 Combined Task Force Combined Information Bureau can be reached at +90-322-316-3704.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
