Coalition aircraft respond to Iraqi ground fire
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, TURKEY (23 May 1999) -- Between approximately 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Iraqi time today, Operation Northern Watch (ONW) aircraft were fired upon by Iraqi anti-aircraft artillery. Responding in self-defense, U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped GBU-12 laser-guided bombs on anti-aircraft artillery sites west 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 coalition 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.
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