Coalition aircraft respond to Iraqi radar and ground fire
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, TURKEY (31 May 1999) -- Between approximately 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Iraqi time today, Operation Northern Watch (ONW) were targeted by Iraqi radar and fired upon by Iraqi anti-aircraft artillery. Responding in self-defense, a U.S. Air Force F-16CJ Fighting Falcons launched an AGM-88 high-speed anti-radiation missile (HARM) at an Iraqi radar site in the vicinity 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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