Coalition aircraft respond to Iraqi radar, AAA fire
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, TURKEY (3 June 1999) -- Between approximately 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Iraqi time today, Operation Northern Watch (ONW) aircraft were targeted by Iraqi radar and fired upon by Iraqi anti-aircraft artillery, posing a threat to coalition aircraft. Responding in self-defense, U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcons and F-15E Strike Eagles dropped GBU-10 and GBU-12 precision guided munitions on Iraqi military command and control facilities south 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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