Coalition aircraft respond to Iraqi radar, AAA fire
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, TURKEY (8 June 1999) -- Between approximately 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Iraqi time today, Operation Northern Watch (ONW) aircraft were fired upon by anti-aircraft artillery (AAA), 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-12 precision-guided munitions on Iraqi military communication facilities east of Mosul. The facilities were used to pass location information on ONW aircraft to Iraqi AAA units.
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.
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