Coalition aircraft respond to Iraqi SAM launch
UNITED STATES EUROPEAN COMMAND (13 Aug 99) -- Between approximately 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Iraqi time today, Iraqi forces launched surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) and fired anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) at Operation Northern Watch (ONW) aircraft. Responding in self-defense, a U.S. Air Force F-16CJ fired a high-speed-anti-radar-missile (HARM) and F-15E Strike Eagles and F-16C Fighting Falcons dropped guided munitions. An AAA site south of Mosul and a communications site north of Mosul were struck. Equipment at the communications facility is used to relay information from radars that in-turn target coalition aircraft.
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.
For more information, please contact the Combined Task Force Combined Information Bureau, ctf.cib@incirlik.af.mil, or phone +90-322-316-3704.
Operation Northern Watch
Updated 16 August 1999
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