Coalition aircraft respond to Iraqi ground fire
UNITED STATES EUROPEAN COMMAND (15 Aug 99) -- Between approximately 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Iraqi time today, Iraqi forces fired anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) at Operation Northern Watch (ONW) aircraft. Responding in self-defense, U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided munitions. A radar site south of Saddam Dam was struck. Equipment at the radar facility is used to gather information and 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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