Coalition aircraft respond to Iraqi ground fire and targeting radar
UNITED STATES EUROPEAN COMMAND (17 Aug 99) -- Between approximately 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Iraqi time today, Iraqi forces fired anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) at Operation Northern Watch (ONW) aircraft and tracked them with a surface-to-air missile (SAM) targeting radar. Responding in self-defense, U.S. Air Force aircraft dropped precision guided munitions. A surface-to-air missile support site west of Mosul and the SAM site, targeting ONW aircraft, south of Mosul were struck.
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 18 August 1999
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