Coalition aircraft respond to Iraqi ground fire
UNITED STATES EUROPEAN COMMAND (23 Aug 99) -- On three separate occasions, from three different locations, Iraqi forces fired anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) at Operation Northern Watch (ONW) aircraft. These attacks took place during routine flights, the purpose of which is to enforce the northern no-fly zone. Coalition aircraft responded in self-defense. They dropped precision-guided-munitions on a military radar site south of Saddam Dam, 35 miles west of Ba'ashiqah town. Equipment at this 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 23 August 1999
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
