Iraqis fire at ONW aircraft
UNITED STATES EUROPEAN COMMAND (25 Aug 99) -- Earlier today, from a site northwest of Saddam Dam, Iraqi forces fired anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) at Operation Northern Watch (ONW) aircraft. This attack was followed by the Iraqis repeatedly targeting Coalition aircraft with surface-to-air missile guidance radar from different locations in the northern no-fly zone.
The Iraqi attacks took place during routine flights the purpose of which are to enforce the northern No-Fly zone. Coalition aircraft responded in self-defense. They dropped precision-guided-munitions on a military ammunition and fuels depot where air defense munitions and fuel supplies are stored. The depot is at an isolated desert location, ten nautical miles southwest of the city of Mosul. Damage to the Iraqi installation 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 firing at coalition aircraft with surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) 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 25 August 1999
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