Coalition aircraft respond to Iraqi ground fire
UNITED STATES EUROPEAN COMMAND (28 Jul 99) -- Between
approximately 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Iraqi time today, Operation Northern Watch (ONW)
aircraft were shot at by Iraqi anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) fire. Responding in
self-defense, U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and F-16C Fighting Falcons dropped GBU-10
and GBU-12 laser-guided bombs on an AAA emplacement and a communication site. The two
different sites were both north of Mosul. Equipment at the communications site 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.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
