Iraqis fire at ONW aircraft
UNITED STATES EUROPEAN COMMAND (9 Nov 99) -- Iraqi forces fired anti-aircraft-artillery (AAA) at Operation Northern Watch (ONW) aircraft today in the vicinity of Bashiqah, northeast of Mosul. Coalition aircraft responded by dropping ordinance on sites involved in the Iraqi integrated air defense system. The attack took place during routine flights. The purpose of these flights is to enforce the northern No-Fly zone. Coalition aircraft responded by dropping ordnance on sites involved in the Iraqi integrated air defense system. 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 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.
Updated 09 November 1999
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