UNITED STATES EUROPEAN COMMAND (28 Nov 99) -- Iraqi forces fired upon Operation Northern Watch (ONW) aircraft again today. The Iraqi forces fired anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) at coalition aircraft from sites near Bashiqah, and used target tracking radar from a site north of Mosul.
The attacks occurred during routine flights. The purpose of these flights is to enforce the northern No-Fly Zone. Coalition aircraft responded by dropping ordnance on the 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, anti-aircraft artillery and targeting them with radar. 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.
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