Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

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 surface-to-air attack support site west of the city of Mosul, located in the northern no-fly zone. 

^{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.