Iraqis continue to fire at ONW aircraft
UNITED STATES EUROPEAN COMMAND (3 Sep 99) --
Earlier today, Iraqi forces again fired anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) at Operation Northern Watch (ONW) aircraft. This action took place from a site seven nautical miles north of Mosul. ONW aircraft were also targeted by surface-to-air missile (SAM) radar.
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 munitions directly on the AAA site that was firing at them destroying some of the artillery. Precision guided munitions were also dropped on an aircraft warning installation south of the Saddam Dam. The latter is part of the Integrated-Air-Defense-System that is used against coalition aircraft. All action took place north of the 36th parallel. Damage to the Iraqi installations 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.
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