Coalition aircraft respond to Iraqi missiles
Released: 3 May 1999
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey (AFPN) -- Coalition aircraft patrolling Iraq's northern no-fly zone returned fire on anti-aircraft sites between approximately 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Iraqi time May 3.
Operation Northern Watch aircraft were targeted by Iraqi radar and fired upon by Iraqi surface-to-air missiles. Responding in self-defense, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and F-16CJ Falcons fired AGM-88 and AGM-130 missiles at surface-to-air missile sites north of Mosul.
In addition, F-16C Falcons dropped GBU-12 laser-guided bombs on one of the surface-to-air missile sites.
Two Iraqi surface-to-air missiles were launched against coalition aircraft from a site located in a civilian town. Coalition aircraft did not target this site with bombs because of the potential for civilian casualties. Every precaution is taken by ONW to avoid civilian casualties. Coalition aircraft have a legal right to defend themselves against Iraqi fire and will continue to do so, say officials.
The Iraqi placement of anti-aircraft guns and surface-to-air missile systems in civilian-populated areas increases the probability of civilian casualties. 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, Saddam Hussein has opted to challenge this enforcement by targeting coalition aircraft with radar, surface-to-air missile systems and anti-aircraft artillery.
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