Iraqis fire at ONW aircraft
UNITED STATES EUROPEAN COMMAND (11 Jan 00) -- Iraqi forces fired upon Operation Northern Watch (ONW) aircraft again today. The Iraqi forces fired anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) at coalition aircraft from an area southwest of Mosul and an area near Bashiqah.
The Iraqi attacks occurred during routine ONW 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 (SAMs) and anti-aircraft artillery and by targeting them with radars. 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 at +90-322-316-3704.
Updated 11 January 2000
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