Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

ONW aircraft respond to targeting radar, AAA

Jun 14, 2001

UNITED STATES EUROPEAN COMMAND (June 14, 2001) -- Operation Northern Watch aircraft were targeted by Iraqi missile guidance radar systems from sites north of Mosul while conducting routine enforcement of the Northern No-Fly Zone. Iraqi gunners later attacked ONW aircraft with anti-aircraft artillery fire.

Coalition aircraft responded to the Iraqi attacks by dropping ordnance on elements of the Iraqi integrated air defense system.

All coalition aircraft departed the area safely.

Coalition aircraft have been enforcing the Northern No-Fly Zone for more than 10 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 radar. Operation Northern Watch aircraft respond in self-defense to these threats, while continuing to enforce the No-fly Zone.