Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

ONW Aircraft fired upon and targeted by radar

Aug 17, 2001

UNITED STATES EUROPEAN COMMAND (August 17, 2001) -- Iraqi forces threatened Operation Northern Watch (ONW) coalition aircraft today by firing anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) from sites north of Mosul. Coalition aircraft were also targeted by Iraqi radar while conducting routine enforcement of the Northern No-Fly Zone.

Coalition aircraft responded in self defense to the Iraqi attacks by delivering 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.

Elements of the Iraqi integrated air defense system have engaged coalition aircraft monitoring the Northern No-fly Zone 72 times during Calendar Year 2001, and coalition aircraft have responded in self-defense nine times.