Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Iraqi targets coalition aircraft

August 23, 2002

UNITED STATES EUROPEAN COMMAND -- Iraqi forces threatened Operation Northern Watch (ONW) coalition aircraft today. An Iraqi missile guidance radar system in an area near Irbil targeted coalition aircraft while they were conducting routine enforcement of the Northern No-Fly Zone.

Coalition aircraft responded to the Iraqi attacks by firing on the radar site. 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.

For more information, please contact Major Terry Bowman at the Combined Task Force Combined Information Bureau at +90-322-316-3704.