In response to Iraqi threats to coalition forces monitoring Iraqi compliance with United Nations Security Council resolutions, Operation Northern Watch aircraft used precision-guided weapons to target three surface-to-surface missile systems today from 5 to 6:30 p.m. EST. Coalition aircraft engaged the mobile missile launchers approximately 6 miles south of Mosul and then continued to enforce the no-fly zone in northern Iraq. All coalition aircraft departed the area safely. Target damage assessment is ongoing. The coalition carried out today's strike after Iraqi forces moved the mobile surface-to-surface missile systems above the 36th parallel-inside the northern no-fly zone-and in range to threaten coalition forces.
Targeting the northern front.
The last time Operation Northern Watch responded to Iraqi threats was Jan. 31, 2003 when coalition aircraft used precision-guided weapons in self-defense to strike Iraqi anti-aircraft-artillery approximately 10 miles east of Mosul.
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