Warplanes bomb Iraqi defences

Anglo-American warplanes bombed Iraqi defence systems in Iraq’s northern no-fly zone today after being fired upon during routine patrols, the US military said.

The planes used precision-guided weapons to target Iraqi air defence systems, said European Command. There was no further information on the targeted sites. The Iraqi forces fired anti-aircraft weapons at the planes.

The Iraqi military confirmed the strike.

US and British aircraft patrol the northern no-fly zone. The US warplanes usually fly fighter and bombing mission while the British fly reconnaissance missions.

None of the planes, based at Incirlik air base in southern Turkey, was hit.

Iraq considers patrols of the northern no-fly zone – and of another one in the south of Iraq – a violation of its sovereignty and frequently shoots at the patrols.

The hostilities have been going on for years but are being watched more closely since Washington has vowed to oust President Saddam Hussein.