Warplanes attack Iraqi targets

British and US warplanes came under anti-aircraft artillery fire in Iraq’s southern no-fly zone on Sunday and responded by attacking four targets, military officials claimed today.

Iraq claims six people have been killed in the attacks.

Central Command said three communications facilities were attacked near the city of Al Kut, and an air defence facility was hit near Basra.

Those areas and others in southern Iraq are frequently targeted by US and British planes because they are important links in Iraq’s air defence network.

Central Command said the attacks were ordered after Iraqi forces fired anti-aircraft artillery at US and British planes.