Further analysis of Saturday's incident involving a U.S.
aircraft over southern Iraq has not substantiated initial
indications of Iraqi radar activity.
On Saturday, an F-16CJ aircraft participating in Operation
Southern Watch, fired a High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM)
at a suspected mobile surface-to-air missile system after on
board instrumentation gave indications of radar activity.
Subsequent analysis did not support the initial indications of
radar activity.
There have been no further incidents since Saturday.
To ensure the safety of its pilots, Operation Southern Watch
rules of engagement permit pilots to attack any radar site which
is illuminating their aircraft in a threatening way. The F-16
pilot acted appropriately in accordance with these rules of
engagement.
Saturday's incident occurred at about 12:30 p.m. Riyadh time
(4:30 a.m. EST) in the vicinity of the 32nd parallel just
southeast of Kut Al Hayy, located within the no-fly zone imposed
on Iraq. An assessment of the battle damage is ongoing.
The aircraft, assigned to the 4404th (Provisional) Wing at
Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, returned to the base
without further incident.
