Posted on 11/26/2002 11:27:23 AM PST by jgrubbs
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi forces fired on U.S. and British warplanes patrolling "no-fly" zones in northern and southern Iraq Tuesday, an Iraqi military spokesman said.
There was no immediate comment from Washington or London.
The incidents happened as U.N. arms inspectors prepared to begin their first searches in four years Wednesday for illicit nuclear, biological and chemical weapons.
The United States has said that Iraqi fire on its jets over the "no fly" zones may constitute a breach of this month's U.N. resolution 1441, under which Iraq must cooperate with the inspections or face the threat of war. Other members of the Security Council, including Britain, disagree with that view.
Flying from Turkey, a formation of planes flew 16 sorties starting at 10:50 a.m. over northern areas including Zakho and Arbil, the Iraqi spokesman said in a statement.
In the south, starting at 11:40 a.m., aircraft flew over several areas including al-Nasseriyeh and Samawa, he added. In both north and south, Iraqi air defense forces opened fire.
Iraq does not recognize the "no fly" zones set up after the 1991 Gulf War to protect Kurdish populations in the north and Shi'ite Muslims in the south. Incidents of firing on the U.S. and British jets patrolling the zones are frequent.
A national Nuclear guilt trip caused, and reinforced by our home grown Commies.
They've been at it since we won in1945
Sorry, I don't have time to read anymore what with working a regular job,
running my wifes website, and being in the process of buying a Thai restaurant.
I get most of my news and views from FR now.
I'm sure many on here will now give you their recomendations.
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