The Hindu : No big air strike on Iraq: Pentagon

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Sep 07, 2002

Front Page

Front Page

No big air strike on Iraq: Pentagon

Washington Sept. 6. The Pentagon today denied a report that it carried out the biggest single air strike in four years in Iraq, saying that Thursday's attack on an air defence facility west of Baghdad was of "normal proportions".

The London-based Daily Telegraph said a dozen U.S. and British warplanes dropped precision bombs and that about 100 aircraft took part in the mission, which it said was the biggest single operation in Iraq in over four years.

"The number (of aircraft) is wrong. This idea that it's the largest strike in four years is wrong," said David Lapan, a Pentagon spokesman. Lt. Col. Lapan was unable to say how many planes took part in the strike but said it was "of normal proportions directed at a site that fired at U.S. aircraft".

Britain also confirmed the raid, but a Ministry of Defence spokesman said, "I'm afraid we are not giving out particular details on the size of the package."

Iraqi state newspapers quoted an unidentified Iraqi military spokesman as saying that enemy warplanes had attacked "civil and service installations" in the al-Rutbah area. "Our courageous anti-aircraft units confronted the jets and forced them to leave Iraqi skies," he said.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page

Stories in this Section

Hurriyat leaders to meet Jethmalani today

T.N. to attend Cauvery meet under protest

Krishna pursuing 'mission'

Dispute with Indian team resolved: ICC

No big air strike on Iraq: Pentagon

Manisha meets Thackeray

Bhupathi wins doubles title

Sheila Dikshit for snap poll?

Form notified for candidates

Child dies after getting polio drops