February 2001 airstrike in Iraq
| February 2001 airstrike in Iraq | |
|---|---|
| Part of Iraqi no-fly zones conflict | |
| Type | Missile attacks |
| Location | Taji radar site |
| Planned by | United States United Kingdom |
| Date | February 16, 2001 |
| Executed by | United States Air Force Royal Air Force |
| Casualties | 3 civilians killed 25 injured injured |
On February 16, 2001, U.S. President George W. Bush ordered air strikes on five military targets near the Iraqi capital of Baghdad. The strikes came in response to imminent Iraqi threats to aircraft patrolling the no-fly zones. Many countries, including U.S. allies, have condemned the airstrikes, which they have called illegal. The U.S. military said the bombing was essentially a self-defense operation. It was President Bush's first military action since taking office.