Click the red numbers to find out more about major U.S. air bases in those countries. The data is current as of Feb. 18. It would be very difficult for the Iraqis to launch aircraft against airfields in other countries. U.S. intelligence monitors the no-fly zones constantly, making it difficult for any Iraqi aircraft to slip through without getting shot down. In addition, Iraq's air and ground forces have been severely depleted and morale is reportedly suffering after years of U.S.-led attacks.
Spare parts go wanting and there are reported fuel shortages.
That type of technique makes it harder for coalition aircraft to locate and strike back at the SAM site. That method is so inexact it virtually guarantees that coalition pilots won't be struck by Iraqi SAMs. But in recent days, Iraqis have begun using their target tracking radars to try to hit U.S. aircraft. While this method is more accurate, it also opens the Iraqis to U.S. counterattacks, since U.S. aircraft can readily target the ground-based radars and missiles launchers where radars have been activated. But even if Iraq does not succeed in shooting down a fighter, an aircraft malfunction could force a U.S. or British pilot to eject over Iraqi territory.