16 May 1999
0930



OPERATION ALLIED FORCE UPDATE


On Day 53 of Operation Allied Force, NATO aircraft focused intense attacks
against Serb forces in south and southeastern Kosovo, particularly in the
areas of Junik, Prahovo, Boljevac, West Rogovo and Pristina.


Aircraft struck six tanks and armoured vehicles, artillery pieces, other
military vehicles, some in revetted positions, troop concentrations and
military storage and command and control facilities.


While the weather was generally good yesterday, declining weather late in
the day resulted in the cancellation of some sorties. Strikes knocked out
the electrical power transformers supplying the Smederevo iron and steel
plant and Bor copper smelter and refinery.


Other strategic targets included:


Military radio relay sites at Urosevac


Highway bridges at:
· Kosmaca
· Kursumilija


Border post at Knjazevac


Munitions storage site at Boljevac


Military storage area at Besinje


Army barracks and command post at Pristina


Petroleum storage sites at:
· Prahovo
· Batajnica
· Padinska
· Bor


All NATO aircraft returned safely. Allied Force operations are underway
on Day 54. Further details will be provided at NATO's morning update at 1030.