18 May 1999
0930



OPERATION ALLIED FORCE UPDATE


Despite some improvement, weather continued to affect NATO operations, both
early and late on Day 55 of Operation Allied Force. Nonetheless, NATO flew
566 sorties, of which 190 were strike sorties and 62 suppression of enemy
air defence (SEAD) sorties.


NATO aircraft successfully hit many ground targets in Kosovo.


· More than 20 artillery pieces
· Mortar positions
· Anti-aircraft artillery pieces
· Tanks
· Armoured vehicles
· Revetted military vehicles


Last night's action also helped further reduce various air threats.
Strikes destroyed three helicopters on the ground west of Pristina, along
with a MiG-29 and MiG-21 on the ground at Batajnica airfield. One SA-6
surface to air missile transporter/launcher was also struck, along with a
surface to air missile storage facility.


Other targets included:


Highway bridges at:
· Popovac
· Bare
· Durakovac


TV/FM transmitter at Kopaonik


All NATO aircraft returned safely. Allied Force operations are underway
on Day 56. Further details will be provided at NATO's military update at
1500.