Posted on 02/05/2003 3:54:49 PM PST by knighthawk
JERUSALEM: Ahead of a possible US-led attack on Iraq, the joint exercise between the United States and Israeli troops continued with US-made Patriot missiles being fired in southern Israel.
As part of the continued joint maneouvers, six missiles were fired by the US and Israeli Air Forces dubbed Juniper Cobra 2003.
Aimed at testing their effectiveness to intercept incoming missiles or rockets, the missiles hit the targets in southern Negev, Jerusalem Post reported quoting security sources, adding loud explosions were heard in the area.
The exercises are aimed at improving both countries' air defence systems and to examine possible scenarios in the event of an Iraqi missile attack on Israel.
Israeli army has already deployed a number of Patriot and Arrow missile batteries at different sites throughout the country fearing an Iraqi attack.
Israel conducted the test of its own 'Arrow' anti-missile defence system recently which is more effective in intercepting incoming missiles than US-made patriot which had remained largely ineffective during 1991 Gulf War when Iraq had fired a number of scud missiles at Israeli cities.
Meanwhile, Home Front Command stepped up preparations in anticipation of a US attack on Iraq and would soon begin distributing booklets to the public offering advice on precautions to take in the event Israel is attacked, an Israeli army official told military reporters.
He said special teams had been assigned throughout Israel and in the event of an Iraqi missile attack, special equipment would enable the Command to identify the type of missile, deal with it, and advise the population.
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