NATO HQ 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.