Jets attack Iraqi defence base

British and American planes have attacked an Iraqi defence facility in the west of the country.

Up to 100 jets were involved in the operation, which hit an air defense command and control facility at a military airfield 240 miles southwest of Baghdad.

The assault is believed to be the biggest raid launched against Iraq for four years. Most of the aircraft involved acted in a support role for 12 fighters, believed to be a combination of British Tornados and US F-16s.

US Central Command claimed that the strike responded to an Iraqi attack on allied aircraft patrolling the southern no-fly zone.

Iraqi state media immediately alleged the planes had hit a civillian target but reported no casualties. "Our courageous anti-aircraft units confronted the jets and forced them to leave Iraqi skies" said a spokesman.

The attack is the most recent in a string of bombing raids on Iraq. There have been 25 retaliatory strikes so far this year in the country's southern no-fly zone.