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Baghdad red glow { March 22 2003 } Original Source Link: (May no longer be active)    http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,919747,00.html http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,919747,00.html Tornado pilots: 'Baghdad was a red glow' Pool report by Stewart Payne Saturday March 22, 2003 The Guardian The British Tornado air crews who paved the way for the massive aerial bombardment of Baghdad returned safely to base in northern Kuwait late last night and spoke of the "awesome" sight of the city erupting in flames as they delivered their missiles and turned for home. "Baghdad was ablaze. There were explosions going off every few seconds," said Wing Commander Derek Watson, who led his squadron through enemy fire. "We had anti-aircraft fire to one side and multiple rocket launchers were used against us, putting up about eight to 10 missiles. We could see them but they were never a threat." His Tornado GR4 fighter-bombers fired ALARM (anti-radar) missiles to take out Baghdad's integrated air-defence systems to open the way for bombers to target Saddam Hussein's regime. "Hopefully we provided the protection we were contracted to do. We got our missiles off on time. We did the job. It was a remarkable sight to see them drop away from our aircraft and fire off towards their targets. I was full of admiration. They were brilliant. "We will have to wait for a damage analysis, but they were heading the right way when we turned to go. We set off with a full payload of ALARMS and we saw them all go." Baghdad was already under a huge missile attack when the Tornados arrived to target the radar systems. Once the RAF fast jets had done their job, much more was to follow. "When we got up we had to fly through a wall of coalition aircraft waiting to go in behind us. We found our way through. It was in some ways the most dangerous part. There was so much up there. I have never seen anything like it," said Wing Cdr Watson, 39. "Once we were over Iraq it thinned out and we had the place to ourselves for a while. When we approached Baghdad it was a red glow on the horizon. The missiles were already doing their work. But the Iraqis were still firing back. It is not over yet. I felt nervous when I set off but now I have been there, done it and seen it, I don't think I will feel the same next time. And there will be a next time. The job is not finished but I think it is only a matter of days." Wing Cdr Watson and his squadron were in the air for two and half hours. As his aircraft taxied to a halt he shook the hand of his navigator, Squadron Leader James Linter. Sq Ldr Linter said: "They talked about the attack on Baghdad being shocking and awesome, and that is what it was. I would not have wanted to be on the receiving end."

0322 01 [jpg] 1500 bombs 50 dead basra { March 22 2003 } Baghdad blitzed { March 21 2003 } Baghdad red glow { March 22 2003 } Baghdad rocked Baghdad wakes up explosions { March 21 2003 } Bodies everywhere { March 22 2003 } Capt.1048276045.iraq_war_xjd102 [jpg] Capt.1048296883.iraq_war_nywd159 [jpg] Capt.1048297020.iraq_war_lon816 [jpg] Devastating shrieks Fire [jpg] Full blooded onslaught { March 22 2003 } Mushroom cloud smoke { March 21 2003 } Offensive launched mushroom { March 22 2003 } Strong blasts { March 22 2003 } Files Listed: 17

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